US20240074571A1

US20240074571A1 - Oral care devices

Info

Publication number: US20240074571A1
Application number: US18/242,448
Authority: US
Inventors: Kami Hoss
Original assignee: Smile Makers LLC
Current assignee: Smile Makers LLC
Priority date: 2022-09-06
Filing date: 2023-09-05
Publication date: 2024-03-07
Also published as: WO2024054447A3; US20240074570A1; WO2024054447A2

Abstract

Various oral care devices and bristle patterns for oral care devices are disclosure herein, including bristle patterns for toothbrush heads, finger toothbrushes, and tongue cleaning devices. A bristle pattern of brush head can include a first bristle region having a first bristle core and a first outer bristle layer disposed at least partially around the first bristle core; and a second bristle region disposed proximal the first bristle region, the second bristle region having a second bristle core and a second outer bristle layer disposed at least partially around the second bristle core. As viewed in a top plane, the first bristle region can have a first convex outer boundary, the second bristle region can have a second convex outer boundary, and the transition region can comprise an inflection between the first and second convex outer boundaries.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/411,026, filed Sep. 28, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/404,116, filed Sep. 6, 2022, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Field

The field relates to oral care devices, and, in particular, to bristle patterns for toothbrush heads, finger toothbrushes, and tongue cleaning devices.

Description of the Related Art

Although bristle toothbrushes and other oral care devices have been used by humans for centuries, tooth and gum disease remain a serious medical condition throughout the world. Many toothbrushes are ineffective at cleaning interdental spaces and small gaps and recesses within teeth. Various tongue cleaning devices in use today do not effectively clean the tongue of the user. Moreover, cleaning tooth for someone else can be inconvenient. Accordingly, there remains a continuing need for improved oral care devices.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a toothbrush head can include: a base having a width along a transverse direction of the toothbrush head and a length along a longitudinal direction of the toothbrush head that is non-parallel to the transverse direction, the base having a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion along the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of bristles extending from the base along a bristle direction of the toothbrush head that is non-parallel to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The plurality of bristles can be arranged in a bristle pattern comprising: a first bristle region having a first bristle core and a first outer bristle layer disposed at least partially around the first bristle core, the first bristle core having a first core contact surface as viewed in a cross-sectional side plane defined by the bristle direction and the longitudinal direction; a second bristle region disposed proximal the first bristle region, the second bristle region having a second bristle core and a second outer bristle layer disposed at least partially around the second bristle core, the second bristle core having a second core contact surface as viewed in the cross-sectional side plane; and a transition region between the first and second bristle regions. As viewed in a top plane defined by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, the first bristle region can have a first convex outer boundary, the second bristle region can have a second convex outer boundary, and the transition region can comprise an inflection between the first and second convex outer boundaries.
In some embodiments, the first core contact surface is non-concave and wherein the second core contact surface is non-concave. In some embodiments, respective brushing surfaces of the first and second outer bristle layers are substantially planar. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles comprises a first peak disposed in the first outer bristle layer proximate the distal portion of the base, a second peak disposed in the transition region, and a third peak disposed in the second outer bristle layer proximate the proximal portion of the base. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles has a first valley in the first outer bristle layer disposed between the first peak and the second peak, and a second valley in the second outer bristle layer disposed between the second peak and the third peak. In some embodiments, the first core contact surface comprises one or more bristles that are shorter than bristles at the first and second peaks but longer than bristles at the first valley in the bristle direction, and the second core contact surface comprises one or more bristles that are shorter than bristles at the second and third peaks but longer than bristles at the second valley in the bristle direction. In some embodiments, the first outer bristle layer has a first concave outer contact surface as viewed in the cross-sectional side plane, and the second outer bristle layer has a second concave outer contact surface as viewed in the cross-sectional side plane. In some embodiments, the first and second concave outer contact surfaces comprise continually-changing surface normals. In some embodiments, the first and second concave outer contact surfaces are angled inwardly towards the respective first and second bristle cores. In some embodiments, at least 75% of a total surface area of the first and second concave outer contact surfaces include surface normals non-parallel to the bristle direction. In some embodiments, at least 75% of a total surface area of the first and second concave outer contact surfaces is non-parallel to the top plane. In some embodiments, the first bristle core is substantially circular as viewed in the top plane, and the second bristle core is substantially circular as viewed in the top plane. In some embodiments, the first bristle region comprises a brushing surface comprising the first core contact surface and defined at least in part by distal ends of the plurality of bristles in the first outer bristle layer, the brushing surface having a first curvature at a distal end region and a second curvature at an inner region between the distal end region and the transition region, the second curvature greater than the first curvature. In some embodiments, the inner region comprises a valley between a first peak at the distal end region and a second peak at the transition region. In some embodiments, a first brushing angle between the brushing surface and the longitudinal direction at the distal end region is greater than a second brushing angle between the brushing surface and the longitudinal direction at the inner region. In some embodiments, the toothbrush head can include a first gap between the first bristle core and the first outer bristle layer, the first gap being greater than a maximum spacing between two adjacent bristles in the plurality of bristles. In some embodiments, the toothbrush head can include a second gap between the second bristle core and the second outer bristle layer, the second gap being greater than the maximum spacing between two adjacent bristles in the plurality of bristles. In some embodiments, the first and second gaps are devoid of bristles. In some embodiments, as viewed in a top plane, the first bristle region has a first concave inner boundary, and the second bristle region has a second concave inner boundary. In some embodiments, the first convex outer boundary is continuous with the second concave inner boundary, and wherein the second convex outer boundary is continuous with the first concave inner boundary. In some embodiments, the first bristle region has a first length along the longitudinal direction, and the second bristle region has a second length along the longitudinal direction, the first length greater than the second length. In some embodiments, the first length is in a range of 3 mm to 15 mm, and wherein the second length is in a range of 3 mm to 15 mm. In some embodiments, a width of at least one of the first bristle region and the second bristle region is in a range of 4 mm to 16 mm. In some embodiments, a width of at least one of the first and second bristle cores is in a range of 1 mm to 6 mm. In some embodiments, the bristle pattern comprises a brace-receiving recess extending along the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second core contact surfaces is substantially planar. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second core contact surfaces is convex. In some embodiments, the first convex outer boundary has a first curvature in the longitudinal direction and a second curvature in the transverse direct that is different from the first curvature. In some embodiments, a brushing surface of the first bristle region has a first curvature in the longitudinal direction and a second curvature in the transverse direct that is different from the first curvature.
In another embodiment, a toothbrush head can include: a base having a width along a transverse direction of the toothbrush head and a length along a longitudinal direction of the toothbrush head that is non-parallel to the transverse direction, the base having a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion along the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of bristles extending from the base along a bristle direction of the toothbrush head that is non-parallel to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The plurality of bristles can be arranged in a bristle pattern comprising: a first central occlusal surface cleaning region extending from the distal portion; a first annular section at least partially surrounding the first central occlusal surface cleaning region, the first annular section configured to overlap at least buccal and lingual surfaces of a first tooth in use; a second central occlusal surface cleaning region extending from the proximal portion; a second annular section at least partially surrounding the second central occlusal surface cleaning region, the second annular section configured to overlap at least buccal and lingual surfaces of a second tooth in use, the first tooth being distal the second tooth.
In some embodiments, the first annular section comprises a first outer bristle layer and the second annular section comprises a second outer bristle layer, the plurality of bristles comprising a first peak in the first outer bristle layer, a second peak in a transition region between the first and second outer bristle layers, and a third peak in the second outer bristle layer. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles comprises a first valley between the first and second peaks and a second valley between the second and third peaks. In some embodiments, the transition region comprises an inflection between the first and second bristle regions. In some embodiments, the first and second annular sections connect at the second peak. In some embodiments, the first central occlusal surface cleaning region comprises a first bristle core having a first non-concave core contact surface and the second central occlusal surface cleaning region comprises a second bristle core having a second non-concave core contact surface. In some embodiments, the toothbrush head can include a first gap between the first bristle core and the first outer bristle layer, the first gap being greater than a maximum spacing between two adjacent bristles in the plurality of bristles. In some embodiments, the toothbrush head can include a second gap between the second bristle core and the second outer bristle layer, the second gap being greater than the maximum spacing between two adjacent bristles in the plurality of bristles. In some embodiments, the first and second gaps are devoid of bristles. In some embodiments, as viewed in a top plane, the first annular section has a first convex outer boundary and a first concave inner boundary, and the second annular section has a second convex outer boundary and a second concave inner boundary. In some embodiments, the first convex outer boundary is continuous with the second concave inner boundary, and wherein the second convex outer boundary is continuous with the first concave inner boundary. In some embodiments, the first and second central occlusal surface cleaning regions are substantially planar.
In another embodiment, a toothbrush head can include: a base having a width along a transverse direction of the toothbrush head and a length along a longitudinal direction of the that is non-parallel to the transverse direction, the base having a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion along the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of bristles extending from the base along a bristle direction of the that is non-parallel to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The plurality of bristles can be arranged in a bristle pattern comprising: a first bristle region having a first bristle core and a first outer bristle layer disposed at least partially around the first bristle core, the first outer bristle layer shaped to clean at least convex side surfaces of at least a first tooth, the first bristle core shaped to clean at least occlusal surfaces of the first tooth; a second bristle region having a second bristle core and a second outer bristle layer disposed at least partially around the second bristle core, the second outer bristle layer shaped to clean at least convex side surfaces of at least a second tooth, the second bristle core shaped to clean at least occlusal surfaces of the second tooth; and a transition region between the first bristle region and a second bristle region. The plurality of bristles can have a first peak in the first bristle region proximate the distal portion of the base, a second peak in the transition region, and a third peak in the second bristle region proximate the proximal portion of the base.
In some embodiments, the transition region comprises an inflection between the first and second bristle regions.
In another embodiment, a toothbrush head can include: a base having a width along a transverse direction of the toothbrush head and a length along a longitudinal direction of the toothbrush head that is non-parallel to the transverse direction, the base having a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion along the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of bristles extending from the base along a bristle direction of the toothbrush head that is non-parallel to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The plurality of bristles can be arranged in a bristle pattern comprising: a first bristle region having an outer boundary and a first outer bristle layer extending inwardly from the outer boundary of the first bristle region toward a central portion of the first bristle region, the outer boundary of the first bristle region having a first distal peak, transverse valleys, and a second proximal peak to contact surfaces of a first tooth in use; and a second bristle region disposed proximal the first bristle region, the second bristle region having an outer boundary and a second outer bristle layer extending inward from the outer boundary of the second bristle region toward a central portion of the second bristle region, the outer boundary of the second bristle region configured to overlap at least buccal and lingual sides of a second tooth proximal the first tooth in use. The second proximal peak of the first outer bristle layer can be disposed at a transition region between the first bristle region and the second bristle region.
In some embodiments, the bristle pattern further comprises a first bristle core and a second bristle core, the first outer bristle layer at least partially surrounding the first bristle core and the second outer bristle layer at least partially surrounding the second bristle core.
In another embodiment, a toothbrush head can include: a base having a width along a transverse direction of the toothbrush head and a length along a longitudinal direction of the toothbrush head that is non-parallel to the transverse direction, the base having a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion along the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of bristles extending from the base along a bristle direction of the toothbrush head that is non-parallel to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, the plurality of bristles arranged in a bristle pattern comprising a bristle region having a bristle core and an outer bristle layer disposed at least partially around the bristle core. As viewed in a top plane defined by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, the bristle region can have an outer boundary having a first curvature in the longitudinal direction and a second curvature in the transverse direction different from the first curvature. Distal ends of the bristle region can at least partially define a brushing surface, the brushing surface having a third curvature in the longitudinal direction and a fourth curvature in the transverse direction different from the third curvature.
In some embodiments, the first and second curvatures comprise convex curvatures. In some embodiments, the third and fourth curvatures comprise concave curvatures.
In another embodiment, a method of producing a user-specific toothbrush head is disclosed. The method can include: receiving data about a structure of one or more teeth of the user; determining a bristle pattern for the one or more teeth of the user based at least in part on the received data about the structure; and producing a toothbrush head with the bristle pattern.
In some embodiments, receiving data about the structure of one or more teeth of the user comprises receiving or capturing an image of one or more teeth of the user. In some embodiments, receiving data about the structure of one or more teeth of the user comprises obtaining dimension information of one or more teeth of the user. In some embodiments, determining the bristle pattern comprises choosing a bristle pattern from a plurality of pre-determined bristle pattern designs. In some embodiments, the method can include producing replacement toothbrush heads with the bristle pattern. In some embodiments, the method can include obtaining update data about the one or more teeth of the user, and determining a new bristle pattern for the user based at least in part on the obtained update data about the user. In some embodiments, receiving data about the structure of one or more teeth of the user comprises receiving dimensions of a plurality of distal-most teeth of the user. In some embodiments, receiving data about the structure of one or more teeth of the user comprises receiving dimensions of two distal-most teeth of the user. In some embodiments, obtaining data about the structure of one or more teeth of the user comprises receiving dimensions of two molar teeth of the user. In some embodiments, producing the toothbrush head comprises producing the toothbrush head disclosed in any of the embodiments shown herein.
In another embodiment, a method of producing a user-specific toothbrush head is disclosed. The method can comprise producing a toothbrush head with a bristle pattern that is based at least in part on data about a structure of one or more teeth of the user.
In some embodiments, the method can include receiving the data about the structure of the one or more teeth, and determining the bristle pattern for the one or more teeth of the user based at least in part on the received data about the structure.
Another aspect of this disclose is a tongue cleaning device including a base and a plurality of bristles extending non-parallel from a first side of the base. The tongue cleaning device further include a cleaning blade extending non-parallel from a second side of the base opposite the first side.
A variation of the aspect above further comprises a plurality of bumps disposed on the second side.
A variation of the aspect above further comprises a handle, the base disposed at a distal end of the handle.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein at least one of the base and the cleaning blade comprises stainless steel.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the base comprises stainless steel.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the cleaning blade comprises a polymer material.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the plurality of bumps comprise stainless steel.
A variation of the aspect above further comprises a second tongue cleaning blade on the second side, the second tongue cleaning blade spaced apart from the first tongue cleaning blade.
Another aspect of this disclosure is a tongue cleaning device including a base formed of stainless steel. At least one tongue cleaning projection extends from the base. The tongue cleaning projection include at least one of a cleaning blade and a plurality of bumps.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the at least one tongue cleaning projection comprises the cleaning blade and the plurality of bumps.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the cleaning blade comprises a polymer material.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the plurality of bumps comprise stainless steel.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the cleaning blade and the plurality of bumps are disposed on a first side of the base and a plurality of bristles extend from a second side of the base opposite the first side.
Another aspect of this disclosure is a finger toothbrush including a finger sleeve sized and shaped to receive a finger of a user. The finger toothbrush includes a brush head base coupled to the finger sleeve, and a plurality of bristles extending non-parallel from the brush head base. The finger toothbrush further includes a bite block coupled with the finger sleeve or the brush head base.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the bite block comprises a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the finger sleeve.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the bite block is coupled to the brush head base.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the bite block is coupled to a side of the finger sleeve opposite the brush head base.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the bite block is disposed in a ring shape along a side of the finger sleeve.
A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the bite block is disposed at a distal portion of the finger sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters reference like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front top perspective view of a brush head according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a close-up illustration of the brush head in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a side illustration of the brush head of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a side view of the brush head of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is a bottom view of the brush head of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a top view of the brush head of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G is a front view of the brush head of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1H is a rear top perspective view of the brush head of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1I is a side illustration of the brush head of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1J is a close-up rear top perspective view of the brush head in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1K is a cross-sectional side illustration of the brush head of FIG. 1F, taken along line K-K.

FIG. 1L is a top view of the brush head of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1M is a side perspective view of the brush head of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1N is a top front perspective view of a brush head according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 1O is a side view of the brush head in FIG. 1N.

FIG. 1P is a top view of a brush head according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a top front perspective view of a brush head according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the brush head of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a front view of the brush head of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a top front perspective view of a brush head according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a top front perspective view of a brush head according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 3C is a front view of the brush head in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3D is a front view of a brush head according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a top front perspective view of a tongue scrapper according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a bottom front perspective view of the tongue scrapper of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a top rear perspective view of a tongue scrapper according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a top rear perspective view of a tongue scrapper according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a bottom front perspective view of the tongue scrapper of FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5D is a bottom front perspective view of the tongue scrapper of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a side illustration of a finger brush according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a side illustration of a finger brush according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 6C is a side illustration of a finger brush according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 6D is a side illustration of a finger brush according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Conventional toothbrushes are designed without regard to tooth geometry. Most toothbrushes cannot efficiently clean smaller and hard-to-reach areas, such as the surfaces in between teeth and occlusal surfaces, particularly for distal teeth such as molars. In addition, people's teeth and gums are of various sizes and shapes, and each person has teeth of different functions and forms. There remains a need for a toothbrush to better reach hard-to-reach areas, to fit all or most teeth of a user, and to be customizable for people with different teeth shapes and forms.
Various embodiments disclosed herein relates to bristle pattern design of a toothbrush head and methods to customize bristle pattern of a toothbrush for a user. More specifically, a bristle pattern can be configured to easily and efficiently reach hard-to-reach areas, including areas in between teeth, areas close to the gumline, occlusal surfaces, and etc. Moreover, the bristle pattern of a toothbrush can be customized based on the particular shape and size of a user's teeth and gum to more effective clean the specific user's teeth than a universal toothbrush can.

I. Bristle Pattern for Toothbrush Head

In various embodiments, a bristle pattern according to this disclosure can be implemented on a toothbrush head for a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. In some embodiments, the bristle pattern can be implemented on a complete toothbrush including the handle. In other embodiments, the bristle pattern can be implemented on replaceable toothbrush heads to enable easy and periodic replacements and wide compatibility with different kinds of toothbrushes.
Various embodiments of a bristle pattern according to this disclosure are shown in FIGS. 1A-3D. For example, a bristle pattern of a brush head 100 can include a first bristle region 102 shaped to conform to and clean a first tooth, a second bristle region 104 shaped to conform to and clean a second tooth, and a transition region 106 between the first and second bristle regions 102 and 104 (see FIG. 1A). Each bristle region can have a profile that is generally concave so that the bristles can conform to at least the buccal and/or lingual surfaces of teeth that have convex surfaces. Bristles on a distal and a proximal side (e.g., at distal and proximal portions 180 and 110 as shown in FIG. 1I) of each of the bristle regions can be longer than the bristles in the middle (e.g., the inner region 170 as shown in FIG. 1I) to form the concave profile of the bristle pattern. The longer bristles on the proximal side of the first bristle region and the distal side of the second bristle region can form a transition region comprising a ridge to effectively reach and clean spaces in between adjacent teeth when a user brushes the buccal, lingual, or occlusal surfaces of the teeth. The longer bristles on the distal side of the first bristle region and the proximal side of the second bristle region can similarly clean the spaces between adjacent teeth or any other hard-to-reach areas that can be reached separately.
In various embodiments, the left and right sides of each of the bristle regions can be configured to clean a gumline and/or interdental spaces of a user's mouth. Human's gumlines can be curved differently. When a user brushes buccal or lingual surfaces of one or more teeth, the sides of the bristle regions can be shaped to fit a gumline of the user's teeth, thereby better clean the areas of teeth close to the gumline and the space between gum and teeth. In some embodiments, to accommodate gumlines that usually curve towards the gum, sides of the bristle pattern can be shaped to curve outwards to its sides. An outline of the bristle pattern including the two bristle regions can substantially form an “S” shape, an “infinity” shape, or an “8” shape as shown in the figures.
As shown in FIGS. 1A-1P, a brush head 100 can include a base 108 having a width along a transverse direction y of the brush head 100 and a length along a longitudinal direction x of the brush head 100 that is non-parallel to the transverse direction y. The base 108 can have a proximal portion 110 and a distal portion 180 opposite the proximal portion 110 along the longitudinal direction x. A plurality of bristles can extend from the base 108 along a bristle direction z of the brush head 100 that is non-parallel to the longitudinal direction x and the transverse direction y. It should be appreciated that individual bristles are not illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1O, but rather in a bristle pattern that is illustrated as a continuum for ease of illustration. The skilled artisan will understand that the illustrated bristle pattern includes a plurality of bristles, e.g., greater than 100 bristles, greater than 500 bristles, greater than 1000 bristles, greater than 5000 bristles, or greater than 10,000 bristles (e.g., 15,000 bristles or more).
As illustrated in FIGS. 1I-1J, the plurality of bristles of the brush head 100 can be arranged in a bristle pattern comprising the first bristle region 102 including a first central occlusal surface cleaning region 120 extending from the distal portion 180 and a first annular section 122 at least partially surrounding the first central occlusal surface cleaning region 120. The first annular section 122 can be configured to overlap at least buccal and lingual surfaces of a first tooth in use. The first central occlusal surface cleaning region 120 can include a first bristle core 103, as shown in FIGS. 1A-D, 1F and 1H-1M. The first annular section 122 can comprise a first outer bristle layer 107 disposed at least partially around the first bristle core 103 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-D and 1F-1M. The first bristle core 103 can have a first contact surface (e.g., a first non-concave core contact surface 131) as viewed in a cross-sectional side plane defined by the bristle direction and the longitudinal direction (see, e.g., FIG. 1K).
As shown, the bristle pattern can include the second bristle region 104 disposed proximal the first bristle region 102. The second bristle region 104 can have a second central occlusal surface cleaning region 140 extending from the proximal portion 110 and a second annular section 124 at least partially surrounding the second central occlusal surface cleaning region 140 (FIGS. 1I-1J). The second annular section 124 can be configured to overlap at least buccal and lingual surfaces of a second tooth in use, with the first tooth being distal the second tooth. The second central occlusal surface cleaning region 140 can comprise a second bristle core 105. The second annular section 124 can comprise a second outer bristle layer 109 disposed at least partially around the second bristle core 105. As shown, the second bristle core 105 having a second contact surface 151 (e.g., a second non-concave core contact surface) as viewed in the cross-sectional side plane (see FIG. 1K).
Various embodiments disclosed herein are described in relation to surfaces defined by the bristles. For example, distal ends 181 of bristles of the first and second bristle cores 103 and 105 can at least partially define a brushing surface 150 including, e.g., respective first and second core contact surfaces. The brushing surface 150 can further be at least partially defined by distal ends 181 of bristles in the first and second outer bristle layers 107 and 109 that includes the first and second concave outer contact surfaces 171 and 191. It should be appreciated, however, that the description of such surfaces is an approximation of the geometry set forth by the distal ends 181 of the bristles and that, in various arrangements, bristles within a local region may be non-uniform in length such that the actual surfaces defined by the distal ends of the bristles may be uneven or generally non-uniform. Accordingly, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the description of such surfaces is made to approximate the overall profile of the bristle patterns described herein.
In the illustrated embodiments, the first and second annular sections 122 and 124 (e.g., the first and second outer bristle layers 107 and 109) partially surround the first and second bristle cores 103 and 105, such that there may be a space 123 (FIG. 1F) between the transition region 106 and the first and second outer bristle layers 107 and 109. The first and second annular sections 122 and 124 can extend around a majority of a perimeter of the respective first and second bristle cores 103 and 105. In some embodiments, the first and second annular sections 122 and 124 can extend around an entirety of the respective first and second bristle cores 103 and 105. For example, the first and second annular sections 122 and 124 can extend around the bristle axis z at an angle in a range of 180 degrees to 360 degrees, in a range of 180 degrees to 300 degrees, or in a range of 210 degrees to 270 degrees. For example, the first and second annular sections 122 and 124 can extend around the bristle axis z at an angle of at least 180 degrees, at least 210 degrees, at least 270 degrees, or at least 300 degrees.
As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, 1E, and 1H-1M, the bristle pattern can comprise the transition region 106 between the first and second bristle regions 102 and 104. As viewed in a top plane defined by the longitudinal direction x and the transverse direction y, the first bristle region 102 can have a first convex outer boundary 127, and the second bristle region 104 has a second convex outer boundary 129 (see FIG. 1F). As shown, the transition region 106 can comprise an inflection 141 between the first and second convex outer boundaries 127 and 129.
As shown in, e.g., FIGS. 1C and 1I-1M, the plurality of bristles can include a first peak 132 disposed in the first outer bristle layer 107 proximate the distal portion 180 of the base 108, a second peak 134 disposed in the transition region 106, and a third peak 136 disposed in the second outer bristle layer 109 proximate the proximal end 110 of the base 108. The plurality of bristles can have a first valley 133 in the first outer bristle layer 107 disposed between the first peak 132 and the second peak 134, and a second valley 135 in the second outer bristle layer 109 disposed between the second peak 134 and the third peak 136, as shown in FIG. 1C. Beneficially, the first, second, and third peaks 132, 134, and 136 can be shaped to as to clean in interdental spaces between adjacent teeth. The first and second valleys 133 and 135 can comprise concave surfaces that are shaped to conform to at least convex buccal and/or lingual surfaces of the user's teeth. By shaping the peaks and valleys to conform to the surfaces of the user's teeth, cleaning efficacy can be significantly improved. Although various embodiments describe the surfaces of the bristle pattern as being shaped to or conforming to corresponding surfaces of teeth (e.g., to occlusal, buccal, lingual surfaces), any of the portions or surfaces of the bristle patterns described herein can be used to clean any suitable tooth surfaces. Indeed, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the flexibility of the bristles can enable the bristles to bend or deflect into recesses or gaps in the teeth.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 1J, the first outer bristle layer 107 can comprise a brushing surface 150 defined at least in part by distal ends 181 of the plurality of bristles in the first outer bristle layer 107 and delimiting, e.g., the first and second concave outer contact surfaces 171 and 191. As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1K, the first outer bristle layer 107 can have the first concave outer contact surface 171 as viewed in a cross-sectional side plane, and the second outer bristle layer 109 can have a second concave outer contact surface 191 as viewed in the cross-sectional side plane. With reference to FIG. 1I, the brushing surface 150 can have a first curvature (R1, e.g., a radius of curvature in some embodiments) proximal the distal portion 180 and a second curvature (R2, e.g., a radius of curvature in some embodiments) at an inner region 170 between the distal portion 180 and the transition region 106, the second curvature R2 greater than (shallower than) the first curvature R1. The curvature of the brushing surface 150 at the transition region 106 and at the proximal portion 110 can also be steeper than the curvature of the first and second valleys 133 and 135 in the inner regions 170. Thus, the first curvature R1 can be steeper or more angled than the second curvature R2. The inner region 170 can include the first valley 133 between the first peak 132 at the distal portion 110 and the second peak 134 at the transition region 106. As shown in FIG. 1I, a first brushing angle θ between the brushing surface 150 and the longitudinal direction x at the distal end region is greater than a second brushing angle between the brushing surface 150 and the longitudinal direction x at the inner region 170. The steeper angle of the brushing surface 150 at the distal portion 180, the transition region 106, and the proximal portion 110 can be shaped to conform to the steeper convex angles of interdental surfaces of the user's teeth. The shallower angle of the inner region 170 can be shaped to conform to the shallower or flatter convex surfaces of the buccal and/or lingual surfaces of the user's teeth. By matching the curvatures (R1, R2) to the side surfaces of the user's teeth, cleaning efficacy can be further improved.
In some embodiments, the occlusal cleaning surfaces of the first and second bristle cores 103 and 105 can be shaped to clean at least occlusal surfaces of the user's teeth. For example, the first non-concave core contact surface 131 of the first bristle core 103 can include one or more bristles that are shorter than bristles at the first and second peaks 132 and 134 but longer than bristles at the first valley 133 in the bristle direction z. The second non-concave core contact surface 151 of the second bristle core 105 can include one or more bristles that are shorter than bristles at the second and third peaks 134 and 136 but longer than bristles at the second valley 135 in the bristle direction z. By using bristles that are longer than bristles in the first and second valleys 133 and 135, the bristle cores 103 and 105 can reach into the concave recesses and gaps of the occlusal surfaces of the user's teeth. Moreover, such a bristle pattern for the cores can enable the bristle cores 103 and 105 to contact the side surfaces of the teeth (e.g., the buccal and lingual surfaces of the teeth). The first and second non-concave core contact surfaces 131 and 151 can be planar in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the first and second non-concave core contact surfaces 131 and 151 can be convex so as to extend into the concave occlusal surfaces of teeth. As shown in FIG. 1C, the peaks 132, 134, and 136 can extend above the respective valleys 133 and 135 by a first vertical height a, and the first and second bristle cores 103 and 105 can extend above the valleys 133 and 135 by a second vertical height b. The vertical heights a and b can be any suitable height to match a patient's or the average populations' tooth structure.
As shown in FIGS. 1F and 1K, a first gap 153 can be disposed between the first bristle core 103 and the first outer bristle layer 107. A second gap 155 can be disposed between the second bristle core 105 and the second outer bristle layer 109. The first and second gaps 153 and 155 can be greater than a maximum spacing between two adjacent bristles in the plurality of bristles. The first and second gaps 153 and 155 can be greater than an average spacing between two adjacent bristles in the plurality of bristles. As shown, the first and second gaps 153 and 155 can be devoid of bristles. In other embodiments, however, the first and second gaps 153 and 155 may be approximately the same as the maximum or average spacing between two adjacent bristles, such that there may not be a larger gap between the first and second cores 103 and 105 and the respective first and second outer bristle layers 107 and 109 as compared to the maximum or average gap between adjacent bristles. In the illustrated embodiments, the first and second bristle cores 103 and 105 are substantially circular as viewed in a top plane.
As viewed in the top plane of FIG. 1F, the first bristle region 102 can have a first concave inner boundary 142, and the second bristle region 104 can have a second concave inner boundary 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the first convex outer boundary 127 is continuous with the second concave inner boundary 144, and the second convex outer boundary 129 is continuous with the first concave inner boundary 142.
Beneficially, as explained herein, the bristle pattern can be sized and shaped so as to match the structure of a specific user's teeth, and/or to match the structure of an average human tooth (e.g., an average adult tooth). It can be particularly challenging to effectively clean distally-positioned teeth, e.g., molars in the back of the user's mouth. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the bristle pattern can be sized and shaped so as to generally conform to a plurality (e.g., two) of the user's (or of an average adult human's) distal-most teeth. For example, in some embodiments, the bristle pattern can be sized and shaped to conform to the two distal-most molars of a human user. In other embodiments, the bristle pattern can be sized and shaped to conform to any selected plurality (e.g., any selected pair) of teeth of the user.
As shown in FIG. 1C, the first bristle region 102 can have a first length L1 along the longitudinal direction x, and the second bristle region 104 can have a second length L2 along the longitudinal direction x. The first length L1 can be measured from the first peak 132 to the second peak 134 of the transition region 106, and the second length L2 can be measured from the second peak 134 to the third peak 136. In general, the distal-most tooth may be wider than the proximally-adjacent tooth. Accordingly, in order to better conform to the lingual and/or buccal surfaces of the two distal-most teeth, the first length L1 (e.g., corresponding to a width of the distal-most tooth) can be greater than the second length L2 (e.g., corresponding to the proximally-adjacent tooth). For example, in various embodiments, the first length L1 can be in a range of 3 mm to 15 mm, in a range of 6 mm to 15 mm, or in a range of 8 mm to 12 mm. The second length L2 can be in a range of 3 mm to 15 mm, in a range of 6 mm to 15 mm, or in a range of 8 mm to 12 mm.
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1F, the first and second bristle regions 102 and 104 can have a width W1. The width W1 can be selected to correspond to approximate heights of the two distal-most teeth of the user. In some embodiments, the width W1 of the first and second bristle regions 102 and 104 can be approximately the same. In other embodiments, the widths W1 of the first and second bristle regions 102 and 104 can differ. For example, the width W1 of at least one of the first bristle region 102 and the second bristle region 104 can be in a range of 4 mm to 16 mm, in a range of 6 mm to 15 mm, or in a range of 8 mm to 12 mm.
Moreover, a width W2 of the first and second bristle cores 103 and 105 can be selected so as to fit within occlusal surfaces of the user's teeth. For example, the width W2 of at least one of the first and second bristle cores 103 and 105 can be in a range of 1 mm to 6 mm, in a range of 2.5 mm to 5 mm, in a range of 1 mm to 3 mm (for example, for a child's toothbrush head), or in a range of 4.5 mm to 6 mm (for example, for an average adult's toothbrush). It should be appreciated that the example described herein contemplates shaping and sizing the bristle pattern to conform to two distal-most teeth of a particular user or of the average human tooth, in other embodiments, the bristle pattern can be selected based on other teeth of the user or of the human population.
Turning to FIGS. 1L and 1M, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the brushing surface 150 can comprise continually-changing surface normals N. Unless otherwise noted, the components of FIGS. 1L and 1M may be the same as or generally similar to similar components descried in connection with FIGS. 1A-1K. As shown in FIG. 1M, the first and second concave outer contact surfaces and 171 and 191 of the brushing surface 150 can be disposed in an at least partially-annular pattern around an interior region that includes the bristle cores 103 and 105. The brushing surface 150 can be angled at least partially inwardly towards the interior region such that brushing surface 150 normal N include a directional component directed inwardly towards the bristle cores 103 and 105. As shown, the surface normal N can continuously change along the surface as the brushing surface 150 extends about the interior region, for example, in a racetrack pattern. At least 50% of the total surface area of the first and second concave outer contact surfaces and 171 and 191 can include surface normals N that are non-parallel to the bristle direction z. For example, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the total surface area of the first and second concave outer contact surfaces and 171 and 191 can include surface normals N that are non-parallel to the bristle direction z. In various embodiments, 75% to 95%, or 75% to 90% of the total surface area of the first and second concave outer contact surfaces and 171 and 191 can include surface normals N that are non-parallel to the bristle direction z. In various embodiments, a majority of the total area of the first and second concave outer contact surfaces and 171 and 191 can be disposed non-parallel to the top plane defined by the transverse direction y and the longitudinal direction x. For example, at least 75%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of the total area of the first and second concave outer contact surfaces and 171 and 191 can be disposed non-parallel to the top plane.
Beneficially, the curvature of the brushing surface 150 can be matched to the user's anatomy. For example, the inwardly-curved surfaces of the first and second concave outer contact surfaces and 171 and 191 can be shaped so as to overlap with and cover side surfaces of teeth, e.g., buccal and lingual surfaces of teeth, which can improve cleaning efficacy. Moreover, as explained above in connection with FIG. 1I, the curvature R1 (e.g., a radius of curvature) of the brushing surface 150 at or near the distal portion 180, the transition region 106, and the proximal portion 110 can be less than (e.g., steeper than) the curvature R2 (e.g., a radius of curvature) of the brushing surface 150 at or near the inner region 170 that includes the first and second valleys 133 and 135. The steeper curvature nearer the distal, transition, and proximal regions 180, 104, and 110 can be shaped to conform to the steeper convexity of the interdental spaces of teeth.
Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1M, the curvature of the bristles can vary along both the longitudinal direction x (also referred to as the mesial-distal direction) and the transverse direction y (also referred to as the occlusal-gingival direction). For example, as shown in FIG. 1F, the outer boundary 121 as shown in the top plane view can have different curvature (e.g., different convex curvature) along the longitudinal direction x and along the transverse direction y. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1M, the brushing surface 150 can additionally or alternatively have different curvature (e.g., different concave curvature) along the longitudinal direction x and along the transverse direction y. The varying curvature along the longitudinal and transverse directions x, y can beneficially enable the bristle pattern to conform with the tooth anatomy. It should be appreciated that, although two bristle regions 102 and 104 are shown in FIGS. 1A-1M, in other embodiments, only a single bristle region 302 (e.g., a round or circular region) may be provided in a toothbrush head 300, as shown in FIG. 1P. For example, in FIG. 1P, an outer bristle layer 307 (e.g., a single outer bristle layer) may be disposed about a bristle core 305 (e.g., a single bristle core). As with FIGS. 1L-1M, the outer boundary as shown in the top plane view can have different curvature (e.g., different convex curvature) along the longitudinal direction x and along the transverse direction y. Moreover, as explained above, the brushing surface 150 can additionally or alternatively have different curvature (e.g., different concave curvature) along the longitudinal direction x and along the transverse direction y.
FIGS. 1N-1O illustrate another example of a bristle pattern of a brush head 200 according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, the features of the bristle pattern of FIGS. 1N-1O may be the same as or generally similar to like components of FIGS. 1A-1M. For example, the bristle pattern of the brush head 200 can comprise a first bristle region 202 having a first bristle core 203 and a first outer bristle layer 207 disposed at least partially around the first bristle core 203. The first bristle core 203 can have a first core contact surface as viewed in a cross-sectional side plane defined by the bristle direction and the longitudinal direction. The bristle pattern can comprise a second bristle region 204 disposed proximal the first bristle region 202. The second bristle region 204 can have a second bristle core 205 and a second outer bristle layer 209 disposed at least partially around the second bristle core 205. The second bristle core 205 can have a second core contact surface as viewed in the cross-sectional side plane. A transition region 206 can be disposed between the first and second bristle regions 202 and 204. As with the embodiment of, e.g., FIG. 1F, as viewed in a top plane defined by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, the first bristle region 202 can have a first convex outer boundary 227, the second bristle region 204 can have a second convex outer boundary 229, and the transition region 206 can comprise an inflection 241 between the first and second convex outer boundaries 227 and 229.
Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1M, however, in FIGS. 1N-1O, the brushing surface 250 may be substantially planar. For example, the brushing surface 250 of the first and second outer bristle layers 207 and 209 can be substantially planar. The first and second cores 203 and 205 can also be substantially planar. As compared with traditional toothbrushes, the transition region 206 with inflection 241 can beneficially enable the user to clean spaces between adjacent teeth and along gumlines.
In accordance with various embodiments, each of the bristle outer layers and bristle cores can also be implemented with different sizes (e.g, all thick bristles or bristles of variable thickness, etc.), materials (e.g., polymers such as nylon, polybutylene terephthalate or PBT, etc.) and shapes (e.g., tapered end, flat ends, etc.). Unless otherwise noted, the features of FIGS. 2A-2C may be the same as or generally similar to like-referenced components of FIGS. 1A-1K. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, another embodiment of a bristle pattern on a brush head 400 according to this disclosure can have the first and second outer bristle layers each formed of a plurality of circular bristles. The bristle pattern can include bristles of varying shapes, for example, tapered bristles at least along a boundary of the bristle pattern. The bristle pattern shown in FIGS. 2A-2C can include one or more of the features, components, and/or details, in any combination with any of the other features, components, and/or details of any other embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein.
In addition, it may be advantageous to create a bristle pattern in multiple different sizes and shapes to accommodate users with different tooth structures. In some embodiments, a bristle pattern can be determined specifically for a user after consulting with the user or obtaining data about the structure the user's teeth. Another embodiment includes a method of taking images of a user's teeth and determine the shape and geometry of a bristle pattern that can most effectively clean the user's teeth. The bristle pattern can be implemented on a replaceable brush head so that it can be periodically replaced to maintain firmness and effectiveness of the bristles. The replaceable brush head can also be configured to be compatible with various manual or electric toothbrush handles.
In various embodiments, the user or a clinician can obtain data about a structure of one or more teeth of the user. For example, the clinician can capture image data (e.g., x-ray image data) of the user's teeth. In other embodiments, the user can use a visible image camera (e.g., in a mobile phone) to image the tooth. Based on the image data, structure about one or more teeth of the user can be extracted. As explained above, in some embodiments, it can be beneficial to dimension the bristle pattern based on the user's two distal-most teeth, in which case image data of the two distal-most teeth can be obtained. In other embodiments, other teeth can additionally or alternatively be imaged.
Based on the data received or obtained about the structure of the one or more teeth, a bristle pattern for the one or more teeth of the user can be determined. For example, the dimensions of the user's teeth can be measured, including, e.g., the size and shape of the lingual, buccal, occlusal, and interproximal surfaces. Based on the measurements and profile of the user's tooth structure, the bristle pattern can be designed specifically for the user's teeth. For example, the lengths L1 and L2, and the widths W1 and W2 can be selected based at least in part on the user's tooth structure. The brushing angle, heights of peaks and valleys, and any and all other parameters of the bristle patterns described herein can be selected based on the data of the user's tooth structure. The curvature of the brushing surface can be designed to conform to the geometry of the user's teeth (or the geometry of the average human's tooth of a human population). In various embodiments, the curvature of the first and second outer contact surfaces of the first and second outer bristle layers can be selected based on the determined tooth structure. Additionally or alternatively, the curvature of the first and second core contact surfaces (e.g., the first and second occlusal surface cleaning regions) can be selected based on the determined tooth structure.
In various embodiments, the bristle pattern can be determined by choosing a bristle pattern from a plurality of pre-determined bristle pattern designs. In other embodiments, a unique bristle pattern can be designed and selected for each user. The user can use the toothbrush for a period of time, and when the bristles are worn, order a replacement toothbrush or toothbrush head, in which case the method can produce replacement toothbrush heads with the bristle pattern. In some cases, the user's tooth structure may change over time, e.g., due to dental procedures or dental degradation. In some embodiments, the user's mouth can be imaged again to obtain update data about the one or more teeth of the user. The method can determine a new bristle pattern for the user based at least in part on the obtained update data about the user.
In various embodiments, the analysis of the tooth structure and/or the determination of a bristle pattern can be performed by computer code stored on any suitable type of non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., computer memory) that, when executed by a process, analyzes the tooth structure, determines the bristle pattern, and any other steps described in the methods disclosed herein. The processor and/or memory can be part of any suitable computer system. The computer memory can comprise physical computer storage including hard drives, solid state memory, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), optical disc, volatile or non-volatile storage, combinations of the same and/or the like. The methods may also be transmitted or received as data signals on a variety of computer-readable media, including wireless-based and/or wired-based mediums. The results of the disclosed processes or process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory, tangible computer storage and/or may be communicated via a computer-readable transmission medium
Accordingly, various embodiments disclosed herein beneficially enable to user-specific bristle patterns for toothbrush heads, which can improve cleaning efficacy.

II. Brush Design for Teeth with Braces

Another aspect of this disclosure is that the first and second bristle region can be configured to be suitable for teeth with braces attached. Unless otherwise noted, the features of FIGS. 3A-3D may be the same as or generally similar to like-referenced components of FIGS. 1A-2C. FIGS. 3A-3D shows embodiments of bristle patterns for teeth with braces according to this disclosure. With reference to FIG. 3A, the bristle pattern for braces of brush head 500 can similarly include a first and a second bristle regions 502 and 504, each having a bristle outer bristle layer 507/509 and a bristle core 503/505. In certain embodiment, the bristle pattern for braces can further include a brace receiving recess 501 positioned across the first and the second bristle regions 502 and 504 along the longitudinal direction x. Similar to the embodiments above, the bristle pattern for teeth with braces can also be implemented with bristles of different sizes, shapes, and materials. FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of the bristle pattern for braced implemented with bristles of varying shapes and sizes.
The brace receiving recess can have a length along the longitudinal direction x, a width along the transverse direction y, and a depth along the bristle direction z. In addition, a shape of the brace receiving recess can be varied on a shape, a type, or a size of the braces worn by the user. For example, the brace receiving recess can be sized and shaped to receive a wire of wired braces, so as to clean around the wire and brackets. As shown in FIG. 3C, the brace receiving recess 601 of a brush head 600 can have a rectangular profile viewing in a front plane. As shown in FIG. 3D, the brace receiving recess 701 of a brush head 700 can also have a triangular profile with curved sides viewing in the front plane. Any or all of the length, the width, the depth, and the shape of the brace receiving recess can be changed and customized based on a shape, a type, or a size of braces worn by the user. The brace receiving recess can comprise any suitable profile representative of a cut or notch in the bristle pattern. For example, the brace receiving recess can comprise a linear recess, a wedge, etc. In various embodiments, the width, depth, and/or shape of the recess can be selected based on the user's tooth and orthodontic structure.
The bristle pattern for braces disclosed above can include one or more of the features, components, and/or details, in any combination with any of the other features, components, and/or details of any other embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein.

III. Examples of Tongue Cleaners

Various embodiments disclosed herein relates to a tongue cleaner for cleaning a user's tongue. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, a tongue cleaner 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can include a tongue cleaner head base 1108 that is attachable to a tongue cleaner handle 1190. The tongue cleaner 1000 can further include tongue cleaning bristles 1010 disposed on a first side 1100 of the tongue cleaner head base 1108. The tongue cleaning bristles 1010 can include one or more bristle regions, and the one or more bristle regions can be arranged according to a bristle pattern. In some embodiments, the tongue cleaning bristles 1010 can have a bristle pattern including, for example, a first bristle region 1002, a second bristle region 1004, a third bristle region 1006, a fourth bristle region 1008, each spaced apart from one another, as shown in FIG. 4A. The tongue cleaning bristles 1010 can provide gentle cleaning effect to the tongue. The tongue cleaning bristles 1010 can comprise any suitable material, including, e.g., TPR of desirable firmness.
The tongue cleaner 1000 can further include tongue cleaning bumps 1202 and/or one or more tongue cleaning blades (e.g., a first tongue cleaning blade 1241, a second tongue cleaning blade 1242, and a third tongue cleaning 1243) to exfoliate the tongue. The tongue cleaning bumps 1202 and/or the one or more tongue cleaning blades can remove dead cells, bacteria, and debris from the tongue with greater strength than the tongue cleaning bristles 1010. As shown in FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, the tongue cleaning bumps 1202 and the tongue cleaning blades can be disposed on a second side 1200 of the tongue cleaner head base 1108, opposite to the first side 1100. The first and the third tongue cleaning blades 1241 and 1243 can be respectively disposed proximate a distal end 1180 and a proximal end 1110 of the tongue cleaner head base 1108. The tongue cleaner 1000 can further include a flat region 1206 disposed in between the first, second, and third tongue cleaning blades 1241, 1242, and 1243 configured to hold scrapped dead cells and debris.
FIGS. 5A-5D show other embodiments of tongue cleaners. A tongue cleaner 2000/3000 can include tongue cleaning bristles on a first side of a tongue cleaner head base 2100 and one or more tongue cleaning blades on a second side 2200 of the tongue cleaner head 2008, opposite to the first side 2100. The tongue cleaning bristles can include one or more tongue cleaning bristle regions, for example, one bristle region 2002 as shown in FIG. 5B or a first and a second bristle regions 2002 and 2004 as shown in FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, the tongue cleaning bristle region 2002 can be substantially circular (See FIG. 5B). In some embodiments, the first tongue cleaning bristle region 2002 can be substantially circular, and the second tongue cleaning bristle region 2004 can be disposed next to the first tongue cleaning bristle region 2002 and substantially of a shape of a half circle (See FIG. 5A). On the second side 2200, in some embodiments, the tongue cleaning blade can include a tongue cleaning blade 2241 proximate a distal end 2180 of the tongue cleaning head base 2008 (See FIG. 5C). In other embodiments, the tongue cleaning blade can include a first tongue cleaning blade 2242 proximate the distal end 2180 of the tongue cleaner head base 2008, and a second tongue cleaning blade 2242 proximate a transition region 2006 that corresponds to a region between the first and second tongue cleaning bristle region 2002 and 2004 (See FIG. 5D).
The tongue cleaning blades of FIGS. 4A-5D can have a stiffness greater than a stiffness of the bristles. For example, bristles may deform or bend in use when cleaning a user's tongue, whereas the tongue cleaning blade(s) may not bend in use when cleaning the user's tongue. Further, in various embodiments, a width of the tongue cleaning blade(s) extending along the base can be greater than a vertical height of the blade(s) extending from the base. By contrast, the bristles can have a vertical height extending from the base that is greater than a width of an individual bristle.
Beneficially, various components of the tongue cleaners of FIGS. 4A-5D can be made of stainless steel, which can beneficially improve the oral health of the user and reduce the wear of the tongue cleaner. For example, any or all of the tongue cleaner head base, the bumps, the tongue cleaning blade, and the handle can be formed of stainless steel. In various embodiments, at least the base comprises stainless steel. In some embodiments, the blades can comprise a polymer or plastic material. In some embodiments, the blades can also comprise stainless steel. In some embodiments, the bumps can additionally comprise stainless steel. Advantageously, the use of stainless steel for the base (and, in various embodiments, other components) can reduce halitosis. For example, the stainless steel material can bind with sulfur so as to reduce bad odors in the user's mouth.
The tongue cleaners disclosed above can include one or more of the features, components, and/or details, in any combination with any of the other features, components, and/or details of any other embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein.

IV. Finger Brush Design

Another aspect of this disclosure includes a finger toothbrush comprising a finger sleeve instead of a handle to be used as a finger brush, for example, for cleaning the teeth and/or gums of an infant or child. Various embodiments of finger toothbrushes are shown in FIGS. 6A-6D. With reference to FIG. 6A, a finger brush 4000 according to this disclosure can include a brush head base 4008 disposed on a finger sleeve 4030 configured to be worn on a finger. The finger brush 4000 can further include bristles 4010 disposed on the brush head base 4008. In some embodiments, the finger brush 4000 can include a bite block 4040 attached to or disposed inside the brush head base 4008 and configured to prevent teeth from biting into the brush head base 4008 (see FIG. 6A). In some embodiments, a finger brush 5000/6000/7000 can also include a finger sleeve bite block 5050/6050/7050 disposed on or within a portion of the finger sleeve 5030/6030/7030 to prevent teeth from biting into the finger sleeve and hurting the finger inside the finger sleeve. Thus, in some embodiments, the bite block 5050 can be coupled with or disposed inside a pocket of the finger sleeve 5030 on a side of the finger sleeve 5030 opposite the brush head base 5008 (e.g., FIG. 6B). In other embodiments, the bite block 6050 can be coupled with or disposed inside a pocket of the finger sleeve 6030 in a ring shape around an interior of the finger sleeve 6030, such that the bite block 6050 extends around the user's finger (e.g., FIG. 6C). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6D, the bite block 7050 can be coupled to or disposed in the finger sleeve 7030 at a distal end portion of the finger sleeve 7030. For example, the bite block 7050 can be positioned such that at least a portion of the bite block 7050 is disposed at the distal end of the brush head base 7008. In accordance with various embodiments, the bite block can comprise any material that is sufficiently rigid so as to withstand biting forces. For example, in some embodiments, the bite block can comprise a metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), a plastic or polymer, a ceramic, silicone, etc. The bite block can be formed of a different material from the sleeve. In some embodiments, the bite block can also be formed of the same material as the sleeve but with a greater thickness so as to provide a cushion against biting by the infant or child. In various embodiments, the bite block can be more rigid that the sleeve and/or have a higher modulus of elasticity. The finger brush with bite block can reduce pain associated with bites from the infant or child.
The finger brushes disclosed above can include one or more of the features, components, and/or details, in any combination with any of the other features, components, and/or details of any other embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled”, as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Likewise, the word “connected”, as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Moreover, as used herein, when a first element is described as being “on” or “over” a second element, the first element may be directly on or over the second element, such that the first and second elements directly contact, or the first element may be indirectly on or over the second element such that one or more elements intervene between the first and second elements. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
Moreover, conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” “for example,” “such as” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel apparatus, methods, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, while features of the bristle pattern are presented in a given arrangement, alternative embodiments may perform similar functionalities with different arrangements and/or geometries, and some features may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each of these features may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Any suitable combination of the elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A tongue cleaning device comprising:

a base;

a plurality of bristles extending non-parallel from a first side of the base; and

a first cleaning blade extending non-parallel from a second side of the base opposite the first side.

2. The tongue cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bumps disposed on the second side.

3. The tongue cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising a handle, the base disposed at a distal end of the handle.

4. The tongue cleaning device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the base and the cleaning blade comprises stainless steel.

5. The tongue cleaning device of claim 4, wherein the base comprises stainless steel.

6. The tongue cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the cleaning blade comprises a polymer material.

7. The tongue cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bumps comprise stainless steel.

8. The tongue cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising a second tongue cleaning blade on the second side, the second tongue cleaning blade spaced apart from the first tongue cleaning blade.

9. A tongue cleaning device comprising:

a base formed of stainless steel; and

at least one tongue cleaning projection extending from the base, the tongue cleaning projection comprises at least one of a cleaning blade and a plurality of bumps.

10. The tongue cleaning device of claim 9, wherein the at least one tongue cleaning projection comprises the cleaning blade and the plurality of bumps.

11. The tongue cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the cleaning blade comprises a polymer material.

12. The tongue cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of bumps comprise stainless steel.

13. The tongue cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the cleaning blade and the plurality of bumps are disposed on a first side of the base and a plurality of bristles extend from a second side of the base opposite the first side.

14. A finger toothbrush comprising:

a finger sleeve sized and shaped to receive a finger of a user;

a brush head base coupled to the finger sleeve;

a plurality of bristles extending non-parallel from the brush head base; and

a bite block coupled with the finger sleeve or the brush head base.

15. The finger toothbrush of claim 14, wherein the bite block comprises a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the finger sleeve.

16. The finger toothbrush of claim 14, wherein the bite block is coupled to the brush head base.

17. The finger toothbrush of claim 14, wherein the bite block is coupled to a side of the finger sleeve opposite the brush head base.

18. The finger toothbrush of claim 14, wherein the bite block is disposed in a ring shape along a side of the finger sleeve.

19. The finger toothbrush of claim 14, wherein the bite block is disposed at a distal portion of the finger sleeve.