WO2010114357A1 - Toothbrush with bristles in an isosceles configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a toothbrush comprising a plurality of bristles, where the plurality of bristles forms an isosceles configuration.

Description

TOOTHBRUSH WITH BRISTLES IN AN ISOSCELES CONFIGURATION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to toothbrushes, and more particularly to a toothbrush comprising a plurality of bristles, where the plurality of bristles form an isosceles configuration.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Bass method, a technique recommended by American Dental Association

(ADA), is a proper and effective tooth brushing technique and usually preferred by most dentists. The Bass method requires that the toothbrush head be positioned along the gum line at approximately a 45 degree angle. However, in order to attain the position with a conventional toothbrush, the upper most part of bristles has to be bent, resulting in tearing of the toothbrush in shorter time. In addition, many people especially illiterate or low profile in education do not understand how to get the right 45 degree angle position and thus are unable to brush their teeth effectively, leading to periodontal and dental diseases. [0003] Most common toothbrushes comprise a handle, a neck, and a flat head having same length bristles projecting from the head, where the neck bridges the handle and flat head. The tips (free ends) of the bristles in these conventional toothbrushes therefore lie generally in a plane. The design of a toothbrush with same length bristles is not particularly well suitable. Firstly, to adopt the accurate position of toothbrush is not easy for everyone, especially children; secondly, the bristles which contact the outer tooth surfaces and the outer surfaces of the gums below the gum line not only impede penetration of the remaining bristles but more likely to tear up the bristles in shorter period of time.

[0004] Many attempts have been made in the prior arts to provide varied designs of toothbrushes. US Patent 4,852,202 discloses a toothbrush comprising a plurality of bristles arranged perpendicular to the working surface of the brush head and a further plurality of bristles arranged at an angle with respect thereto of preferably 45°; such angled bristles promote cleansing of the gingival margin and the gingival sulcus without requiring the toothbrush head to be canted during brushing. However, the tips of all bristles still form a plane as that of conventional toothbrushes.

[0005] US Patent 5,511,275 discloses a toothbrush comprising bristles that have a generally "V" shaped side profile for improved interproximal cleaning without increasing gum irritation. However, the tips of bristles still form a plane as that of conventional toothbrushes. [0006] US Patent 6,202,241 discloses a brushhead for an acoustic powered toothbrush having a particular bristle configuration which includes a plurality of bristle portions arranged in four columns and eight rows, wherein the distal end of two adjacent rows and the proximal end of two adjacent rows both have longer bristles than the remaining bristle portions except for an intermediate row of bristle portions which are slightly longer than the longer bristle portions. In addition, the distal, intermediate and proximal bristle portions all have pointed bristle portion tips. However, the bristles have to be bent when the toothbrush is positioned along the gum line at approximately a 45 degree angle as required by the Bass method. [0007] US Patent 6,314,606 discloses a toothbrush having two head sections, the sections being normally biased to assume an angle with respect to each other, to thereby define a generally concave bristle tip configuration. However, the bristles have to be bent when the toothbrush is positioned along the gum line at approximately a 45 degree angle as required by the Bass method.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush comprising a plurality of bristles that come into contact with the teeth and gum line at a 45 degree angle without tilting the upper most part of bristles of toothbrush, thus providing the effective cleaning of teeth.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention provides a toothbrush comprising a handle for providing a gripping means for a user; a neck; and a head; wherein the neck bridges the handle and the head, and the handle, neck and head are arranged along a longitudinal axis; and wherein the head has a rectangular rounded corner shape with the longer dimension running along the longitudinal axis and the shorter dimension running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the two edges of the shorter dimension are defined as two sides of the head; wherein one surface of the head are arranged with rows of bristle tufts running along the longitudinal axis, and the rows of bristle tufts are deposited with bristles to form multiple rows of bristles, a center row at the center of the head, two outmost rows at the two sides of the head, two intermediate rows disposing between the center row and outmost rows; wherein the multiple rows of bristles tufts are of varying lengths of bristles with the center row having the longest bristles and the outmost rows having the shortest bristles so as to form two brushing surfaces in an isosceles configuration; and wherein the two brushing surfaces begin at the center along the longitudinal axis and slope downward perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. [0010] In another embodiment of the toothbrush, the two brush surfaces form 45 degree angles with respect to the horizontal plane of the head.

[0011] In another embodiment of the toothbrush, each individual bristle has two ends, one is secured to the head, and the other is free with a right triangular configuration. In a further embodiment of the toothbrush, the right triangular end of each bristle is formed at a 45 degree angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the head. [0012] In another embodiment of the toothbrush, the multiple rows of bristle tufts are five. In a further embodiment of the toothbrush, the bristles gradually increase approximately 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm in length in each tuft of each row.

[0013] In another embodiment of the toothbrush, the shortest bristle of the intermediate row is longer than the longest bristle of the outmost row whereas the shortest bristle of the center row is longer than the longest bristle of the intermediate row.

[0014] In another embodiment of the toothbrush, the outermost row has the shortest bristles approximately 5 mm in length and the center row has the longest bristle of approximately 14 mm in length. [0015] In another embodiment of the toothbrush, the most central bristles of the center row have equal length but their triangular hypotenuse face opposite each other.

[0016] In another embodiment of the toothbrush, the bristles of the outermost and intermediate row are uni-directed 45 degree angled bristles.

[0017] In another embodiment of the toothbrush, the bristles of the center row are bi-directed 45 degree angles bristles. [0018] The combinations of varying lengths of triangular shaped bristles ensure that the bristles always come into contact with the teeth and gums at a 45 degree angle. Also, the triangular shaped bristles inherently provide more surface area to come into contact with the teeth and gums and thus enhance the cleaning efficiency of the toothbrush. The sloping down the bristles at 45 degree angle make sure minimum tear up of bristle tips thus prolong the shelf life of said toothbrush.

[0019] The objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the Figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the bottom of the toothbrush in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the head of the toothbrush showing the square holes for bristle tufts in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0023] FIG. 3 is an elevated view as seen from the head end.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a front end elevated view of a single bristle from each row, i.e., outer, intermediate and central row of the toothbrush in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0025] FIG. 5 is a front sectional view of variable lengths of right triangular shaped bristles at free end only of a square form tuft.

[0026] FIG. 6 is front sectional view of the right triangular shaped bristles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0027] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention. [0028] Throughout this application, where publications are referenced, the disclosures of these publications are hereby incorporated by reference, in their entireties, into this application in order to more fully describe the state of art to which this invention pertains. [0029] The present invention provides an improved toothbrush with a novel configuration. In one embodiment, the toothbrush comprises a head, a neck and a handle, where the head, neck and handle are arranged along a single longitudinal axis. The head is generally rectangular with rounded corners and comprises five rows of bristles tufts. The bristles are of varying lengths and form two brushing surfaces. The two brushing surfaces begin at the longitudinal axis of the head, or centre, and slope downward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to form 45 degree angles with respect to the horizontal plane of the toothbrush head. Additionally, each individual bristle is uniquely formed with a right triangular at its free end. The triangular end of the bristle is also formed at a 45 degree angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the toothbrush head. [0030] The combinations of varying lengths of triangular shaped bristles ensure that the bristles always come into contact with the teeth and gums at a 45 degree angle. Also, the triangular shaped bristles inherently provide more surface area to come into contact with the teeth and gums and thus enhance the cleaning efficiency of the toothbrush. The sloping down of the bristles at 45 degree angle results in minimum tear up of bristle tips, thus prolonging the use life of the toothbrush.

[0031] Now referring to FIG. 1, there is provided a perspective view of toothbrush from its bottom in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush as shown in FIG. 1 comprises a head 12, a neck 14, and a handle 16, which are arranged along a single longitudinal axis 18. The head 12 is generally rectangular with rounded corners 20 and lies in a horizontal plane 22 of the longitudinal axis 18. The head 12 comprises a plurality of rows of bristles 24, which are disposed onto one surface of the head 12, where the one surface has a plurality of square form tufts 26 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Although shown in the illustrative examples in FIGs. 1 and 2 as five rows; it can be appreciated that the number of rows can be varied along with the size of the head 12 according to the need of users of different age groups and jaw sizes. [0032] Referring to FIG. 3, the bristles are configured in rows, from either side towards the centre, as an outer row 28, an intermediate row 30 and a central row 32 being disposed approximately along the longitudinal axis 18. The bristle rows 28, 30, 32 comprise a plurality of bristles at different lengths so that they form an overall triangular shape with two mirrored brushing surfaces 34. Regardless of the number of rows used, the center row 32 has always the longest bristle length. The intermediate row 30 is shorter than the center row 32 but longer than the outer row 28 which always has the bristles with the shortest length. In one preferred embodiment, the shortest length of bristles in outermost row is approximate 5 mm whereas the longest bristles in the central row are of approximate 14-16 mm length. Even the bristles 24 within a single tuft 26 are of different lengths depending on its placement along the horizontal plane 22 of the head 12 as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, the rows of bristles tufts 28, 30, 32 form two inclined brushing surfaces 34 which form 45 degree angles in relation to the horizontal plane 22 of the head 12.

[0033] Now referring to FIG. 4, there is provided another exemplary configuration of bristles of the toothbrush in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush comprises five rows of bristles, wherein the bristles 40 form the outermost row 28, the bristles 42 form the intermediate row 30, while the bristles 44a and 44b make up the central row 32, all of which have been sketched to illustrate the two mirrored surfaces 34 of the present invention. The free end 46 of each bristle is uniquely in right triangular shape where the hypotenuse 48 of the right triangle is in a 45 degree angle in relation to the horizontal plane 22 of the toothbrush head 12. The bristles 40, 42, 44a, 44b are disposed in the head 12 in such a way that the triangular end of bristles 40, 42, 44a, 44b align with the brushing surface 34. The 45 degree inclination of bristles coincides with the gum line and gives the bristles close approximation with teeth and gingiva without folding up of any part of bristles and thus the bristles are placed at 45 degree without any confusion of the user to clean the teeth effectively. Additionally, the tapered incline shape ensures even pressure on all bristles so the time period of effectiveness before tearing up of bristles is longer in the present invented toothbrush. The bristles 40, 42, 44a, 44b with right triangular ends 46, inherently get two mirrored surfaces 34 and provide more surface area to come into contact with the teeth and gums and thus enhance the cleaning efficiency of the toothbrush. The hypotenuse 48 of triangular end 46 of bristles 40, 42, from outer row 28 and intermediate row 30 respectively faces in either side but central row 32 has two sided hypotenuse as bristles 44a, 44b from central row 32 are shown in FIG. 4. Thus the head 12 of toothbrush gets a vertical isosceles triangle shape. [0034] A bristle tuft 26 consisting of bristles 24 of varying lengths is shown in FIG. 5. The length of bristles increases gradually with an approximate value of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. Therefore, referring to FIG. 4 again, varying length of bristles 40, 42, 44a and 44b are found in rows 28, 30, 32 where the shortest bristles 40 of 5 mm height are in outermost row 28 and most central two bristles 44a, 44b, of center row 32 have equal length of approximate 14-16 mm of height. [0035] Referring to FIG. 6 the bristles 40a, 40b from two outermost rows 28 of the toothbrush are shown. The bristles 40a, 40b of the present invention are right triangular shaped in their free end 46 where the hypotenuse 48 of right triangle is directed towards brushing surface 34. The bristles 40a and 40b are right triangular shape on free end 46 and non-right triangular on secured end 50, however the non-triangular part is much longer than triangular end of bristles as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0036] The above descriptions provide illustrations of the present invention on a hand-operated toothbrush or most commonly known as manual toothbrush. It is however understood that the embodiments provided above are provided by way of illustrations, not limitations. The present invention is also applicable on an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush may be operable based on vibrating, oscillating and sonic.

[0037] In one embodiment, the brush head of the electric toothbrush may be made relatively shorter with lesser rows of bristle tuft, with the bristles form an isosceles configuration. Also preferably, the isosceles configuration is also about 45 degree inclination. The isosceles configuration can be formed through the bristles of varying length. Further, it is also preferred that the free end (or tip) of the bristles is fabricated with an inclination surface that corresponds to the isosceles configuration. [0038] In another embodiment, the brush head of the electric toothbrush may comprise bristles or bristles tufts that can be arranged in a square manner. Similarly, the bristles are also fabricated with varying lengths to form a cone configuration. The cone configuration has longest bristles provided at the center and shortest at the out most row. It is also preferred that the free end of the bristles is fabricated with an inclination surface thereon. [0039] While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the invention scope is not so limited. Alternative embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Such alternate embodiments are considered to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and is supported by the foregoing description.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A toothbrush comprising: a handle (16) for providing a gripping means for a user; a neck (14); and a head (12); wherein the neck (14) bridges the handle (16) and the head (12), and the handle (16), neck (14) and head ( 12) are arranged along a longitudinal axis (18); and wherein the head (12) has a rectangular rounded corner shape with the longer dimension running along the longitudinal axis (18) and the shorter dimension running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (18), wherein the two edges of the shorter dimension are defined as two sides of the head (12); wherein one surface of the head ( 12) are arranged with rows of bristle tufts running along the longitudinal axis (18), and the rows of bristle tufts are deposited with bristles to form multiple rows of bristles, a center row at the center of the head (12), two outmost rows at the two sides of the head (12), intermediate rows disposing between the center row and outmost rows; wherein the multiple rows of bristles are of varying lengths of bristles with the center row having the longest bristles and the outmost rows having the shortest bristles so as to form two brushing surfaces in an isosceles configuration; and wherein the two brushing surfaces begin at the center along the longitudinal axis (18) and slope downward perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (18).

2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the two brush surfaces form 45 degree angles with respect to the horizontal plane of the head (12).

3. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein each individual bristle has two ends, one is secured to the head (12), and the other end is triangular configuration.

4. The toothbrush of claim 3, wherein the right triangular end of the bristles is formed at a 45 degree angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the head (12).

5. The toothbrush of claim 3, wherein the other end is a free end with a right triangular configuration.

6. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the multiple rows of bristles are five.

7. The toothbrush of claim 6, wherein the bristles gradually increase approximately 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm in length in each bristle tuft of each row.

8. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the shortest bristle of the intermediate row is longer than the longest bristle of the outmost row whereas the shortest bristle of the center row is longer than the longest bristle of the intermediate row.

9. The toothbrush of claim 8, wherein the outermost row has the shortest bristles approximately 5 mm in length and the center row has the longest bristle of approximately 14 mm in length.

10. The toothbrush of claim 1 , wherein the most central bristles of the center row have equal length but their triangular hypotenuse face opposite each other.

11. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the bristles of the outermost and intermediate row are uni-directed 45 degree angled bristles.

12. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the bristles of the center row are bi-directed 45 degree angles bristles.