WO1995010959A1 - Toothbrush with resiliently flexible head - Google Patents

Toothbrush with resiliently flexible head Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1995010959A1
WO1995010959A1 PCT/GB1994/002289 GB9402289W WO9510959A1 WO 1995010959 A1 WO1995010959 A1 WO 1995010959A1 GB 9402289 W GB9402289 W GB 9402289W WO 9510959 A1 WO9510959 A1 WO 9510959A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
handle
toothbrush
cleaning head
neck
head
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1994/002289
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gursharan Singh Matharu
Original Assignee
Addis Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Addis Limited filed Critical Addis Limited
Publication of WO1995010959A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995010959A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
    • A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
    • A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
    • A46B5/0062—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body being flexible or resilient during use
    • A46B5/0066—Flexible resilience by elastic deformation of the material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
    • A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
    • A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
    • A46B5/0062—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body being flexible or resilient during use
    • 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

Definitions

  • This invention relates to improvements in toothbrushes.
  • toothbrushes which have mechanical means to allow flexing of the toothbrush handle to vary the pressure applied to the teeth and gums of the user.
  • An aim of the present invention is to overcome the above disadvantage and to provide an improved toothbrush which allows flexing in all directions.
  • a toothbrush comprising a handle, a tootha cleaning head and a neck between the cleaning head and handle, wherein the cleaning head can flex in all directions relative to the handle.
  • the handle has resilient means between the handle and cleaning head to facilitate flexing of the head relative to the handle.
  • the resilient means may be formed integrally with the handle.
  • the handle may be formed with at least one elongated slot, the flexibility of which can be adjustable by a slideable sleeve.
  • a toothbrush comprising a handle a cleaning head and a neck between the cleaning head and handle wherein the cleaning head is made of multiple materials.
  • the multiple materials comprise bristles and foam plastics material.
  • a toothbrush comprising handle, a cleaning head, and a neck between the cleaning head and handle, wherein the cleaning head bristles have a shaped cleaning surface to enhance the cleaning of the teeth of the user.
  • Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a first embodiment of a toothbrush according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of a second embodiment of a toothbrush
  • Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a toothbrush
  • Fig. 6 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the toothbrush
  • Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 6;
  • Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7;
  • Fig. 9 is a plan view of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 10 is a fragmentary plan view, partly in section, of a fifth embodiment of the toothbrush.
  • Fig. 11 is a fragmentary plan view, partly in section, of a sixth embodiment of a toothbrush.
  • Fig. 12 is a side elevation of a seventh embodiment of the toothbrush.
  • Fig. 13 is a side elevation of the toothbrush shown in Figure 12 with the head portion rotated through 180°, and
  • Fig 14 is fragmentary side elevation of a toothbrush cleaning head having a different shaped surface trim.
  • the first embodiment of the improved toothbrush shown in Figs. 1 and 2 comprises an ergonomically shaped handle 1 with a slim neck 2 leading into a cleaning head 3.
  • the handle is assymetric in shape so that it is offset at 5 from the centre line 6 (see Fig. 2).
  • the neck is integrally formed with grooves 8.
  • the ergonomically shaped handle permits a comfortable and positive grip to apply pressure in all directions to flex the neck 2.
  • the long slim neck 2 and the relatively narrow shape of the cleaning head 3, which is rounded at the corners, allow access to all parts of the user's mouth to reach the rear teeth without harming sensitive gums.
  • the handle 1 has an integrally formed three pronged portion enabling the neck 2 to flex in all directions.
  • the three-pronged portion has two sections 9 in the lateral plane whilst the third prong 10 spans the gap along the handle's centre line 6. This structure allows for pronounced flexibility in lateral plane of the neck 2 and head 3.
  • the third embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5 comprises a plastics handle 1 divided into two parts 11 and 12 by a knuckle portion 3 forming a thumb grip, each part 11 and 12 has longitudinal slots 14 and 15 moulded to make it a light weight and flexible at the handle and neck.
  • the cleaning head 3 has a multiple material cleaning surface which may be made up of a central area 16 of bristles with inset areas 17 of foam plastics material to enhance the cleaning action by massaging the gums of the user.
  • These two pronged handle and neck sections leading to a slim tapered head 3 allow the head and neck to flex relative to the handle in all directions but primarily in the vertical and horizontal directions.
  • the fourth embodiment shown in Figs. 6 and 7 comprises a slotted handle 1 and neck 2 portions separated by a securing element 18 which secures a replaceable head and neck section to a separate handle section 1.
  • the two sections each have releasable means to connect them as, for example, hereinafter described with reference to Fig. 10.
  • the end of the handle 1 has a dial indicator 19 to rotate, indicating the length of use, i.e. marked in three monthly divisions which can be set by the user to remind him/her of the time to replace the cleaning head section 2.
  • the handle section 1 has a modification of a two-part slideable finger grip 20 to reinforce and alter the flexibility of the handle section as required by the user.
  • Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate a modified embodiment of the toothbrush shown and described in Figs. 6 and 7.
  • the handle 1 is moulded with two limbs 21 and 22 separated by a longitudinal slot 23.
  • a two-part slide 24 is snap-fitted on the limbs of the handle which are also moulded with side ribs 25 to locate and lock the slide 24 along the handle as shown in chain-dotted line in Fig. 9.
  • the action of moving the slide along the length of the handle will adjust the flexibility of the head 3 and neck 2 as required by the user.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates an example of a releasable connection between the handle 1 and the neck 2 and head 3 sections.
  • the handle is made with a threaded spigot 26 which is slotted with an axial hole 27 for receiving a pin 28 formed integral with the neck 2.
  • a threaded sleeve 29 Surrounding the threaded spigot 26 is a threaded sleeve 29 which closes on the slotted spigot 26 which acts as a collet and grips the pin 28.
  • the handle 1 has a central hole 30 with a circular socket 31 for receiving the dome-shaped end 32 of a spigot 33 formed integral with the neck 2.
  • an elastomeric sleeve 34 is interposed between the handle and spigot 33. This construction is used with an interchangeable head design.
  • the sleeve 34 is fed over the dome 32 and is snap fitted into the socket 31 in the handle.
  • the double collar 35 on the sleeve can then act as a cushion to allow the neck and head to flex in all directions relative to the handle.
  • the seventh embodiment of the toothbrush illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 comprises an ergonomically shaped handle 1 which receives a replaceable head 3 and neck 2 section which fits with a friction grip in the handle.
  • the head 3 and neck 2 may be rotated through 180° to the position shown in Figure 13 to change the angle of the head relative to the handle enabling different parts of the mouth to be reached.
  • the join between the handle 1 and neck 2 may be constructed in accordance with either of the embodiments shown in Figures 10 or 11.
  • Figure 14 illustrates a fragmentary view of the head of sculptured trimming of the bristles 36 formed with three sculptured sections 37 with two intermediate and two end points 38.

Landscapes

  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

A toothbrush is described comprising a handle (1), a tooth cleaning head (3) and a neck (2) between the cleaning head (3) and handle (1) the cleaning head (3) is flexible in all directions relative to the handle (1). The flexibility is facilitated by a resilient means which may take various forms such as grooves (8) formed in the neck (2), a slot (14, 15) formed in the neck (2) and/or handle (1). A member (20, 24) slideable axially of the slotted handle (1) of the toothbrush can alter the flexibility of the slotted handle (1). In a modified construction, the handle (1) can be formed separately from the head (3) and neck (2) by an insert (26, 34) of resilient plastics material.

Description

TOOTHBRUSH WITH RESILIENTLY FLEXIBLE HEAD
This invention relates to improvements in toothbrushes.
Various toothbrushes are available which have mechanical means to allow flexing of the toothbrush handle to vary the pressure applied to the teeth and gums of the user.
Although many of these are effective in the flexing of the handle in the direction of the bristle tufts the have the disadvantage that they do not allow for a sideways flexing which is required to prevent harsh pressure against the gums in an up and down direction of the brushing stroke.
An aim of the present invention is to overcome the above disadvantage and to provide an improved toothbrush which allows flexing in all directions.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a toothbrush comprising a handle, a tootha cleaning head and a neck between the cleaning head and handle, wherein the cleaning head can flex in all directions relative to the handle. Preferably, the handle has resilient means between the handle and cleaning head to facilitate flexing of the head relative to the handle.
The resilient means may be formed integrally with the handle.
Conveniently, the handle may be formed with at least one elongated slot, the flexibility of which can be adjustable by a slideable sleeve.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising a handle a cleaning head and a neck between the cleaning head and handle wherein the cleaning head is made of multiple materials.
Conveniently, the multiple materials comprise bristles and foam plastics material.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a toothbrush comprising handle, a cleaning head, and a neck between the cleaning head and handle, wherein the cleaning head bristles have a shaped cleaning surface to enhance the cleaning of the teeth of the user.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a first embodiment of a toothbrush according to the invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of a second embodiment of a toothbrush;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a toothbrush;
Fig. 6 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the toothbrush; Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7;
Fig. 9 is a plan view of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a fragmentary plan view, partly in section, of a fifth embodiment of the toothbrush;
Fig. 11 is a fragmentary plan view, partly in section, of a sixth embodiment of a toothbrush;
Fig. 12 is a side elevation of a seventh embodiment of the toothbrush;
Fig. 13 is a side elevation of the toothbrush shown in Figure 12 with the head portion rotated through 180°, and
Fig 14 is fragmentary side elevation of a toothbrush cleaning head having a different shaped surface trim.
The first embodiment of the improved toothbrush shown in Figs. 1 and 2 comprises an ergonomically shaped handle 1 with a slim neck 2 leading into a cleaning head 3. The handle is assymetric in shape so that it is offset at 5 from the centre line 6 (see Fig. 2). To facilitate the flexing of the handle relative to the head 3 in the direction of the axis of bristles 7, the neck is integrally formed with grooves 8.
The ergonomically shaped handle permits a comfortable and positive grip to apply pressure in all directions to flex the neck 2. The long slim neck 2 and the relatively narrow shape of the cleaning head 3, which is rounded at the corners, allow access to all parts of the user's mouth to reach the rear teeth without harming sensitive gums.
In the second embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4 the handle 1 has an integrally formed three pronged portion enabling the neck 2 to flex in all directions. The three-pronged portion has two sections 9 in the lateral plane whilst the third prong 10 spans the gap along the handle's centre line 6. This structure allows for pronounced flexibility in lateral plane of the neck 2 and head 3.
The third embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5 comprises a plastics handle 1 divided into two parts 11 and 12 by a knuckle portion 3 forming a thumb grip, each part 11 and 12 has longitudinal slots 14 and 15 moulded to make it a light weight and flexible at the handle and neck.
In this embodiment the cleaning head 3 has a multiple material cleaning surface which may be made up of a central area 16 of bristles with inset areas 17 of foam plastics material to enhance the cleaning action by massaging the gums of the user. These two pronged handle and neck sections leading to a slim tapered head 3 allow the head and neck to flex relative to the handle in all directions but primarily in the vertical and horizontal directions.
The fourth embodiment shown in Figs. 6 and 7 comprises a slotted handle 1 and neck 2 portions separated by a securing element 18 which secures a replaceable head and neck section to a separate handle section 1. The two sections each have releasable means to connect them as, for example, hereinafter described with reference to Fig. 10. The end of the handle 1 has a dial indicator 19 to rotate, indicating the length of use, i.e. marked in three monthly divisions which can be set by the user to remind him/her of the time to replace the cleaning head section 2. The handle section 1 has a modification of a two-part slideable finger grip 20 to reinforce and alter the flexibility of the handle section as required by the user.
Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate a modified embodiment of the toothbrush shown and described in Figs. 6 and 7. In this modification the handle 1 is moulded with two limbs 21 and 22 separated by a longitudinal slot 23. A two-part slide 24 is snap-fitted on the limbs of the handle which are also moulded with side ribs 25 to locate and lock the slide 24 along the handle as shown in chain-dotted line in Fig. 9. The action of moving the slide along the length of the handle will adjust the flexibility of the head 3 and neck 2 as required by the user.
Fig. 10 illustrates an example of a releasable connection between the handle 1 and the neck 2 and head 3 sections. The handle is made with a threaded spigot 26 which is slotted with an axial hole 27 for receiving a pin 28 formed integral with the neck 2. Surrounding the threaded spigot 26 is a threaded sleeve 29 which closes on the slotted spigot 26 which acts as a collet and grips the pin 28.
In a sixth embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the handle 1 has a central hole 30 with a circular socket 31 for receiving the dome-shaped end 32 of a spigot 33 formed integral with the neck 2. Interposed between the handle and spigot 33 is an elastomeric sleeve 34 with a double collar 35. This construction is used with an interchangeable head design.
To assemble the toothbrush the sleeve 34 is fed over the dome 32 and is snap fitted into the socket 31 in the handle. The double collar 35 on the sleeve can then act as a cushion to allow the neck and head to flex in all directions relative to the handle.
The seventh embodiment of the toothbrush illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 comprises an ergonomically shaped handle 1 which receives a replaceable head 3 and neck 2 section which fits with a friction grip in the handle. The head 3 and neck 2 may be rotated through 180° to the position shown in Figure 13 to change the angle of the head relative to the handle enabling different parts of the mouth to be reached. The join between the handle 1 and neck 2 may be constructed in accordance with either of the embodiments shown in Figures 10 or 11.
Various shaped toothbrush bristles have been proposed with a combination of stiff and soft bristles to reach the crevices between the teeth.
Figure 14 illustrates a fragmentary view of the head of sculptured trimming of the bristles 36 formed with three sculptured sections 37 with two intermediate and two end points 38.

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. A toothbrush comprising a handle, a tooth cleaning head and a neck between the cleaning head and handle, wherein the cleaning head can flex in all directions relative to the handle.
2. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the handle has resilient means between the handle and cleaning head to facilitate flexing of the head relative to the handle.
3. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the resilient means is integrally formed with the handle.
4. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the resilient means is an elastomeric sleeve encircling the handle.
5. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handle is made in two parts.
6. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 5, wherein a resilient sleeve is inserted between the two parts.
7. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handle has at least one elongated slot formed in the handle between the head and the part of the handle gripped by the thumb and fore finger.
8. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the flexbility of the handle is adjustable by a sleeve slideable in the at least one slot.
9. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the sleeve can be held in one of a number of selected positions to adjust the flexibility of the handle.
10. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handle has adjustable indicator means to register the length of use of the toothbrush.
11. A toothbrush comprising a handle, a cleaning head and a neck between the cleaning head and handle wherein the cleaning head is made of multiple materials.
12. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the multiple materials comprise bristles and foam plastics material.
13. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 11 or 12, wherein the multiple materials are arranged in selected areas of the cleaning head.
14. A toothbrush comprising a handle, a cleaning head and a neck between the cleaning head and handle, wherein the cleaning head bristles have a shaped cleaning surface to enhance the cleaning of the teeth of the user.
15. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the shaped cleaning surface is curved inwardly.
PCT/GB1994/002289 1993-10-19 1994-10-19 Toothbrush with resiliently flexible head WO1995010959A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9321540A GB2282959B (en) 1993-10-19 1993-10-19 Improvements in or relating to toothbrushes
GB9321540.8 1993-10-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1995010959A1 true WO1995010959A1 (en) 1995-04-27

Family

ID=10743776

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1994/002289 WO1995010959A1 (en) 1993-10-19 1994-10-19 Toothbrush with resiliently flexible head

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2282959B (en)
WO (1) WO1995010959A1 (en)

Cited By (37)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001043582A1 (en) * 1999-12-17 2001-06-21 Jordan As Toothbrush device
WO2001043580A1 (en) 1999-12-14 2001-06-21 Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare Gmbh & Co Kg Toothbrush
DE102006002332A1 (en) * 2006-01-18 2007-07-19 Synpart Ag Toothbrush e.g. for cleaning teeth, has grasp and brush head made from plastic and brush head has bristles and two divided mobile head segments
DE102006013272A1 (en) * 2006-03-21 2007-10-04 Wilden Handels Ag Toothbrush and method for its manufacture
DE102006026165A1 (en) * 2006-06-06 2007-12-13 Markus Denniger Hand or electrical toothbrush, has body divided into upper and lower segments that are axially movable into each other, where elastic material is inserted between upper and lower segments for producing pendulum-like oscillating movements
US8578544B2 (en) 2007-02-02 2013-11-12 The Gillette Company Oral hygiene implements having flexible elements, and methods of making the same
JP2016016186A (en) * 2014-07-09 2016-02-01 花王株式会社 Cosmetic applicator
USD780457S1 (en) 2014-12-23 2017-03-07 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10021959B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2018-07-17 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having multi-component handle
US10182644B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2019-01-22 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10226118B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2019-03-12 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having multi-component handle
US10426250B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2019-10-01 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10455931B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2019-10-29 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10595628B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2020-03-24 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10660430B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2020-05-26 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having multi-component handle
US10687610B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2020-06-23 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10743646B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2020-08-18 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10842255B2 (en) 2017-12-20 2020-11-24 The Gillette Company Llc Oral care implement
US11229281B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2022-01-25 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US11291293B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2022-04-05 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US11375802B2 (en) 2017-12-20 2022-07-05 The Gillette Company Llc Oral care implement
US11382409B2 (en) 2018-02-09 2022-07-12 The Gillette Company Llc Connector for a manual oral care implement
US11388984B2 (en) 2017-12-20 2022-07-19 The Gillette Company Llc Oral care implement
US11388985B2 (en) 2018-02-09 2022-07-19 The Gillette Company Llc Connector for a manual oral care implement
US11400627B2 (en) 2018-02-09 2022-08-02 The Gillette Company Llc Method for manufacturing an oral care implement
US11399622B2 (en) 2017-12-20 2022-08-02 The Gillette Company Llc Oral care implement
USD960582S1 (en) 2020-12-10 2022-08-16 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care refill head
US11517412B2 (en) 2017-12-12 2022-12-06 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US11553784B2 (en) 2019-03-29 2023-01-17 The Gillette Company Llc Head for an oral care implement and oral care implement
US11553782B2 (en) 2018-02-09 2023-01-17 The Gillette Company Llc Manual oral care implement
US11571060B2 (en) 2018-09-03 2023-02-07 The Gillette Company Llc Head for an oral-care implement and a kit comprising such head
US11659922B2 (en) 2018-09-03 2023-05-30 The Gillette Company, LLC. Head for an oral-care implement and a kit comprising such head
US11672633B2 (en) 2019-11-06 2023-06-13 The Gillette Company, LLC. Handle for an electrically operated personal care implement
USD997567S1 (en) 2018-12-18 2023-09-05 Colgate-Palmolive Company Electric toothbrush
US11833004B2 (en) 2017-12-12 2023-12-05 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement and handle and refill head thereof
US11865748B2 (en) 2018-02-09 2024-01-09 The Gillette Company Llc Connector
USD1044284S1 (en) 2017-12-12 2024-10-01 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1097655A3 (en) * 1995-08-22 2003-02-12 Colgate-Palmolive Company Toothbrushes
GB2338648A (en) * 1998-06-25 1999-12-29 Sophia Basi Cleaning device with resilient head mounting
UY26128A1 (en) * 1999-04-29 2000-12-29 Colgate Palmolive Co TOOTHBRUSH THAT HAS A CONTROLLED MOVEMENT OF ITS HEAD
US6292973B1 (en) * 1999-04-29 2001-09-25 Robert Moskovich Toothbrush having controlled head movement
GB9929400D0 (en) * 1999-12-14 2000-02-09 Smithkline Beecham Gmbh & Co Toothbrush
FR2911260A1 (en) * 2007-01-11 2008-07-18 Omar Khabouze Identifiable tooth-brush for use by e.g. adult, has handle carrying identification tag, where tooth-brush is removable using head connected to tip of handle, and is movable by plastic elastic joint which connects tooth-brush to handle
EP2759227B1 (en) * 2009-03-18 2016-10-05 Braun GmbH Toothbrush
US20120291212A1 (en) * 2011-05-16 2012-11-22 Montagnino James G Resonant vibration-enhancing cleaning attachment for an ultrasonic powered handle
KR101486003B1 (en) * 2014-10-10 2015-01-26 이희돈 Toothbrush

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE260612C (en) *
GB438091A (en) * 1933-11-24 1935-11-11 Charles Munch Improvements in tooth brushes with an arrangement for massaging the gums
DE8622144U1 (en) * 1986-08-19 1987-06-19 Lingner + Fischer GmbH, 7580 Bühl toothbrush
WO1988003772A1 (en) * 1986-11-29 1988-06-02 Menadier Heilmittel Gmbh Toothbrush
DE8814824U1 (en) * 1988-11-29 1989-06-29 Blendax GmbH, 6500 Mainz Toothbrush with a deflection part having a deflection profile
EP0331139A1 (en) * 1988-03-03 1989-09-06 Blendax GmbH Toothbrush
DE3923495C1 (en) * 1989-07-15 1991-01-24 M + C Schiffer Gmbh, 5466 Neustadt, De

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2185930B (en) * 1986-01-29 1989-11-22 Audrey Phyllis Weston Toothbrush holders
MX169377B (en) * 1986-12-04 1993-06-30 Ronald William Klinkhammer DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TEETH CLEANING
GB8807673D0 (en) * 1988-03-31 1988-05-05 Lingner & Fischer Gmbh Novel article
US5001803A (en) * 1989-03-20 1991-03-26 Discko John Jr Disposable dental brush
ATE171852T1 (en) * 1990-06-15 1998-10-15 Humphries Victor A TOOTHBRUSH
DE4019313C1 (en) * 1990-06-16 1991-08-29 Robert 4350 Recklinghausen De Heuckmann
US5146645A (en) * 1991-03-01 1992-09-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Toothbrush employing resiliently buckling arch to indicate excessive brushing pressure
DE69231824T2 (en) * 1991-03-27 2001-11-15 Smithkline Beecham Consumer Healthcare Gmbh Toothbrush with a resilient zone between the toothbrush head and a surrounding frame
CA2056858C (en) * 1991-11-07 2000-07-18 Kenneth J. Hegemann Self-adjusting three sided toothbrush and method of manufacture

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE260612C (en) *
GB438091A (en) * 1933-11-24 1935-11-11 Charles Munch Improvements in tooth brushes with an arrangement for massaging the gums
DE8622144U1 (en) * 1986-08-19 1987-06-19 Lingner + Fischer GmbH, 7580 Bühl toothbrush
WO1988003772A1 (en) * 1986-11-29 1988-06-02 Menadier Heilmittel Gmbh Toothbrush
EP0331139A1 (en) * 1988-03-03 1989-09-06 Blendax GmbH Toothbrush
DE8814824U1 (en) * 1988-11-29 1989-06-29 Blendax GmbH, 6500 Mainz Toothbrush with a deflection part having a deflection profile
DE3923495C1 (en) * 1989-07-15 1991-01-24 M + C Schiffer Gmbh, 5466 Neustadt, De

Cited By (48)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001043580A1 (en) 1999-12-14 2001-06-21 Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare Gmbh & Co Kg Toothbrush
JP2004538029A (en) * 1999-12-14 2004-12-24 グラクソスミスクライン・コンシューマー・ヘルスケア・ゲゼルシャフト・ミット・ベシュレンクテル・ハフツング・ウント・コムパニー・コマンディットゲゼルシャフト toothbrush
US6990706B2 (en) 1999-12-14 2006-01-31 Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare Gmbh & Co Kg Toothbrush
CN100349536C (en) * 1999-12-14 2007-11-21 葛兰素史密斯克兰消费者保健股份有限公司 Toothbrush
WO2001043582A1 (en) * 1999-12-17 2001-06-21 Jordan As Toothbrush device
DE102006002332A1 (en) * 2006-01-18 2007-07-19 Synpart Ag Toothbrush e.g. for cleaning teeth, has grasp and brush head made from plastic and brush head has bristles and two divided mobile head segments
DE102006013272A1 (en) * 2006-03-21 2007-10-04 Wilden Handels Ag Toothbrush and method for its manufacture
DE102006026165A1 (en) * 2006-06-06 2007-12-13 Markus Denniger Hand or electrical toothbrush, has body divided into upper and lower segments that are axially movable into each other, where elastic material is inserted between upper and lower segments for producing pendulum-like oscillating movements
DE102006026165B4 (en) * 2006-06-06 2014-10-23 Frauke Denniger toothbrush
US8578544B2 (en) 2007-02-02 2013-11-12 The Gillette Company Oral hygiene implements having flexible elements, and methods of making the same
US9504312B2 (en) 2007-02-02 2016-11-29 The Gillette Company Llc Oral hygiene implements having flexible elements, and methods of making the same
JP2016016186A (en) * 2014-07-09 2016-02-01 花王株式会社 Cosmetic applicator
US10182644B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2019-01-22 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10687610B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2020-06-23 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US11779102B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2023-10-10 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10226118B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2019-03-12 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having multi-component handle
US10426250B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2019-10-01 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10455931B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2019-10-29 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10595628B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2020-03-24 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
USD883676S1 (en) 2014-12-23 2020-05-12 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement and portions thereof
US10660430B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2020-05-26 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having multi-component handle
US10021959B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2018-07-17 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having multi-component handle
US10743646B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2020-08-18 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10835026B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2020-11-17 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
USD780457S1 (en) 2014-12-23 2017-03-07 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US11229281B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2022-01-25 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US11291293B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2022-04-05 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
USD1004980S1 (en) 2014-12-23 2023-11-21 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US11833004B2 (en) 2017-12-12 2023-12-05 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement and handle and refill head thereof
USD1044284S1 (en) 2017-12-12 2024-10-01 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US11517412B2 (en) 2017-12-12 2022-12-06 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10842255B2 (en) 2017-12-20 2020-11-24 The Gillette Company Llc Oral care implement
US11653752B2 (en) 2017-12-20 2023-05-23 The Gillette Company, LLC. Oral care implement
US11375802B2 (en) 2017-12-20 2022-07-05 The Gillette Company Llc Oral care implement
US12048370B2 (en) 2017-12-20 2024-07-30 The Gillette Company Llc Manual toothbrush
US11399622B2 (en) 2017-12-20 2022-08-02 The Gillette Company Llc Oral care implement
US11388984B2 (en) 2017-12-20 2022-07-19 The Gillette Company Llc Oral care implement
US11382409B2 (en) 2018-02-09 2022-07-12 The Gillette Company Llc Connector for a manual oral care implement
US11388985B2 (en) 2018-02-09 2022-07-19 The Gillette Company Llc Connector for a manual oral care implement
US11553782B2 (en) 2018-02-09 2023-01-17 The Gillette Company Llc Manual oral care implement
US11865748B2 (en) 2018-02-09 2024-01-09 The Gillette Company Llc Connector
US11400627B2 (en) 2018-02-09 2022-08-02 The Gillette Company Llc Method for manufacturing an oral care implement
US11571060B2 (en) 2018-09-03 2023-02-07 The Gillette Company Llc Head for an oral-care implement and a kit comprising such head
US11659922B2 (en) 2018-09-03 2023-05-30 The Gillette Company, LLC. Head for an oral-care implement and a kit comprising such head
USD997567S1 (en) 2018-12-18 2023-09-05 Colgate-Palmolive Company Electric toothbrush
US11553784B2 (en) 2019-03-29 2023-01-17 The Gillette Company Llc Head for an oral care implement and oral care implement
US11672633B2 (en) 2019-11-06 2023-06-13 The Gillette Company, LLC. Handle for an electrically operated personal care implement
USD960582S1 (en) 2020-12-10 2022-08-16 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care refill head

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9321540D0 (en) 1993-12-08
GB2282959B (en) 1998-06-17
GB2282959A (en) 1995-04-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO1995010959A1 (en) Toothbrush with resiliently flexible head
US8533891B2 (en) Toothbrush that provides enhanced cleaning and comfort
EP1211962B9 (en) A handle for a toothbrush
US6601272B2 (en) Dental hygiene system handle
US12102220B2 (en) Oral care implement
US7458125B2 (en) Oral care implement
US4592109A (en) Toothbrush with a device for the perfect orientation of the bristles with respect to the surface of the teeth
EP2978341B1 (en) Oral care implement
US5898967A (en) Flexible toothbrush
CN100479782C (en) Improved electric toothbrush housing design
US5765254A (en) Toothbrush with flexible neck
EP0648448B1 (en) Tooth-brush having a head with a variable bending angle
JPH1014659A (en) Toothbrush
US20240122335A1 (en) Personal care implement

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BR FI NO US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase