WO2008115926A1

WO2008115926A1 - Improved mouth cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2008115926A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/057363
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heekyoung Jo
Original assignee: Heekyoung Jo
Priority date: 2007-03-19
Filing date: 2008-03-18
Publication date: 2008-09-25
Also published as: US20100146724A1; CA2680286A1; EP2136673A1; KR20090122280A; JP2010522031A; EP2136673A4

Abstract

Certain embodiments provide toothbrushes and/or other cleaning devices for contacting and cleaning teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and orthodontic appliance in an oral cavity. Certain embodiments provide a mouth cleaning device. The device includes a handle portion for holding and maneuvering the mouth cleaning device in an oral cavity. The device also includes a cleaning head portion including a core and a plurality of cleaning elements extending radially around the core, the core attached to the handle portion.

Description

IMPROVED MOUTH CLEANING DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[01] This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/987410, filed on November 13, 2007; No. 60/911899, filed on April 15, 2007; No. 60/895683, filed on March 19, 2007; No. 60/895669, filed on March 19, 2007; No. 60/987409, filed on November 13, 2007, 60/979405, filed on October 12, 2007; and No. 60/911901, filed on April 15, 2007, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[02] The present invention generally relates to design and use of a tooth and gum cleaning device. More particularly, the present invention relates to design and use of improved toothbrush devices for cleaning teeth, gums, and/or orthodontic appliances.

BACKGROUND

[03] People without fixed orthodontic appliances may find conventional toothbrushes adequate in removing plaque. However, orthodontic patients with fixed devices, such as braces, face unique challenges in the removal of plaque around these devices and the surrounding teeth and gingiva or gums. It is not uncommon for the level of plaque removal in these types of patients to be unacceptable, as the presence of fixed orthodontic appliances prevents conventional toothbrushes from reaching areas around and under the devices where plaque accumulates. A great deal of manual dexterity is therefore required on the part of the patient to properly remove plaque using a conventional toothbrush. The consequences of improper dental care may include various forms of tooth decay. Therefore, there is a need for a toothbrush that can remove plaque that is inaccessible or difficult to reach with a conventional toothbrush in the home or within a dental care practitioner' s office. [04] Further, different areas of the mouth involve different types of cleaning. Different tooth and gum locations in the mouth, such as mesial (e.g., situated toward the middle of the front of the jaw along the curve of the dental arch), distal (e.g., situated farthest from the middle and front of the jaw, as with a tooth or tooth surface), proximal (e.g., a surface of a tooth facing a centerline of the palate), interproximal (e.g., between the proximal surfaces of adjoining teeth), interdental (e.g., of or relating to the relationship between the proximal surfaces of teeth of the same arch), etc., can benefit from different brush configurations. Gingiva or gums are divided into marginal (e.g., surrounding a tooth), attached, and interdental areas, each involving different exposure and access considerations.

[05] Current interdental brushes are specialized devices designed only to clean between teeth by pushing a flat protrusion between the teeth in an action similar to flossing. Interdental brushes may be inserted when orthodontal devices are in place on the teeth. However, such interdental brushes are only somewhat effective in cleaning and do not reach all areas of teeth and gums. Additionally, such brushes fail to clean around and in the orthodontal devices. Conventional proximal brushes attempt to clean outward tooth surfaces and are rendered less effective by the presence of orthodontic appliances, such as dental braces, which deflect or push aside bristles, thus preventing or at least reducing cleaning in and around the orthodontic appliance and affected tooth and gum areas.

[06] Luposello U.S. Patent No. 5,537,708 discloses one known toothbrush for use in cleaning an orthodontic appliance that includes a head having a plurality of upwardly extending bristles. Two elongate brush members perpendicularly overlie the plurality of bristles. Both of the elongate brush members include an unattached end for insertion between orthodontic wires and an opposing end that is connected to a handle of the toothbrush. Luposello does not disclose any upwardly extending bristles that display omnidirectional cleaning capabilities, nor are any of the upwardly extending bristles combined with horizontally or vertically extending omnidirectional cleaning members in the same cleaning plane. [07] Massetti U.S. Patent No. 4,317,463 discloses another known toothbrush that comprises a handle with a cleaning portion on one end thereof. The cleaning portion includes opposing side members having one or more swabs extending transversely therebetween. The swab members are rotatable and include a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. Massetti describes such rotatable swabs and does not contemplate utilizing non-rotatable cleaning elements. Rotatable cleaning elements slip on the surface to be cleaned, such as a tooth or orthodontic appliance surface. Rotating tends to bend the bristles, rather than keeping them relatively straight. Bent bristles do not reach pockets between teeth for thorough cleaning. Additionally, rotating bristles form a curve around the tooth rather than effectively contacting and cleaning the tooth and surrounding tissue/spaces. Further, the rigid side members holding the swabs with transversely extending bristles are not as effective in orienting the bristles between the teeth, gingiva, and orthodontic appliances, as toothbrushes with more resilient, i.e., elastically deformable, holding elements are.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[08] Certain embodiments provide toothbrushes and/or other cleaning devices for contacting and cleaning teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, and orthodontic appliances in an oral cavity.

[09] Certain embodiments provide a mouth cleaning device. The device includes a handle portion for holding and maneuvering the mouth cleaning device in an oral cavity. The device also includes a cleaning head portion attached to the handle portion and including two parallel legs each having a plurality of cleaning elements projecting multi-directionally from the leg.

[10] Certain embodiments provide a toothbrush for cleaning an oral cavity and associated orthodontic appliances. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle. The toothbrush also includes a cleaning head connected to and extending from one end of the handle. The cleaning head includes a plurality of cleaning elements extending from a core of the cleaning head to form a plurality of substantially circular arrangements around the core. The cleaning head is arranged to provide a plurality of lengths of the core at angles to one another. Each length includes cleaning elements for cleaning of different areas of teeth, tissue, and orthodontic appliances in the oral cavity.

[11] Certain embodiments provide an oral and orthodontic appliance cleaning device. The device includes a handle. The device also includes a brushing head including a core and a plurality of bristles extending radially from the core to form a plurality of substantially circular bristle patterns around the core. The plurality of bristles is arranged to contact and assist in cleaning of teeth, tissue, and orthodontic appliances in an oral cavity through manipulation of the handle to guide the brushing head. The brushing head is arranged to reach over teeth to contact tissue and tooth surface behind posterior teeth in an oral cavity as well as clean with respect to the orthodontic appliance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[12] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like part throughout the drawings. The embodiments shown in the drawings are presented for purposes of illustration only. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and features shown in the attached drawings.

[13] Fig. 1 shows an example of an oral cavity including distal areas of posterior teeth and mesial and distal areas of an edentulous portion of the oral cavity.

[14] Fig. 2 illustrates exemplary mesial-distal cleaners according to embodiments of the present invention.

[15] Figs. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate positioning of a mesial-distal cleaner with respect to areas of an oral cavity in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[16] Fig. 6 illustrates adjusting or angling of a neck portion of a cleaning device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. [17] Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary mouth cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[18] Figs, 8, 9, and 10 depict different view of a mouth cleaning device head in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[19] Fig. 11 shows various applications of a mouth cleaning device to clean teeth and gums in an oral cavity in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[20] Fig. 12 illustrates a configuration of a mouth cleaning device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[21] Fig. 13 illustrates alternative configurations of a mouth cleaning device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[22] Figs. 14, 15, and 16 depict mouth cleaning device tip configurations according to embodiments of the present invention.

[23] Fig. 17 a variety of neck configurations according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[24] Fig. 18 illustrates a mouth cleaning device including two parallel, unconnected legs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[25] Figs. 19, 20, 21, and 22 show a plurality of views of a toothbrush including a wire twist brush loop added to a conventional toothbrush in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[26] Figs. 23, 24 and 25 illustrate positioning and access to different tooth and gum areas of a mouth by a toothbrush with wire twist brush loop added to a conventional toothbrush in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[27] Fig. 26 illustrates examples of wire twist brush loop shapes in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. [28] Fig. 27 shows a removably attachable wire twist brush loop according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[29] Figs. 28, 29, and 30 illustrate various attachments of a wire twist brush loop to a toothbrush body in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[30] Fig. 31 illustrates a plurality of wire twist brush loop configurations according to embodiments of the present invention.

[31] Fig. 32 illustrates modified toothbrush body accepting a wire twist brush loop according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[32] Fig. 33 shows examples of a wire twist brush loop structure according to embodiments of the present invention.

[33] Figs. 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38 illustrate exemplary wire twist brushes added to the body of toothbrushes and positioned with respect to the body in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[34] Fig. 39 illustrates a removable mechanism for attaching a wire twist brush to a toothbrush body in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[35] Fig. 40 illustrates embedded ends of a wire twist brush in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[36] Fig. 41 illustrates an example of an auxiliary tooth cleaning device attached to a toothbrush in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[37] Fig. 42 illustrates an exemplary oral cavity cleaning device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[38] Fig. 43 shows exemplary variations in head and bristle design according to embodiments of the present invention. [39] Fig. 44 depicts variations of a tip of a cleaning head in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[40] Fig. 45 shows examples of variations of an angle or bend in a cleaning head according to embodiments of the present invention.

[41] Fig. 46 demonstrates variations in a neck of an oral cavity cleaning device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[42] Fig. 47 shows examples of bends in a head and neck according to embodiments of the present invention.

[43] Fig. 48 illustrates an orientation of exemplary brushes in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[44] Fig. 49 shows some examples of brush cross-sections in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[45] Certain embodiments provide tooth, orthodontic appliance, gingival (gum), tongue, and/or cheek cleaning devices. Certain embodiments provide an oral cleaning device including a plurality of bristles arranged to contact surfaces of teeth and gums as well as going around and under braces or other orthodontic appliances rather than being deflected away from the orthodontic appliances. Non-rotating cleaning elements are better suited to cleaning teeth, gingiva, other oral tissue (e.g., tongue and cheek), and orthodontic appliances at least in part because the cleaning elements do not slip on the surface to be cleaned. Certain embodiments provide cleaning devices for reaching teeth, gums, tongue, cheek, and orthodontic appliances in proximal, interproximal, interdental, and/or other areas. Cleaning elements may be used to clean teeth, tongue, cheek, and gums, as well as reaching between, inside, and/or around wires, undercuts, and/or other areas of orthodontic appliances (such as dental braces), for example. [46] A cleaning device can be constructed to include a cleaning portion or head and a handle. The head and handle can be connected by a neck, for example. In certain embodiments, the cleaning device handle and head are formed using conventional injection molding techniques. In certain embodiments, a cleaning device may be fabricated from multiple components. Bristles and/or other cleaning elements may be attached to the head by gluing, tying, stapling, thermoforming, fusion, welding, etc. Cleaning elements, head, and handle may also be jointly formed using a single- or multiple-step injection molding process, for example.

[47] In certain embodiments, bristles and/or other cleaning elements in the device head may be formed from wire strands, microfibers, thermoplastic material, such as a co-polymer or synthetic polymer (e.g., nylon or polyester), and the like. Thickness and/or length of bristles and/or other cleaning elements may be varied based on desired oral contact area, cleaning abrasiveness, and/or other criterion, for example. In various embodiments, a number of cleaning elements, such as primary, secondary, and/or omnidirectional cleaning elements, may be provided.

[48] In certain embodiments, brushing or cleaning elements, such as bristles, contact areas around and under orthodontic appliances, such as dental braces, rather than being deflected away from the braces. In certain embodiments, bristles reach around and/or behind teeth to access and clean hard-to-reach portions of teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums in the mouth to clean plaque and other debris. The brushing head is arranged to reach over teeth to contact tissue and tooth surface behind posterior teeth, for example, in an oral cavity as well as clean with respect to the orthodontic appliance.

[49] In a variety of configurations, many of which are described below, cleaning elements formed in a head portion may be arranged in a substantially or approximately curved arc or angled U- or V-shape formed by a core/neck around which bristles radially extend to form substantially circular cleaning elements. The core/neck is attached or affixed to the handle. The cleaning head may be implemented at a variety of angles. The cleaning head may lie in the same plane as the handle portion of the device and/or may be positioned in a different plane (e.g., extending upward and outward at a certain angle from the handle). In certain embodiments, angles may be introduced into the head to provide cleaning elements within multiple planes in the head portion. For example, a proximal portion of the head may be positioned in substantially the same plane as the head portion while a distal portion of the head angles upward to a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the distal portion of the head.

[50] Certain embodiments describing variations in oral cleaning device design and use will be provided in more detail below.

[51] Mesial-Distal Cleaner

[52] Posterior teeth (teeth located in the back of the mouth) and related gums, as well as mesial and/or distal areas of the edentulous (i.e., toothless or tooth- free) section of the mouth, are very hard to clean and are therefore prone to contract periodontal disease. With commonly available tooth brushes, even using different bristle heights and various angles of bristle projection, it is challenging to clean these areas of the mouth. Current interdental brushes and conventional toothbrushes are designed in such a way that it is not efficient to clean these problem areas. Certain embodiments provide a Mesial-Distal Cleaner designed to improve cleaning the distal area of the end tooth of the dentition (i.e., the arrangement of teeth in the mouth) as well as the mesial and distal areas of the edentulous section. For purposes of illustration, Fig. 1 provides an example of distal areas of the posterior teeth, and mesial and distal areas of a toothless or edentulous portion of a mouth.

[53] A Mesial-Distal Cleaner 200 includes a head 210, a neck 220, and a handle 230. The head 210 includes a core with bristles projecting multi-directionally, such as but not limited to a twisted wire brush, a cylinder brush or other similarly shaped device made of a plastic or rubbery material having bristles or similar cleaning elements extending from a core in a substantially circular pattern, for example. Fig. 2 shows some examples of the mesial-distal cleaner device in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the device 200 has a section of the head 210 that is perpendicular to the long axis of the handle 230 (indicated as "A" in Fig. T). Section A of the head 210 is used to clean the mesial and distal areas described above (as shown, for example, in Fig. 3). The head 210 also includes a section (labeled "B" in Fig. 2), which helps to reduce contact between the teeth and the core and which can be used to clean the lingual area of the front teeth (e.g., the tooth area close to the tongue, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4). As shown in Fig. 5, the device 200 reaches the distal surfaces of a tooth, gum tissue near the distal surface of the tooth, and between the gum tissue and the distal surface of the tooth. The device 200 can also be used to clean a surface of the tongue and/or cheeks. Fig. 6 demonstrates that the neck portion 210 of the cleaner device 200 can be bent by a user to facilitate access to difficult areas of teeth and gums and to make brushing more comfortable.

[54] In operation, for example, a user grasps the handle 230 of the cleaning device 200 and uses both sections A and B of the head 210 to reach and clean varying areas of the teeth and gums. Bristles in the head 210 also allow for contact with teeth to clean surfaces of posterior teeth and tissue behind them, for example. The configuration of the bristles extending radially around a core of the head 210 and a distribution of the head 210 as shown in sections A and B helps to facilitate such cleaning for the benefit of the user.

[55] Mouth Cleaning Device

[56] Certain embodiments provide a variation on a mouth cleaning device. A Mouth Cleaning Device (MCD) 700 includes a head 710, a neck 720, and a handle 730. The head 710 includes a core with bristles projecting multi-directionally, such as but not limited to a wire brush. The wire brush can be replaced with a cylinder brush or other similar shaped device made of a rubbery or plastic material, for example.

[57] Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary MCD 700 with a head 710, a neck 720, and a handle 730. Figs. 8, 9, and 10 depict different views of the head 710 illustrated from viewpoint a in Fig. 7, viewpoint b in Fig. 8, and viewpoint c in Fig. 10. Figs. 8, 9, and 10 show various examples of MCD 700 configurations. The bristle lengths can be uniform or variable to facilitate a better access to areas between teeth, around the braces, and between teeth and gums, for example. The wire brush can be bent such that the bristles can approach the tooth surfaces, areas between the teeth, and gums more easily. Fig 11 shows various applications of the MCD 700 to clean teeth and gums, for example.

[58] The neck 720 connects the bristle portion or head 710 to the handle 730. Fig. 12 demonstrates that two ends of the wire brush can be joined together before the brush head 710 is embedded into the handle 730. Fig. 13 shows that two ends of the wire brush can be embedded separately into the handle 730. Fig. 14 illustrates a device 700 configuration wherein only one end 720 of the wire brush 710 is embedded into the handle 730, and the other end can accommodate other tooth cleaning devices. In Fig 15, an interproximal toothbrush 740 is configured into the tip of the loose end of the MCD 700 with shorter bristles. The interproximal toothbrush portion 740 can be made of thinner wire and/or bristles with different stiffness and/or lengths, for example. Examples of other accessory cleaning devices are shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 17 demonstrates that the neck 720 can be straight, curved or bent to connect the head 710 to the handle 730 in various dimensions. The length of the neck 720 can vary and it can appear as an extension of the handle 730, for example. The handle 730 can be straight or curved for ease of use as seen in commercially available toothbrushes. Fig. 18 illustrates a variation of the MCD 700 wherein the two parallel wire legs 712, 714 do not connect at the tip.

[59] In certain embodiments, the head 710 and/or neck 720 can be adjusted or bent by a user to achieve the comfort and/or efficiency of his or her choosing. The wire portion of the head 710 can include plastic shields and/or other coating to reduce discomfort and/or to protect teeth or soft tissue in the event of contact, for example. [60] In operation, for example, a user grasps the handle 730 and manipulates the head 710 in an oral cavity to access teeth, tongue, cheeks, and/or gums using the plurality of bristles extending along the length of the head 710. The configuration of the head 710 allows the user to access and clean interproximal areas of the teeth, gums, and cheek, as well as other areas of the oral cavity including in and around orthodontic appliances.

[61] Wire Twist Brush Loop Toothbrush

[62] In certain embodiments, a bendable Wire Twist Brush (WTB) loop is added to a commercially available toothbrush to allow better and easier access to an inside arch of the upper and lower anterior teeth and the back of the most posterior teeth.

[63] In certain embodiments, a WTB loop 1910 can be attached to a toothbrush head 1920 as shown in Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. A three dimensional drawing is shown in Fig. 21. As indicated in Fig. 19, the loop 1910 may be configured to move and be adjustable in a variety of positions with respect to the brush head 1920 in order to contact desired areas in the mouth.

[64] In certain embodiments, the WTB loop 1910 can be bent easily with finger pressure. Depending on the position of the WTB loop 1910, it can access specific areas of the mouth more easily. For example, as shown in Fig. 22, the WTB loop 1910 allows typical brushing using the head 1920 without interference from the loop 1910. As positioned in Fig. 23, the WTB loop 1910 can access an inside arch of the upper and lower anterior teeth. In Fig. 24, the WTB loop 1910 is positioned to access a back surface of the most posterior teeth. As shown in Fig. 25, bristles of the WTB loop 1910 can be positioned to access inside corners between the teeth.

[65] Thus, depending on the preference and manual dexterity of the user, the position of the WTB loop 1910 can be adjusted at varying angles.

[66] In certain embodiments, the shape of the WTB loop 1910 can be altered three dimensionally with finger pressure to enhance cleaning and contact in the mouth based on user preference. Examples are shown in Fig. 26. [67] In certain embodiments, the bendable WTB loop 1910 can be removable from its position on the toothbrush head 1920. As an example, in Fig. 27, tips 1930 of the loop 1910 can include an attachment or male portion and the brush body 1920 can include one or more receptacle or female portions 1940 to accept the loop tips 1930. The female part(s) 1940 may be adjustable, for example, to accept the tips 1930 of the loop 1910.

[68] Female parts 1940 can be placed anywhere on the brush body 1920. The female or receptacle parts can be designed in such a way that the position of the WTB loop 1910 can be adjusted and locked in a desired position.

[69] In order to be used with a commercially available toothbrush without a receptacle or attachment point, the WTB loop 1910 can be shaped, for example, as shown in Fig. 28. An exemplary method of assembly is shown in Fig. 29. Two ends 1930 of the device 1910 can be used to fasten the device 1910 securely to the plastic body 1920. The loose ends 1930 are bent close to the plastic body 1910 to avoid interfering with regular brushing.

[70] In certain embodiments, tips 1930 of the WTB loop 1910 can be embedded securely in the brush body 1920 to prevent the loop 1910 from coming out despite being bent back and forth for usage and storage. Examples of shapes of the tips 1930 of the WTB loop 1910 to enhance anchorage in the body 1920 are shown in Fig. 30.

[71] In certain embodiments, the WTB loop 1910 can be used independently without being combined with a commercially available toothbrush (see, e.g., Fig. 31). More than one WTB loop 1910 can be used with a handle 1920, such as a wire brush loop in a plastic handle.

[72] As illustrated, for example, in Fig. 32, the body or handle 1920 of a toothbrush 1900 can be modified to accept the ends 1930 of the WTB loop 1910 in order to locate the WTB loop 1910 in different areas of the brush 1900.

[73] In certain embodiments, a variety of similar devices (e.g., a core with laterally projecting spurs having uniform and/or variable lengths) can be substituted for the WTB loop 1910. Flexibility can be built into the material for the loop itself and/or in the assembly structure. Examples are shown in Fig. 33.

[74] In operation, for example, both the loop 1910 and the toothbrush head 1920 can be used to clean areas of the mouth. A user can position the loop 1910 with respect to the head 1920 to access back surfaces of posterior teeth, as well as inside arches of the upper and lower anterior teeth. The wire brush loop 1910 can be used in conjunction with the brushing head 1920 to clean teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and orthodontic appliances through various positioning and movement.

[75] Teeth Cleaning Device

[76] In certain embodiments, a Wire Twist Brush (WTB) 3410 may be added to the body 3420 of a commercially available toothbrush 3400 as shown in Fig. 34. When not in use, the WTB 3410 can be tucked or bent down and held near the brush body 3420 under a hook 3450 (indicated, for example, by position A in Fig. 34 and also shown in Fig. 35). A user may take out the brush 3410 when the brush 3410 is to be used (indicated, for example, by B position in Fig. 34).

[77] The hook 3450, under which the WTB 3410 can be positioned, may be formed of a solid material such as a metal or plastic (such as the same material as the plastic body of the toothbrush). Examples of the hook 3450 are shown in Fig 36.

[78] In certain embodiments, the WTB 3410 can be positioned anywhere on the brush body 3420. Some examples are provided in Fig. 37.

[79] In certain embodiments, the brush body 3420 (e.g., a plastic brush body or handle) can be modified slightly to lower a profile of the WTB 3410 and/or to prevent the WTB 3410 from interfering with typical brushing with body bristles when the WTB 3410 is not being used. As examples, Fig. 38 illustrates a first embodiment wherein the WTB 3410 is positioned in a recess or depression 3460 in the body 3420 and a second embodiment wherein the WTB 3410 is positioned behind a protrusion 3470 of the body 3420. [80] In certain embodiments, an attachment mechanism to attach the WTB 3410 to the body 3420 can be fixed and/or removable. In a fixed mechanism, a bristle-less end of the WTB 3410 is embedded in the toothbrush body 3420. In a removable mechanism, the WTB 3410 can be attached to the body 3420 via male/female connection (see, e.g., Fig. 39). Other removable fastening mechanisms can be used.

[81] In certain alternative embodiments, an embedded end 3430 of the WTB 3410 (without bristle) is anchored in the body 3410 mechanically so that the end 3430 is secure when the WTB 3410 is being bent back and forth. Examples are shown in Fig. 40.

[82] In certain embodiments, other types of auxiliary tooth cleaning device can be attached to a commercially available toothbrush in a manner as explained above. An example is shown in Fig. 41.

[83] In operation, for example, bristles on the brush body 3420 may be used to clean teeth, gums, and other areas in an oral cavity. The WTB 3410 can be positioned to additionally clean between and around teeth, orthodontic appliances, tongue, cheeks, etc., in the user's mouth. Thus, the body bristles and wire brush compliment each other to provide a thorough cleaning.

[84] Oral Cavity Cleaning Device

[85] Certain embodiments provide an Oral Cavity Cleaning Device (OCCD) including a head, a neck and a handle.

[86] Fig. 42 illustrates an exemplary OCCD 4200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The OCCD 4200 includes a head 4210, a neck 4220, and a handle 4230. The head 4210 can be made of a core with bristles projecting multi-directionally from the core.

[87] Fig. 43 illustrates variations of the head 4210 and bristle design. For example, the head 4210 can be a twist wire brush, a cylinder brush, or similarly- shaped device made of a rubbery material. The core can be non-bendable or can be bendable for users to adjust the shape of the device. [88] Fig. 44 depicts variations of the tip 4215 of the head 4210. For example, the tip 4215 can include a plastic cap at the end of the head 4210. The tip 4215 can include additional bristles continuing along and around the head 4210, for example. The tip 4215 can include a different material from the material used in the bristles 4217 to provide a different contact surface and cleaning structure from the primary bristles 4217 in the head 4210, for example.

[89] Fig. 45 shows examples of variations of an angle or bend that can be incorporated in the head 4210 to facilitate cleaning. The neck 4220 connects the head 4210 to the handle 4230. In certain embodiments, the neck 4220 can be bendable and slightly flexible. Fig. 46 demonstrates variation of the neck 4220. The head 4210 and neck 4220 of the OCCD 4200 can be bent by a user to achieve comfort and/or efficiency of the user's choosing. Examples of some bends are shown in Fig.47.

[90] In certain embodiments, the handle 4230 can be straight or curved for the ease of the user, as seen in commercially available toothbrushes.

[91] In certain embodiments, the wire portion of the head 4210 can include plastic shields or coating to reduce discomfort and/or to protect teeth or soft tissue from contact by the wire, for example.

[92] In operation, the OCCD 4200 can be used to clean various areas of an oral cavity, including but not limited to the interdental areas. Unlike available interdental brushes, the OCCD 4200 covers more areas than a single interdental area (see, for example, the brush and tooth illustrations in Fig. 45). The OCCD 4200 can also cover various parts of the oral cavity such as cheek tissue, teeth, and gum simultaneously.

[93] When the OCCD 4200 is compared to a conventional toothbrush that has a plastic head with vertically projecting bristles on only one side of the head, the OCCD' s built-in flexibility from a twisted wire head helps minimize damage to the teeth, such as cervical abrasion of the teeth.

[94] Multi-stiffness Brush [95] Certain embodiments provide a multi- stiffness brush. The brush includes a core and projections from the core that extend multi-directionally from the core. Examples include but are not limited to a twisted wire brush. Bristles (or projections) can be cut selectively in such a way that the brush provides surfaces with different degrees of flexibility and stiffness of the bristles. Fig. 48 illustrates a brush 4800 having a core 4810 and bristles 4815 extending from the core 4810 in accordance with an embodiment. Fig. 48 demonstrates an orientation of the brush 4800. Fig. 49 shows some examples of brush cross-sections to demonstrate varying lengths, thicknesses, and orientations. The brush, for example, can be used to clean different parts of the oral cavity such as teeth, tongue, cheek, palate, and gum more efficiently because it has different stiffness, length, etc., built-in.

[96] In certain embodiments, a multi-length/multi-stiffness brush can be applied to one or more of the embodiments discussed above.

[97] Examples shown herein are provided only to illustrate and explain certain embodiments of the present invention. There can be other ways to accomplish the same goal that fall within the scope of the present invention, and examples shown are not meant to limit the devices and methods to realize the invention.

[98] As a further example, one or more of the embodiments described below may be implemented separately and/or in combination to provide a cleaning device for a mouth including teeth, gums, tongue, cheek, and orthodontic appliance. Several design alternatives are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11/559,265, filed on November 13, 2006, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[99] The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[100] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to the formation of a variety of oral cleaning devices. Certain features of the embodiments of the claimed subject matter have been illustrated as described herein; however, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Additionally, while several device components and relationships between device components have been described in detail, it is contemplated by those of skill in the art that several of the described components and/or embodiments may be combined and/or used apart from other components and/or embodiments, and/or that additional features and/or relationships between features may be established and still be in accordance with the claimed subject matter. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the embodiments of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A mouth cleaning device, said device comprising: a handle portion for holding and maneuvering the mouth cleaning device in an oral cavity; and a cleaning head portion attached to the handle portion and including two parallel legs each having a plurality of cleaning elements projecting multi-directionally from the leg.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning head portion comprises a portion connected the two parallel legs to provide a curved cleaning head portion having a plurality of lengths including cleaning elements.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning head portion comprises a plurality of segments extending in multiple planes with respect to a long axis of the device.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning head portion is positionable by a user with respect to the handle portion.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning head portion includes a first section of the cleaning head portion parallel to long axis of the handle portion and a second section of the cleaning head portion perpendicular to long axis of the handle portion.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning head portion is arranged at an angle to the handle portion and lies in a plane separate from the handle portion.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the two parallel legs of the cleaning head portion further comprise two unconnected legs, each leg including a core and a plurality of cleaning elements extending radially around the core, each leg attached to the handle portion.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein each leg comprises a tip including a second type of cleaning element distinct from a first type of cleaning element extending from the longitudinal axis of the leg.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cleaning elements comprises a plurality of bristles.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cleaning elements are of a plurality of lengths.

11. A toothbrush for cleaning an oral cavity and associated orthodontic appliance, the toothbrush comprising: an elongated handle; and a cleaning head connected to and extending from one end of the handle, the cleaning head including a plurality of cleaning elements extending from a core of the cleaning head to form a plurality of substantially circular arrangements around the core, the cleaning head arranged to provide a plurality of connected segments of the core at angles to one another, each segment including cleaning elements for cleaning of different areas of teeth, tissue, and orthodontic appliance in the oral cavity.

12. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the cleaning head includes a first section of the cleaning head, including cleaning elements, parallel to a long axis of the handle and a second section of the cleaning head perpendicular to long axis of the handle.

13. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the cleaning head is arranged at an angle to the handle and lies in a plane separate from the handle.

14. The toothbrush of claim 11 , wherein the cleaning head is positionable by a user with respect to the handle.

15. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said plurality of cleaning elements comprises a plurality of bristles.

16 The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said plurality of cleaning elements are of a plurality of lengths.

17. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said plurality of segments of said core form a substantially U- or V-shaped head.

18. An oral and orthodontic cleaning device, the device comprising: a handle; a brushing head including a core and a plurality of bristles extending radially from the core to form a plurality of substantially circular bristle patterns around the core, the plurality of bristles arranged to contact and assist in cleaning of teeth, tissue, and orthodontic appliance in an oral cavity through manipulation of the handle to guide the brushing head, wherein the brushing head is arranged to reach over teeth to contact tissue and tooth surface behind posterior teeth in an oral cavity as well as clean with respect to the orthodontic appliance.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the brushing head is arranged substantially in a U- shape with bristles extending along at least a portion of each of the three lengths forming the U- shape.

20. The device of claim 10, wherein a length of the U-shape at the distal end of the cleaning device and brushing head is positioned in a plane distinct from a plane containing the handle of the cleaning device.