US20240081518A1 - Toothbrush And Device For Mounting And/Or Demounting A Toothbrush Head - Google Patents
Toothbrush And Device For Mounting And/Or Demounting A Toothbrush Head Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240081518A1 US20240081518A1 US17/607,116 US201917607116A US2024081518A1 US 20240081518 A1 US20240081518 A1 US 20240081518A1 US 201917607116 A US201917607116 A US 201917607116A US 2024081518 A1 US2024081518 A1 US 2024081518A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- head
- toothbrush
- attaching
- detaching
- cavity
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000001680 brushing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
- A46B7/04—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body interchangeably removable bristle carriers
- A46B7/042—Clip or snap connection for bristle carriers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D44/00—Other cosmetic or toiletry articles, e.g. for hairdressers' rooms
- A45D44/18—Receptacles for hair brushes or tooth brushes as travelling equipment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0091—Container, e.g. bag or box with a collection of various devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0093—Magazins or sets of brushes components, e.g. plurality of brushes linked as a package
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B17/00—Accessories for brushes
- A46B17/06—Devices for cleaning brushes after use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/0095—Removable or interchangeable brush heads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
- A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/30—Brushes for cleaning or polishing
- A46B2200/3033—Household brush, i.e. brushes for cleaning in the house or dishes
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a toothbrush and a device for attaching and/or detaching a toothbrush head.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a device for attaching and/or detaching a toothbrush head.
- This device enables a head to be easily attached to a handle and/or enables a head to be easily detached from a handle.
- a toothbrush comprising:
- the first hole is a through hole formed in the head attaching portion and the protruding plug is formed on the second side of the body.
- four first holes are symmetrically distributed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the handle.
- the protruding plug comprises a root portion extending from the body and an end portion integral with the root portion but having an increased size, and an excised portion is formed in the protruding plug.
- the protruding plug comprises a root portion extending from the body and an end portion integral with the root portion but having an increased size, an excised portion is formed in the protruding plug, the first hole comprises a first portion corresponding to the root portion and a second portion corresponding to the end portion and having a larger size than the first portion.
- a radial size of the root portion is selected to be the same as or slightly smaller than a radial size of the first portion
- a radial size of the end portion is selected to be the same as or slightly smaller than a radial size of the second portion.
- a flange is formed around the periphery of the head attaching portion to define a concave space for accommodating the body, and the concave space has a size corresponding to the sizes of the body.
- the bristles comprise a first group of bristles arranged at the center of the body, a second group of bristles and a third group of bristles arranged symmetrically on either side of the first group of bristles along a longitudinal direction of the body, each group of bristles comprises a plurality of bristle clusters comprising a plurality of bristles combined together, the bristle clusters in the first group of bristles are arranged in a plurality of columns along the longitudinal direction of the body and separately apart from each other, each bristle cluster in the first group of bristles is arranged to be parallel to a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the body and perpendicular to the first side, the bristle clusters in the second group of bristles and the third group of bristles are arranged in columns along the longitudinal axis of the body and separately from each other, each bristle cluster in the second group of bristles and the third group of bristles is arranged to be tilted outwardly with respect
- the second group of bristles and the third group of bristles each comprise at least two columns of bristle clusters, the column of bristle clusters in the at least two columns of bristle clusters away from the first group of bristles is tilted outwardly at a greater angle than the column of bristle clusters close to the first group of bristles.
- the bristles further comprise a fourth group of bristles arranged at the end of the body away from the handle, the fourth group of bristles comprises at least one column of bristle clusters arranged in an arc.
- each bristle cluster in the fourth group of bristles is arranged to be tilted outwardly with respect to the center of the arc.
- a second hole is further formed in and extends through the head attaching portion.
- a device for attaching a toothbrush head which is used for attaching a head to a handle of a toothbrush as above-mentioned comprising:
- the lining component is further formed with a recess opening to the head attaching cavity and for accommodating a portion of the handle.
- the lining component is further formed with a cleaning brush accommodating cavity.
- the lining component is further formed with a head accommodating cavity for accommodating a spare head.
- the lining component is formed separately from the lower housing and is mounted to the lower housing.
- a device for detaching a toothbrush head which is used for detaching a head from a handle of a toothbrush as above-mentioned, a second hole being formed in and extending through the head attaching portion, the device comprising:
- the lining component is further formed with a recess opening to the head detaching cavity and for accommodating a portion of the handle.
- a device for attaching and detaching a toothbrush head which is used for attaching a head to a handle or detaching the head from the handle of a toothbrush as above-mentioned, a second hole being formed in and extending through the head attaching portion, the device comprising:
- the toothbrush according to the present invention makes it possible to reuse the handle in order to improve resource utilization and reduce the amount of waste to be treated.
- the device for attaching and/or detaching the toothbrush head enables the attachment and/or detachment of the head to be labor-savingly, easily and efficiently conducted.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective of a toothbrush according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 1 a is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush in FIG. 1 and through protruding plugs on the head;
- FIG. 1 b is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush in FIG. 1 and through protruding plugs on the head;
- FIG. 2 is another schematic perspective of the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 a is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 1 a;
- FIG. 3 b is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 3 a , wherein the head is detached from the handle;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective of the handle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is another schematic perspective of the handle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is another schematic perspective of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic end view of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective of a toothbrush according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 a is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush in FIG. 12 and through protruding plugs on the head;
- FIG. 12 b is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush in FIG. 12 and through protruding plugs on the head;
- FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is another schematic perspective of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a schematic end view of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic bottom view of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a schematic top view of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective of a device for attaching and detaching a head according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 20 is a front view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 21 is an end view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 22 is a top view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 24 is a perspective of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 in the open state;
- FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective of a lining component of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the lining component of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 mounted to the lower housing;
- FIG. 28 is a perspective showing the attachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 , wherein the head is placed in a head attachment cavity;
- FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 , wherein the handle is placed on the head;
- FIG. 30 is a perspective showing the attachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 , wherein the upper housing is rotated into a closed state;
- FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 , wherein the head has been attached to the handle;
- FIG. 32 is a perspective showing the attachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 , wherein the toothbrush whose head has been attached to the handle is removed;
- FIGS. 33 and 34 are perspective and cross-sectional views showing respectively the detachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 , wherein the head attached to the handle is placed in the head detachment cavity;
- FIG. 35 is a perspective showing the detachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 , wherein the upper housing is rotated into a closed state;
- FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view showing the detachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 , wherein the head has been detached from the handle;
- FIG. 37 is a perspective showing the detachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 19 , wherein the handle and the head have been removed separately;
- FIG. 38 is a variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIGS. 19 - 27 ;
- FIG. 39 is another variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIGS. 19 - 27 ;
- FIG. 40 is further variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIGS. 19 - 27 .
- FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective of a toothbrush according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is another schematic perspective of the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- a toothbrush 1 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a handle 3 and a head 5 detachably mounted to the handle 3 .
- FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective of the handle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is another schematic perspective of the handle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the handle 3 comprises a grip portion 3 a to be grasped by a user and a head attaching portion 3 b connected to the grip portion 3 a .
- the grip portion 3 a and the head attaching portion 3 b may be formed separately and subsequently assembled together, the grip portion 3 a and the head attaching portion 3 b are preferably formed integrally.
- First holes 7 are formed in and extend through the head attaching portion 3 b .
- first holes 7 are shown to be four and are symmetrically distributed with respect to a longitudinal axis AA of the handle, it should be understood that the number of first holes 7 may be less than four, e.g., three, two, or even one. Of course, the number of first holes 7 may be more than four. As required, the first holes may be distributed in other ways. Furthermore, although the first holes 7 are shown as through holes, it should be understood that the first holes can also be blind holes.
- Second holes 9 may be further formed in and extend through the head attaching portion 3 b . Although in the preferred embodiment the second holes 9 are shown to be three and are distributed along the longitudinal axis AA of the toothbrush, it should be understood that the number of second holes 9 may be less than three, e.g., two or even one. Of course, the number of the second holes 9 may be more than three. As required, the second holes may be distributed in other ways.
- FIGS. 6 - 11 schematically show a head of the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the head 5 of the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a body 11 and bristles 13 mounted on a first side 11 a of the body 11 .
- the head 5 further includes protruding plugs 15 formed on a second side 11 b of the body 11 opposite to the first side 11 a .
- the number and distribution of the protruding plugs 15 on the head 5 correspond to the number and distribution of the first holes 7 on the head attaching portion 3 b of the handle 3 so that each protruding plug 15 on the head 5 can be inserted into the corresponding first hole 7 in the head attaching portion 3 b of the handle 3 .
- the head 5 can be reliably attached to the head attaching portion 3 b of the handle 3 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the head 5 can be reliably attached to the head attaching portion 3 b of the handle 3 by forming a tight fit between the protruding plug 15 and the first hole 7 .
- the protruding plugs 15 on the head 5 each comprise a root portion 15 a extending from the body 11 and an end portion 15 b integral with the root portion 15 a but having an increased size, and a excised portion 15 c extending from the end portion 15 b to the body 11 is formed in the protruding plug 15 .
- the first hole 7 includes a first portion 7 a corresponding to the root portion 15 a of the protruding insert 15 and a second portion 7 b corresponding to the end portion 15 b of the protruding insert 15 and having a larger size than the first portion 7 a .
- the radial size of the root portion 15 a of the protruding plug 15 is selected to be substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the radial size of the first portion 7 a of the first hole 7
- the radial size of the end portion 15 b of the protruding plug 15 is selected to be substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the radial size of the second portion 7 b of the first hole 7 .
- the body 11 and the protruding plug 15 and/or the handle 3 are typically injection molded from a plastic material.
- the end portion 15 b of the protruding insert 15 is in contact with the side wall of the first hole 7 and squeezed, and the excised portion 15 c allows two parts of the end portion 15 b to come closer to each other and have a smaller radial size to pass through the first portion 7 a of the first hole 7 .
- the excised portion 15 c is shown as a transverse cutout through the side wall of the protruding plug 15 , the excised portion 15 c may also be formed in a cross shape, a petal shape, a hollow shape, or any other suitable shape capable of reducing the radial size of the end portion 15 b of the protruding plug 15 when subjected to compression.
- a flange 3 c is formed around the periphery of the head attaching portion 3 b of the handle 3 to define a concave space 3 d for accommodating the body 11 .
- the size of the concave space 3 d corresponds substantially to the size of the body 11 .
- the size of the concave space 3 d corresponding substantially to the size of the body 11 makes a gap between the head attaching portion 3 b and the body 11 as small as possible to prevent or minimize dirt or moisture trapped between the head attaching portion 3 b and the body 11 .
- FIGS. 6 - 11 also show in detail the distribution of the bristles 13 on the head 5 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the bristles 13 can be substantially divided into three groups, a first group of bristles 13 a arranged at the center of the body 11 , a second group of bristles 13 b and a third group of bristles 13 c arranged symmetrically on either side of the first group of bristles along the longitudinal direction of the body 11 .
- Each group of bristles comprises a plurality of bristle clusters comprising a plurality of bristles combined together.
- the bristle clusters in the first group of bristles 13 a are arranged in a plurality of linear columns along the longitudinal direction of the body 11 and separately apart from each other.
- the bristle clusters in the first group of bristles 13 a are shown to be arranged in four columns, but it should be understood that they may be arranged in fewer or more than four columns.
- Each bristle cluster in the first group of bristles 13 a is also arranged substantially parallel to a plane P passing through the longitudinal axis BB of the body 11 and substantially perpendicular to the first side 11 a of the body 11 .
- the bristle clusters in the second group of bristles 13 b and the third group of bristles 13 c are arranged in a plurality of linear columns along the longitudinal axis of the body 11 and separately apart from each other.
- the bristle clusters in the second group of bristles 13 b and the third group of bristles 13 c are arranged in two columns respectively, but it should be understood that they may be arranged in fewer or more than two columns.
- Each bristle cluster in the second group of bristles 13 b and the third group of bristles 13 c is also arranged to be tilted substantially outwardly with respect to the plane P so that the gaps between the second group of bristles 13 b as well as the third group of bristles 13 c and the first group of bristles 13 a gradually increase in a direction along the plane P away from the body 11 , as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the column of bristle clusters in the second group of bristles 13 b and the third group of bristles 13 c away from the first group of bristles 13 a is tilted outwardly at a greater angle than the column of bristle clusters close to the first group of bristles 13 a
- the column of bristle clusters in the second group of bristles 13 b and the third group of bristles 13 c away from the first group of bristles 13 a is tilted outwardly at the same angle as the column of bristle clusters close to the first group of bristles 13 a .
- the bristles arranged in this way allow the first group of bristles 13 a to penetrate deeper into the gaps between the teeth during brushing to remove debris in the gaps between the teeth to improve the cleaning effect on the teeth.
- the second group of bristles 13 b and the third group of bristles 13 c can provide a massaging effect on the gums. More preferably, when viewed from the end side of the head 5 , the ends of the bristle clusters in the first group of bristles 13 a , the second group of bristles 13 b and the third group of bristles 13 c away from the body 11 are located substantially on a concave arcuate surface C so that the bristles fit the teeth and gums better to further improve the cleaning and massaging effect.
- FIGS. 12 - 18 show a toothbrush according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the toothbrush according to the second preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 - 18 is substantially the same as the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 - 11 except for a slight difference in arrangement of the bristles.
- the second preferred embodiment and the first preferred embodiment are described below, and the detailed description for the other portions is omitted.
- the head 5 in addition to the first group of bristles 13 a , the second group of bristles 13 b and the third group of bristles 13 c , the head 5 according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a fourth group of bristles 13 d arranged at the end of the body 11 away from the handle 3 .
- the fourth group of bristles 13 d includes two arced columns of bristle clusters but it should be understood that one or more arced columns of bristle clusters can be provided. More preferably, each bristle cluster in the fourth group of bristles 13 d is arranged to be tilted outwardly with respect to the center of the arc.
- the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head comprises a lower housing 21 and an upper housing 23 pivotally mounted to the lower housing 21 .
- the upper housing 23 is pivoted relative to the lower housing to open or close the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head.
- the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head further includes a lining component 25 mounted to the lower housing 21 .
- a head attaching cavity 27 is formed in the lining component 25 to accommodate the head 5 to be attached. Steps 27 a are formed on the inner wall of the head attaching cavity 27 .
- the steps 27 a are formed at the longitudinal ends of the head attaching cavity 27 , but it should be understood that it is also feasible that the steps 27 a are formed at the longitudinal sides of the head attaching cavity 27 .
- the lining component 25 may also be formed with a first recess 29 opening to the head attaching cavity 27 and for accommodating a portion of the handle 3 .
- the lining component 25 is also formed with a head detaching cavity 31 to accommodate the head attached to the handle and a portion of the handle.
- Steps 31 a are formed on the inner wall of the head detaching cavity 31 .
- the steps 31 a are formed at the longitudinal ends of the head detaching cavity 31 , but it should be understood that it is also feasible that the steps 31 a are formed at both longitudinal sides of the head detaching cavity 31 . As shown in FIG.
- the lining component 25 may also be formed with a second recess 33 opening to the head detaching cavity 31 and for accommodating a portion of the handle 3 .
- the lining component 25 may also formed with a cleaning brush accommodating cavity 35 for accommodating a cleaning brush 37 .
- the cleaning brush 37 may be used to clean the toothbrush, in particular, to remove dirt that may be trapped between the head 5 and the handle 3 .
- the cleaning brush accommodating cavity 35 is formed between the head attaching cavity 27 and the head detaching cavity 31 , but it should be understood that the cleaning brush accommodating cavity 35 may be formed at other locations, for example, at the end side of the head attaching cavity 27 and the head detaching cavity 31 , as shown in FIG. 38 .
- the lining component 25 may also formed with a head accommodating cavity 39 formed for accommodating a spare head 5 .
- Through holes 41 corresponding to the protruding plugs 15 on the body 11 may be formed in the bottom wall of the head accommodating cavity 39 to accommodate the protruding plug 15 on the body 11 so that the spare head 5 is securely placed in the head accommodating cavity 39 .
- the lower housing 21 is formed with a boss 45 with a central cavity 43 and a projection 49 with a snap-in portion 47 .
- a positioning post 51 and a projection 55 with an opening 53 are formed correspondingly on the bottom side of the lining component 25 .
- the lining component 25 may also be mounted to the lower housing 21 in other ways. Further, although in the preferred embodiment the lining component 25 is formed separately from the lower housing 21 , it is also feasible that the lining component 25 is formed integrally with the lower housing 21 .
- a protruding pressing portion 57 is formed on a surface of the upper housing 23 facing the lower housing 21 or the lining component 25 at a location corresponding to the head attaching cavity 27 .
- the pressing portion 57 is formed in a hollow lattice shape, but it may be in other shapes as long as pressure can be applied to the handle by the pressing portion.
- Protruding pushing posts 59 are formed on the surface of the upper housing 23 facing the lower housing 21 or the lining component 25 at a location corresponding to the head detaching cavity 31 .
- the number and position of the pushing posts 59 correspond to the number and position of the second holes 9 in the handle 3 .
- the pushing posts 59 may pass freely through the second holes 9 .
- locking means are formed on the lower housing 21 and the upper housing 23 , for example a protrusion 61 formed on the lower housing 21 and a notch formed in the upper housing 23 to receive the protrusion 61 , so as to reliably lock the lower housing 21 and the upper housing 23 together when the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head is not in use.
- the components of the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head may be substantially injection molded from a plastic material.
- FIGS. 28 - 32 are schematic views showing the attachment of the head 5 using the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head.
- the process of attaching the head using the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head will be described below in connection with FIGS. 28 - 32 .
- the upper housing 23 is pivoted relative to the lower housing 21 to open the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head, and then the head 5 is placed in the head attaching cavity 27 with the protruding plug 15 on the body 11 facing upwardly, as shown in FIG. 28 .
- the handle 3 is placed on the head 5 so that the first holes 7 on the head attaching portion 3 b of the handle 3 align with the protruding plugs 15 on the head 5 , as shown in FIG. 29 .
- the upper housing 23 is pivoted to a position in which it is closed with the lower housing 21 , as shown in FIG. 30 .
- the upper housing 23 is pressed downwardly so that the pressing portion 57 on the upper housing 23 contacts the head attaching portion 3 b of the handle 3 and applies a downward force to the head attaching portion 3 b of the handle 3 .
- the body 11 is supported on the steps 27 a of the head attaching cavity 27 , the protruding plugs 15 on the head 5 pass through the first holes 7 in the head attaching portion 3 b , thereby attaching the head 5 to the handle 3 as shown in FIG. 31 .
- the upper housing 23 is pivoted again with respect to the lower housing 21 to open the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head, and the assembled toothbrush 1 is removed and ready for use, as shown in FIG. 32 .
- FIGS. 33 - 38 are schematic views showing the detachment of the head 5 using the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head.
- the process of detaching the head using the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head will be described below in connection with FIGS. 33 - 38 .
- the upper housing 23 is pivoted relative to the lower housing 21 to open the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head, and then the head 5 attached to the handle 3 is placed in the head detaching cavity 31 with the handle 3 facing upwardly, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 .
- the upper housing 23 is pivoted to a position in which it is closed with the lower housing 21 as shown in FIG. 35 .
- the upper housing 23 is pressed downwardly so that the pushing posts 59 on the upper housing 23 pass through the second holes 9 in the head attaching portion 3 b , contact the body 11 and applies a downward force to the body 11 . Since the handle 3 is supported on the steps 31 a of the head detaching cavity 31 , the pushing posts 59 on the upper housing 23 causes the protruding plugs 15 on the head 5 to disengage from the first holes 7 on the head attaching portion 3 b , thereby detaching the head 5 from the handle 3 , as shown in FIG. 36 . Finally, the upper housing 23 is pivoted again with respect to the lower housing 21 to open the device 20 for attaching and detaching the head and remove the handle 3 and the head 5 that have been separated from each other, as shown in FIG. 37 .
- FIG. 38 is a variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIGS. 19 - 27 .
- the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 38 differs from the device for attaching and detaching the head described in connection with FIGS. 19 - 27 only in that the cleaning brush accommodating cavity 35 is formed on the end side of the head attaching cavity 27 and the head detaching cavity 31 .
- FIG. 39 is another variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIGS. 19 - 27 .
- the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 39 differs from the device for attaching and detaching the head described in connection with FIGS. 19 - 27 only in that it does not include a head accommodating cavity for accommodating the spare head.
- FIG. 40 is further variant of the device for attaching and detaching head shown in FIGS. 19 - 27 .
- the device for attaching and detaching the head shown in FIG. 40 differs from the device for attaching and detaching the head described in connection with FIGS. 19 - 27 only in that the cleaning brush accommodating cavity 35 is formed on the end side of the head attaching cavity 27 and the head detaching cavity 31 and that it does not include a head accommodating cavity for accommodating the spare head.
- the device for attaching and detaching head according to the present invention allows the attachment and the detachment of the head to be labor-savingly, easily and efficiently conducted.
- the protruding plugs may be formed on the handle and the holes for receiving the protruding plugs are formed in the body of the head.
- the device for attaching and detaching the head do not include the head attaching cavity and the corresponding pressing portion or the head detaching cavity and the corresponding pushing posts. In this way, the device has only one function of the attachment and the detachment.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a toothbrush and a device for attaching and/or detaching a toothbrush head.
- According to dentists' recommendations, people should brush their teeth at least twice a day and replace their toothbrushes at least every three months. Thus, the consumption of toothbrushes worldwide is extremely high. When replacing a toothbrush, people usually replace the old one with a new one and dispose of the old toothbrush as waste. However, only the bristles on the head of the old toothbrush are not suitable for further use in brushing the teeth while the handle can continue to be used. Discarding the entire old toothbrush would result in a large waste of resources and a significant increase in the amount of waste to be treated.
- Therefore, there is a need to improve the existing toothbrush.
- It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one defect of above-mentioned existing toothbrushes and to provide an improved toothbrush that allows the handle to be reused when the bristles on the head are not suitable for further use in cleaning the teeth, in order to improve resource utilization and reduce the amount of waste to be treated.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for attaching and/or detaching a toothbrush head. This device enables a head to be easily attached to a handle and/or enables a head to be easily detached from a handle.
- According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising:
-
- a handle comprising a grip portion and a head attaching portion connected to the grip portion;
- a head comprising a body and bristles mounted to a first side of the body, the body further having a second side opposite to the first side;
- wherein a first hole is formed in one of the head attaching portion and the second side of the body, and a corresponding protruding plug is formed on the other of the head attaching portion and the second side of the body, the head is removably attached to the head attaching portion by inserting the protruding plug into the first hole.
- In one embodiment, the first hole is a through hole formed in the head attaching portion and the protruding plug is formed on the second side of the body.
- In one embodiment, four first holes are symmetrically distributed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the handle.
- In one embodiment, the protruding plug comprises a root portion extending from the body and an end portion integral with the root portion but having an increased size, and an excised portion is formed in the protruding plug.
- In one embodiment, the protruding plug comprises a root portion extending from the body and an end portion integral with the root portion but having an increased size, an excised portion is formed in the protruding plug, the first hole comprises a first portion corresponding to the root portion and a second portion corresponding to the end portion and having a larger size than the first portion.
- In one embodiment, a radial size of the root portion is selected to be the same as or slightly smaller than a radial size of the first portion, and a radial size of the end portion is selected to be the same as or slightly smaller than a radial size of the second portion.
- In one embodiment, a flange is formed around the periphery of the head attaching portion to define a concave space for accommodating the body, and the concave space has a size corresponding to the sizes of the body.
- In one embodiment, the bristles comprise a first group of bristles arranged at the center of the body, a second group of bristles and a third group of bristles arranged symmetrically on either side of the first group of bristles along a longitudinal direction of the body, each group of bristles comprises a plurality of bristle clusters comprising a plurality of bristles combined together, the bristle clusters in the first group of bristles are arranged in a plurality of columns along the longitudinal direction of the body and separately apart from each other, each bristle cluster in the first group of bristles is arranged to be parallel to a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the body and perpendicular to the first side, the bristle clusters in the second group of bristles and the third group of bristles are arranged in columns along the longitudinal axis of the body and separately from each other, each bristle cluster in the second group of bristles and the third group of bristles is arranged to be tilted outwardly with respect to the plane so that the gaps between the second group of bristles as well as the third group of bristles and the first group of bristles gradually increase in a direction along the plane away from the body.
- In one embodiment, the second group of bristles and the third group of bristles each comprise at least two columns of bristle clusters, the column of bristle clusters in the at least two columns of bristle clusters away from the first group of bristles is tilted outwardly at a greater angle than the column of bristle clusters close to the first group of bristles.
- In one embodiment, the bristles further comprise a fourth group of bristles arranged at the end of the body away from the handle, the fourth group of bristles comprises at least one column of bristle clusters arranged in an arc.
- In one embodiment, each bristle cluster in the fourth group of bristles is arranged to be tilted outwardly with respect to the center of the arc.
- In one embodiment, a second hole is further formed in and extends through the head attaching portion.
- According to other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for attaching a toothbrush head which is used for attaching a head to a handle of a toothbrush as above-mentioned comprising:
-
- a lower housing;
- an upper housing pivotally mounted to the lower housing; and
- a lining component disposed in the lower housing;
- wherein a head attaching cavity is formed in the lining component, a step for supporting an edge portion of the body is formed on an inner wall of the head attaching cavity, a protruding pressing portion is formed on a surface of the upper housing facing the lining component at a location corresponding to the head attaching cavity, the pressing portion can apply a force onto the head attaching portion to insert the protruding plug into the first hole when the head is supported in the head attaching cavity by the step and the protruding plug aligns with the first hole.
- In one embodiment, the lining component is further formed with a recess opening to the head attaching cavity and for accommodating a portion of the handle.
- In one embodiment, the lining component is further formed with a cleaning brush accommodating cavity.
- In one embodiment, the lining component is further formed with a head accommodating cavity for accommodating a spare head.
- In one embodiment, the lining component is formed separately from the lower housing and is mounted to the lower housing.
- According to other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for detaching a toothbrush head which is used for detaching a head from a handle of a toothbrush as above-mentioned, a second hole being formed in and extending through the head attaching portion, the device comprising:
-
- a lower housing;
- an upper housing pivotally mounted to the lower housing; and
- a lining component disposed in the lower housing;
- wherein a head detaching cavity is formed in the lining component, a step for supporting the handle is formed on the inner wall of the head detaching cavity, a protruding pushing post is formed on a surface of the upper housing facing the lining component at a location corresponding to the head detaching cavity, the pushing post passing through the second hole can apply a force onto the body to disengage the protruding plug from the first hole when the head attached to the handle is placed in the head detaching cavity and the handle is supported by the step.
- In one embodiment, the lining component is further formed with a recess opening to the head detaching cavity and for accommodating a portion of the handle.
- According to further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for attaching and detaching a toothbrush head which is used for attaching a head to a handle or detaching the head from the handle of a toothbrush as above-mentioned, a second hole being formed in and extending through the head attaching portion, the device comprising:
-
- a lower housing;
- an upper housing pivotally mounted to the lower housing; and
- a lining component disposed in the lower housing;
- wherein a head attaching cavity is formed in the lining component, a step for supporting an edge portion of the body is formed on an inner wall of the head attaching cavity, a protruding pressing portion is formed on a surface of the upper housing facing the lining component at a location corresponding to the head attaching cavity, the pressing portion can apply a force onto the head attaching portion to insert the protruding plug into the first hole when the head is supported in the head attaching cavity by the step and the protruding plug aligns with the first hole; and
- a head detaching cavity is formed in the lining component, a step for supporting the handle is formed on the inner wall of the head detaching cavity, a protruding pushing post is formed on the surface of the upper housing facing the lining component at a location corresponding to the head detaching cavity, the pushing post passing through the second hole can apply a force onto the body to disengage the protruding plug from the first hole when the head attached to the handle is placed in the head detaching cavity and the handle is supported by the step.
- The toothbrush according to the present invention makes it possible to reuse the handle in order to improve resource utilization and reduce the amount of waste to be treated.
- The device for attaching and/or detaching the toothbrush head according to the present invention enables the attachment and/or detachment of the head to be labor-savingly, easily and efficiently conducted.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective of a toothbrush according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 1 a is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush inFIG. 1 and through protruding plugs on the head; -
FIG. 1 b is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush inFIG. 1 and through protruding plugs on the head; -
FIG. 2 is another schematic perspective of the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 a is an enlarged view similar toFIG. 1 a; -
FIG. 3 b is an enlarged view similar toFIG. 3 a , wherein the head is detached from the handle; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective of the handle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is another schematic perspective of the handle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is another schematic perspective of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic end view of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of the head according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective of a toothbrush according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 a is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush inFIG. 12 and through protruding plugs on the head; -
FIG. 12 b is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush inFIG. 12 and through protruding plugs on the head; -
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14 is another schematic perspective of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 16 is a schematic end view of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 17 is a schematic bottom view of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 18 is a schematic top view of the head according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective of a device for attaching and detaching a head according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 20 is a front view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 21 is an end view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 22 is a top view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 24 is a perspective of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 in the open state; -
FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective of a lining component of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the lining component of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 mounted to the lower housing; -
FIG. 28 is a perspective showing the attachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 , wherein the head is placed in a head attachment cavity; -
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 , wherein the handle is placed on the head; -
FIG. 30 is a perspective showing the attachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 , wherein the upper housing is rotated into a closed state; -
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 , wherein the head has been attached to the handle; -
FIG. 32 is a perspective showing the attachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 , wherein the toothbrush whose head has been attached to the handle is removed; -
FIGS. 33 and 34 are perspective and cross-sectional views showing respectively the detachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 , wherein the head attached to the handle is placed in the head detachment cavity; -
FIG. 35 is a perspective showing the detachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 , wherein the upper housing is rotated into a closed state; -
FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view showing the detachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 , wherein the head has been detached from the handle; -
FIG. 37 is a perspective showing the detachment of the head using the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 19 , wherein the handle and the head have been removed separately; -
FIG. 38 is a variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIGS. 19-27 ; -
FIG. 39 is another variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIGS. 19-27 ; and -
FIG. 40 is further variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIGS. 19-27 . - Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below in connection with examples. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these exemplary embodiments are not meant to form any limit to the present invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective of a toothbrush according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention andFIG. 2 is another schematic perspective of the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , a toothbrush 1 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises ahandle 3 and ahead 5 detachably mounted to thehandle 3. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective of the handle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention andFIG. 5 is another schematic perspective of the handle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , thehandle 3 comprises agrip portion 3 a to be grasped by a user and ahead attaching portion 3 b connected to thegrip portion 3 a. Although thegrip portion 3 a and thehead attaching portion 3 b may be formed separately and subsequently assembled together, thegrip portion 3 a and thehead attaching portion 3 b are preferably formed integrally.First holes 7 are formed in and extend through thehead attaching portion 3 b. Although in the preferred embodiment thefirst holes 7 are shown to be four and are symmetrically distributed with respect to a longitudinal axis AA of the handle, it should be understood that the number offirst holes 7 may be less than four, e.g., three, two, or even one. Of course, the number offirst holes 7 may be more than four. As required, the first holes may be distributed in other ways. Furthermore, although thefirst holes 7 are shown as through holes, it should be understood that the first holes can also be blind holes. - Second holes 9 may be further formed in and extend through the
head attaching portion 3 b. Although in the preferred embodiment the second holes 9 are shown to be three and are distributed along the longitudinal axis AA of the toothbrush, it should be understood that the number of second holes 9 may be less than three, e.g., two or even one. Of course, the number of the second holes 9 may be more than three. As required, the second holes may be distributed in other ways. -
FIGS. 6-11 schematically show a head of the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 6-11 , thehead 5 of the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes abody 11 and bristles 13 mounted on afirst side 11 a of thebody 11. According to the present invention, thehead 5 further includes protruding plugs 15 formed on asecond side 11 b of thebody 11 opposite to thefirst side 11 a. The number and distribution of the protruding plugs 15 on thehead 5 correspond to the number and distribution of thefirst holes 7 on thehead attaching portion 3 b of thehandle 3 so that each protrudingplug 15 on thehead 5 can be inserted into the correspondingfirst hole 7 in thehead attaching portion 3 b of thehandle 3. As a result, thehead 5 can be reliably attached to thehead attaching portion 3 b of thehandle 3, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . - The
head 5 can be reliably attached to thehead attaching portion 3 b of thehandle 3 by forming a tight fit between the protrudingplug 15 and thefirst hole 7. However, in order to facilitate easier attachment of thehead 5 to and detachment from thehandle 3, as shown inFIG. 3 b , the protruding plugs 15 on thehead 5 each comprise aroot portion 15 a extending from thebody 11 and anend portion 15 b integral with theroot portion 15 a but having an increased size, and a excisedportion 15 c extending from theend portion 15 b to thebody 11 is formed in the protrudingplug 15. Correspondingly, thefirst hole 7 includes a first portion 7 a corresponding to theroot portion 15 a of the protrudinginsert 15 and a second portion 7 b corresponding to theend portion 15 b of the protrudinginsert 15 and having a larger size than the first portion 7 a. The radial size of theroot portion 15 a of the protrudingplug 15 is selected to be substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the radial size of the first portion 7 a of thefirst hole 7, and the radial size of theend portion 15 b of the protrudingplug 15 is selected to be substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the radial size of the second portion 7 b of thefirst hole 7. Thebody 11 and the protrudingplug 15 and/or thehandle 3 are typically injection molded from a plastic material. When the protrudinginsert 15 is inserted into the correspondingfirst hole 7 in thehead attaching portion 3 b of thehandle 3, theend portion 15 b of the protrudinginsert 15 is in contact with the side wall of thefirst hole 7 and squeezed, and the excisedportion 15 c allows two parts of theend portion 15 b to come closer to each other and have a smaller radial size to pass through the first portion 7 a of thefirst hole 7. Once theend 15 b of the protrudingplug 15 passes through the first portion 7 a of thefirst hole 7, theend 15 b of the protrudingplug 15 enters the second portion 7 b of thefirst hole 7 and returns to its original size so that thehead 5 and thehandle 3 can be reliably locked together, as shown inFIG. 3 a . Although in the preferred embodiment the excisedportion 15 c is shown as a transverse cutout through the side wall of the protrudingplug 15, the excisedportion 15 c may also be formed in a cross shape, a petal shape, a hollow shape, or any other suitable shape capable of reducing the radial size of theend portion 15 b of the protrudingplug 15 when subjected to compression. - In order to easily align the protruding plugs 15 on the
head 5 with the correspondingfirst holes 7 in thehead attaching portion 3 b when thehead 5 is attached to thehandle 3, aflange 3 c is formed around the periphery of thehead attaching portion 3 b of thehandle 3 to define aconcave space 3 d for accommodating thebody 11. The size of theconcave space 3 d corresponds substantially to the size of thebody 11. In this way, the protruding plugs 15 on thehead 5 align with the correspondingfirst holes 7 in thehead attaching portion 3 b when thebody 11 is positioned in theconcave space 3 d. Furthermore, the size of theconcave space 3 d corresponding substantially to the size of thebody 11 makes a gap between thehead attaching portion 3 b and thebody 11 as small as possible to prevent or minimize dirt or moisture trapped between thehead attaching portion 3 b and thebody 11. -
FIGS. 6-11 also show in detail the distribution of thebristles 13 on thehead 5 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thebristles 13 can be substantially divided into three groups, a first group ofbristles 13 a arranged at the center of thebody 11, a second group ofbristles 13 b and a third group ofbristles 13 c arranged symmetrically on either side of the first group of bristles along the longitudinal direction of thebody 11. Each group of bristles comprises a plurality of bristle clusters comprising a plurality of bristles combined together. The bristle clusters in the first group ofbristles 13 a are arranged in a plurality of linear columns along the longitudinal direction of thebody 11 and separately apart from each other. In the preferred embodiment, the bristle clusters in the first group ofbristles 13 a are shown to be arranged in four columns, but it should be understood that they may be arranged in fewer or more than four columns. Each bristle cluster in the first group ofbristles 13 a is also arranged substantially parallel to a plane P passing through the longitudinal axis BB of thebody 11 and substantially perpendicular to thefirst side 11 a of thebody 11. The bristle clusters in the second group ofbristles 13 b and the third group ofbristles 13 c are arranged in a plurality of linear columns along the longitudinal axis of thebody 11 and separately apart from each other. In the preferred embodiment, the bristle clusters in the second group ofbristles 13 b and the third group ofbristles 13 c are arranged in two columns respectively, but it should be understood that they may be arranged in fewer or more than two columns. Each bristle cluster in the second group ofbristles 13 b and the third group ofbristles 13 c is also arranged to be tilted substantially outwardly with respect to the plane P so that the gaps between the second group ofbristles 13 b as well as the third group ofbristles 13 c and the first group ofbristles 13 a gradually increase in a direction along the plane P away from thebody 11, as shown inFIG. 9 . Although in the preferred embodiment the column of bristle clusters in the second group ofbristles 13 b and the third group ofbristles 13 c away from the first group ofbristles 13 a is tilted outwardly at a greater angle than the column of bristle clusters close to the first group ofbristles 13 a, it is also feasible that the column of bristle clusters in the second group ofbristles 13 b and the third group ofbristles 13 c away from the first group ofbristles 13 a is tilted outwardly at the same angle as the column of bristle clusters close to the first group ofbristles 13 a. The bristles arranged in this way allow the first group ofbristles 13 a to penetrate deeper into the gaps between the teeth during brushing to remove debris in the gaps between the teeth to improve the cleaning effect on the teeth. At the same time, the second group ofbristles 13 b and the third group ofbristles 13 c can provide a massaging effect on the gums. More preferably, when viewed from the end side of thehead 5, the ends of the bristle clusters in the first group ofbristles 13 a, the second group ofbristles 13 b and the third group ofbristles 13 c away from thebody 11 are located substantially on a concave arcuate surface C so that the bristles fit the teeth and gums better to further improve the cleaning and massaging effect. -
FIGS. 12-18 show a toothbrush according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush according to the second preferred embodiment shown inFIGS. 12-18 is substantially the same as the toothbrush according to the first preferred embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-11 except for a slight difference in arrangement of the bristles. For the sake of simplicity, only the differences between the second preferred embodiment and the first preferred embodiment are described below, and the detailed description for the other portions is omitted. - As shown in
FIGS. 12-18 , in addition to the first group ofbristles 13 a, the second group ofbristles 13 b and the third group ofbristles 13 c, thehead 5 according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a fourth group ofbristles 13 d arranged at the end of thebody 11 away from thehandle 3. In the preferred embodiment, the fourth group ofbristles 13 d includes two arced columns of bristle clusters but it should be understood that one or more arced columns of bristle clusters can be provided. More preferably, each bristle cluster in the fourth group ofbristles 13 d is arranged to be tilted outwardly with respect to the center of the arc. By providing the fourth group ofbristles 13 d, the cleaning effect on the teeth and the massaging effect on the gums can be further improved. - Although the head can be detached from the handle by means of a tool passing directly through the second holes 9 in the handle, a
specific device 20 for attaching and detaching the head is proposed in the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 19-27 , thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head comprises alower housing 21 and anupper housing 23 pivotally mounted to thelower housing 21. Theupper housing 23 is pivoted relative to the lower housing to open or close thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head. Thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head further includes alining component 25 mounted to thelower housing 21. Ahead attaching cavity 27 is formed in thelining component 25 to accommodate thehead 5 to be attached.Steps 27 a are formed on the inner wall of thehead attaching cavity 27. In the preferred embodiment, thesteps 27 a are formed at the longitudinal ends of thehead attaching cavity 27, but it should be understood that it is also feasible that thesteps 27 a are formed at the longitudinal sides of thehead attaching cavity 27. As shown inFIG. 29 , when thehead 5 is placed in thehead attaching cavity 27, the edge portion of thebody 11 of thehead 5 is supported on thesteps 27 a, thereby holding thehead 5 in thehead attaching cavity 27 in place. Preferably, thelining component 25 may also be formed with afirst recess 29 opening to thehead attaching cavity 27 and for accommodating a portion of thehandle 3. - The
lining component 25 is also formed with ahead detaching cavity 31 to accommodate the head attached to the handle and a portion of the handle.Steps 31 a are formed on the inner wall of thehead detaching cavity 31. In the preferred embodiment, thesteps 31 a are formed at the longitudinal ends of thehead detaching cavity 31, but it should be understood that it is also feasible that thesteps 31 a are formed at both longitudinal sides of thehead detaching cavity 31. As shown inFIG. 34 , when thehead 5 attached to the handle is placed in thehead detaching cavity 31, thehandle 3 is supported on thesteps 31 a but thebody 11 of thehead 5 is located in the inside of thesteps 31 a, thereby holding thehead 5 attached to the handle in thehead detaching cavity 31 in place. Preferably, thelining component 25 may also be formed with asecond recess 33 opening to thehead detaching cavity 31 and for accommodating a portion of thehandle 3. - The
lining component 25 may also formed with a cleaningbrush accommodating cavity 35 for accommodating a cleaningbrush 37. The cleaningbrush 37 may be used to clean the toothbrush, in particular, to remove dirt that may be trapped between thehead 5 and thehandle 3. In the preferred embodiment, the cleaningbrush accommodating cavity 35 is formed between thehead attaching cavity 27 and thehead detaching cavity 31, but it should be understood that the cleaningbrush accommodating cavity 35 may be formed at other locations, for example, at the end side of thehead attaching cavity 27 and thehead detaching cavity 31, as shown inFIG. 38 . - The
lining component 25 may also formed with ahead accommodating cavity 39 formed for accommodating aspare head 5. Throughholes 41 corresponding to the protruding plugs 15 on thebody 11 may be formed in the bottom wall of thehead accommodating cavity 39 to accommodate the protrudingplug 15 on thebody 11 so that thespare head 5 is securely placed in thehead accommodating cavity 39. In the preferred embodiment, there are two head accommodatingcavities 39 arranged on either side of thehead attaching cavity 27 and thehead detaching cavity 31 respectively, but it should be understood that thehead accommodating cavity 39 may be more or less than two and may be arranged in other locations. - The
lower housing 21 is formed with aboss 45 with a central cavity 43 and aprojection 49 with a snap-inportion 47. Apositioning post 51 and aprojection 55 with anopening 53 are formed correspondingly on the bottom side of thelining component 25. By inserting thepositioning post 51 on the bottom side of thelining component 25 into the central cavity 43 of theboss 45 on thelower housing 21, thelining component 25 can be quickly positioned relative to thelower housing 21. By further pressing thelining component 25 downwardly, the snap-inportion 47 of theprojection 49 on thelower housing 21 can be received in theopening 53 of theprojection 55 on the bottom side of thelining component 25, thereby reliably mounting thelining component 25 to thelower housing 21, as shown inFIG. 27 . It should be understood that thelining component 25 may also be mounted to thelower housing 21 in other ways. Further, although in the preferred embodiment thelining component 25 is formed separately from thelower housing 21, it is also feasible that thelining component 25 is formed integrally with thelower housing 21. - A protruding
pressing portion 57 is formed on a surface of theupper housing 23 facing thelower housing 21 or thelining component 25 at a location corresponding to thehead attaching cavity 27. In the preferred embodiment, thepressing portion 57 is formed in a hollow lattice shape, but it may be in other shapes as long as pressure can be applied to the handle by the pressing portion. Protruding pushingposts 59 are formed on the surface of theupper housing 23 facing thelower housing 21 or thelining component 25 at a location corresponding to thehead detaching cavity 31. The number and position of the pushingposts 59 correspond to the number and position of the second holes 9 in thehandle 3. The pushing posts 59 may pass freely through the second holes 9. In addition, locking means are formed on thelower housing 21 and theupper housing 23, for example aprotrusion 61 formed on thelower housing 21 and a notch formed in theupper housing 23 to receive theprotrusion 61, so as to reliably lock thelower housing 21 and theupper housing 23 together when thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head is not in use. The components of thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head may be substantially injection molded from a plastic material. -
FIGS. 28-32 are schematic views showing the attachment of thehead 5 using thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head. The process of attaching the head using thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head will be described below in connection withFIGS. 28-32 . Firstly, theupper housing 23 is pivoted relative to thelower housing 21 to open thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head, and then thehead 5 is placed in thehead attaching cavity 27 with the protrudingplug 15 on thebody 11 facing upwardly, as shown inFIG. 28 . Next, thehandle 3 is placed on thehead 5 so that thefirst holes 7 on thehead attaching portion 3 b of thehandle 3 align with the protruding plugs 15 on thehead 5, as shown inFIG. 29 . Subsequently, theupper housing 23 is pivoted to a position in which it is closed with thelower housing 21, as shown inFIG. 30 . Next, theupper housing 23 is pressed downwardly so that thepressing portion 57 on theupper housing 23 contacts thehead attaching portion 3 b of thehandle 3 and applies a downward force to thehead attaching portion 3 b of thehandle 3. Since thebody 11 is supported on thesteps 27 a of thehead attaching cavity 27, the protruding plugs 15 on thehead 5 pass through thefirst holes 7 in thehead attaching portion 3 b, thereby attaching thehead 5 to thehandle 3 as shown inFIG. 31 . Finally, theupper housing 23 is pivoted again with respect to thelower housing 21 to open thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head, and the assembled toothbrush 1 is removed and ready for use, as shown inFIG. 32 . -
FIGS. 33-38 are schematic views showing the detachment of thehead 5 using thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head. The process of detaching the head using thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head will be described below in connection withFIGS. 33-38 . Firstly, theupper housing 23 is pivoted relative to thelower housing 21 to open thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head, and then thehead 5 attached to thehandle 3 is placed in thehead detaching cavity 31 with thehandle 3 facing upwardly, as shown inFIGS. 33 and 34 . Next, theupper housing 23 is pivoted to a position in which it is closed with thelower housing 21 as shown inFIG. 35 . Next, theupper housing 23 is pressed downwardly so that the pushingposts 59 on theupper housing 23 pass through the second holes 9 in thehead attaching portion 3 b, contact thebody 11 and applies a downward force to thebody 11. Since thehandle 3 is supported on thesteps 31 a of thehead detaching cavity 31, the pushingposts 59 on theupper housing 23 causes the protruding plugs 15 on thehead 5 to disengage from thefirst holes 7 on thehead attaching portion 3 b, thereby detaching thehead 5 from thehandle 3, as shown inFIG. 36 . Finally, theupper housing 23 is pivoted again with respect to thelower housing 21 to open thedevice 20 for attaching and detaching the head and remove thehandle 3 and thehead 5 that have been separated from each other, as shown inFIG. 37 . -
FIG. 38 is a variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIGS. 19-27 . The device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 38 differs from the device for attaching and detaching the head described in connection withFIGS. 19-27 only in that the cleaningbrush accommodating cavity 35 is formed on the end side of thehead attaching cavity 27 and thehead detaching cavity 31. -
FIG. 39 is another variant of the device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIGS. 19-27 . The device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 39 differs from the device for attaching and detaching the head described in connection withFIGS. 19-27 only in that it does not include a head accommodating cavity for accommodating the spare head. -
FIG. 40 is further variant of the device for attaching and detaching head shown inFIGS. 19-27 . The device for attaching and detaching the head shown inFIG. 40 differs from the device for attaching and detaching the head described in connection withFIGS. 19-27 only in that the cleaningbrush accommodating cavity 35 is formed on the end side of thehead attaching cavity 27 and thehead detaching cavity 31 and that it does not include a head accommodating cavity for accommodating the spare head. - Further, it should be understood that the arrangement of bristles of the spare head stored in the head accommodating cavity is not limited to that shown in the preferred embodiment.
- The device for attaching and detaching head according to the present invention allows the attachment and the detachment of the head to be labor-savingly, easily and efficiently conducted.
- Although the present invention has been described in detail in connection with preferred embodiments, it should be understood that such detailed description is intended only to illustrate the present invention and does not constitute any limit to the present invention. For example, the protruding plugs may be formed on the handle and the holes for receiving the protruding plugs are formed in the body of the head. It is also feasible that the device for attaching and detaching the head do not include the head attaching cavity and the corresponding pressing portion or the head detaching cavity and the corresponding pushing posts. In this way, the device has only one function of the attachment and the detachment. Thus, the scope of the invention is defined by the technical solutions in the claims.
Claims (21)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CN2019/098321 WO2021016843A1 (en) | 2019-07-30 | 2019-07-30 | Toothbrush and device for mounting and/or demounting a toothbrush head |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20240081518A1 true US20240081518A1 (en) | 2024-03-14 |
Family
ID=74229582
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/607,116 Pending US20240081518A1 (en) | 2019-07-30 | 2019-07-30 | Toothbrush And Device For Mounting And/Or Demounting A Toothbrush Head |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20240081518A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4005432A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2022543181A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20220043075A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2019459070A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3136731A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2021013007A (en) |
SG (1) | SG11202111849UA (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021016843A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11553781B2 (en) * | 2021-06-14 | 2023-01-17 | Salman Choudhry | Collapsible toothbrush and case |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19624962A1 (en) * | 1996-06-22 | 1998-01-02 | Coronet Werke Gmbh | Toothbrush with replaceable brush part |
JPH1099133A (en) * | 1996-09-26 | 1998-04-21 | Hiroshi Fukuba | Electric toothbrush |
US20040237995A1 (en) * | 2003-05-29 | 2004-12-02 | Oved Mualem | Reusable compactable toothbrush assembly with disposable toothpaste, dental floss and tongue cleaner |
CN201079130Y (en) * | 2007-08-07 | 2008-07-02 | 蔡思锐 | Head changeable tooth brush |
KR101494941B1 (en) * | 2008-07-15 | 2015-02-23 | 톰슨 라이센싱 | Electronic apparatus and associated disassembly release tool |
CN201468392U (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2010-05-19 | 王芳 | Toothbrush with removable brush head |
KR101173642B1 (en) * | 2010-05-25 | 2012-08-13 | (주)연우 | Make-up cosmetic case with a mascara detachable of brush |
EP2873343B1 (en) * | 2013-11-13 | 2024-01-24 | The Gillette Company LLC | Oral care implement and method for manufacturing the same |
CN204033526U (en) * | 2014-08-22 | 2014-12-24 | 宁波赛嘉电器有限公司 | A kind of Multi-function portable box |
CN204363268U (en) * | 2015-01-04 | 2015-06-03 | 陕西科技大学 | A kind of toothbrush with toothpaste |
-
2019
- 2019-07-30 MX MX2021013007A patent/MX2021013007A/en unknown
- 2019-07-30 US US17/607,116 patent/US20240081518A1/en active Pending
- 2019-07-30 JP JP2021571391A patent/JP2022543181A/en active Pending
- 2019-07-30 WO PCT/CN2019/098321 patent/WO2021016843A1/en unknown
- 2019-07-30 AU AU2019459070A patent/AU2019459070A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-07-30 SG SG11202111849UA patent/SG11202111849UA/en unknown
- 2019-07-30 CA CA3136731A patent/CA3136731A1/en active Pending
- 2019-07-30 KR KR1020217042250A patent/KR20220043075A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2019-07-30 EP EP19939877.7A patent/EP4005432A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA3136731A1 (en) | 2021-02-04 |
WO2021016843A1 (en) | 2021-02-04 |
SG11202111849UA (en) | 2021-11-29 |
JP2022543181A (en) | 2022-10-11 |
EP4005432A1 (en) | 2022-06-01 |
AU2019459070A1 (en) | 2021-11-11 |
KR20220043075A (en) | 2022-04-05 |
MX2021013007A (en) | 2021-12-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
KR101804482B1 (en) | Replaceable head toothbrush bristles | |
KR101987341B1 (en) | Vibrating toothbrush | |
FR2835154A3 (en) | Sandal has sole with fixing holes, recesses containing fastening blocks and storage recess for separating tool, insole having studs which fit into fixing holes and upper having clips cooperating with fastening blocks | |
JP4406625B2 (en) | Electric toothbrush that can be fitted with a general-purpose toothbrush | |
JP2000024009A (en) | Brush toothpick | |
JP2002518072A (en) | Toothbrush with replaceable part | |
US20240081518A1 (en) | Toothbrush And Device For Mounting And/Or Demounting A Toothbrush Head | |
CN211510862U (en) | Device for mounting and/or dismounting a toothbrush head and toothbrush kit | |
KR100808449B1 (en) | Attachment and deattachment structure for separable tooth brush | |
KR20090083007A (en) | Screw driver for medical treatments | |
US20220395085A1 (en) | Device For Attaching And Detaching A Toothbrush Head And Toothbrush Kit | |
CN1822800A (en) | Electric device for interdental cleaning and for treating teeth and gingivae | |
CN112293931B (en) | Device for mounting and/or dismounting a toothbrush head and toothbrush kit | |
JP4515714B2 (en) | toothbrush | |
CN212185603U (en) | Toothbrush, device for mounting and dismounting toothbrush head and toothbrush set | |
US20110154603A1 (en) | Integral structure of cotton yarn strips and a circular frame body of a mop | |
KR20140132638A (en) | Vibrating toothbrush | |
KR200171064Y1 (en) | Tooth brush having a detachable head portion | |
TWM589035U (en) | Detachable toothbrush | |
JP2004154269A (en) | Toothbrush | |
KR100551626B1 (en) | Toothbrush with a replaceable brush part | |
US20080057843A1 (en) | Holding device for a rotary tool | |
JP3096084U (en) | Removable toothbrush | |
KR20140132637A (en) | Vibrating toothbrush having a screw-combined structure | |
US20110000042A1 (en) | Integral structure of cotton yarn strips and a circular frame body of a mop |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WORLD WIDE DAILY HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED, HONG KONG Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TO, CHUN YUEN;REEL/FRAME:057945/0048 Effective date: 20210907 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: YU, MO MAN, HONG KONG Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WORLD WIDE DAILY HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:059277/0557 Effective date: 20220301 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: YU, MO MAN, HONG KONG Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WORLD WIDE DAILY HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:059920/0667 Effective date: 20220301 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |