U.S. patent application number 09/863773 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-17 for toothbrush with individually embedded bristles.
Invention is credited to Luchino, Thomas Patrick, Saindon, Mark David, Trojanowski, Alan Gregory.
Application Number | 20020004964 09/863773 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25341750 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020004964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luchino, Thomas Patrick ; et
al. |
January 17, 2002 |
Toothbrush with individually embedded bristles
Abstract
An improved toothbrush is disclosed. The toothbrush contains
bristles which are individually embedded in a toothbrush head and
mutually spaced apart from one another by a distance from 0.5 times
to 10 times the diameter of the bristles. The bristles may include
first type bristles having a diameter of from about 0.25 mm to
about 0.60 mm; second type bristles having a diameter of from about
0.08 mm to about 0.35 mm and a free length of from about 7 mm to
about 16 mm; third type bristles having a diameter of from about
0.15 mm to about 0.40 mm and a free length of from about 5 mm to
about 14 mm; fourth type bristles having a diameter of from about
0.15 mm to about 1.0 mm and a free length of from about 9 mm to
about 15 mm; and a dense tuft of bristles at the end of the
toothbrush head distal from the handle.
Inventors: |
Luchino, Thomas Patrick;
(Freehold, NJ) ; Saindon, Mark David; (Princeton,
NJ) ; Trojanowski, Alan Gregory; (Monmouth Junction,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AUDLEY A. CIAMPORCERO JR.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
ONE JOHNSON & JOHNSON PLAZA
NEW BRUNSWICK
NJ
08933-7003
US
|
Family ID: |
25341750 |
Appl. No.: |
09/863773 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09863773 |
May 23, 2001 |
|
|
|
09461891 |
Dec 15, 1999 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 ;
15/DIG.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/005 20130101;
A46B 15/0032 20130101; A46B 15/0002 20130101; A46B 2200/1066
20130101; A46B 9/028 20130101; A46B 3/00 20130101; A46B 9/04
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 ;
15/DIG.005 |
International
Class: |
A46B 009/04 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A toothbrush comprising: a handle; a toothbrush head distal to
the handle; and a multiplicity of first type bristles, each of said
bristles having a diameter ranging from about 0.25 mm to about 0.60
mm and being individually embedded in said toothbrush head; said
bristles being mutually spaced apart from one another by a distance
ranging from about 0.5 times to about 10 times the diameter of the
bristles.
2. A toothbrush according to claim 1 further comprising at least
one dense tuft of bristles.
3. A toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein: the first type
bristles comprise at least one bristle having a diameter from about
0.35 mm to about 0.60 mm and at least one bristle having a diameter
of from about 0.25 mm to about 0.35 mm.
4. A toothbrush according to claim 3 wherein the toothbrush head
further comprises sections wherein: the bristles are arranged such
that at least one section of the toothbrush head contains bristles
having diameters from about 0.35 mm to about 0.60 mm, while at
least one section of the toothbrush head contains first type
bristles having diameters ranging from about 0.25 mm to about 0.35
mm.
5. A toothbrush comprising: a handle; a toothbrush head distal to
the handle; at least one individually embedded second type bristle
having a diameter of from about 0.08 mm to about 0.35 mm and a free
length of from about 7 mm to about 16 mm; and at least one third
type bristle having a diameter of from about 0.15 mm to about 0.40
mm and a free length of from about 5 mm to about 14 mm; wherein the
trim difference between the second type bristle and the third type
bristle ranges from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm.
6. A toothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising at least
one section wherein: the free lengths of the bristles within at
least one section of the toothbrush head are varied such as to
create a sawtooth cut profile.
7. A toothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising at least
one section wherein: the free lengths of the bristles within at
least one section of the toothbrush head are varied such as to
create a wave cut profile.
8. A toothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising at least
one section wherein: the free lengths of the bristles within at
least one section of the toothbrush head are varied such as to
create an arc cut profile.
9. A toothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising first
sections and second sections wherein: the first sections comprise
second type bristles and the second sections comprise third type
bristles and each of the first and second sections comprises from 1
to 7 rows of bristles.
10. The toothbrush according to claim 9 wherein: the first sections
are alternately spaced with the second sections.
11. A toothbrush according to claim 5 wherein: the second and third
type bristles are arranged to create an alternating wave
pattern.
12. A toothbrush according to claim 5 wherein: the second and third
type bristles are arranged to create a pattern of a circle of
second type bristles surrounding the third type bristles along a
row.
13. A toothbrush according to claim 5 wherein: the second and third
type bristles are arranged to create a pattern of a hexagon of
second type bristles surrounding a third type bristle.
14. A toothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising: at least
one fourth type bristle having a diameter of from about 0.15 mm to
about 1.0 mm and a free length of from about 9 mm to about 15 mm
arranged about the periphery of the toothbrush head.
15. A toothbrush according to claim 14 wherein: the toothbrush
contains a plurality of fourth type bristles arranged along the
periphery of the toothbrush head; and the height of the fourth type
bristles alternates along the periphery of the toothbrush head to
create an arc shaped form.
16. A toothbrush according to claim 14 wherein: the toothbrush
contains a plurality of fourth type bristles arranged along the
periphery of the toothbrush head; and the height of the fourth type
bristles alternates along the periphery of the toothbrush head to
create a sawtooth shaped form.
17. A toothbrush according to claim 14 wherein: the toothbrush
contains a plurality of fourth type bristles arranged along the
periphery of the toothbrush head; and the height of the fourth type
bristles alternates along the periphery of the toothbrush head to
create a wave shaped form.
18. A toothbrush according to claim 5 wherein: the toothbrush
contains a multiplicity of bristle diameters within the toothbrush
head.
19. A toothbrush according to claim 5 wherein: the toothbrush
contains a multiplicity of bristle spacing within the toothbrush
head.
20. A toothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising: at least
one dense tuft of bristles.
21. A toothbrush comprising: a handle; a toothbrush head distal to
the handle, the toothbrush head comprising a periphery and a distal
end; and bristles which are individually embedded in the toothbrush
head and mutually spaced apart from one another by a distance from
about 0.5 times to about 10 times the diameter of the bristles;
wherein the bristles comprise second type bristles having a
diameter of from about 0.08 mm to about 0.35 mm and a free length
of from about 7 mm to about 16 mm; third type bristles having a
diameter of from about 0.15 mm to about 0.40 mm and a free length
of from about 5 mm to 14 mm; fourth type bristles having a diameter
of from about 0.15 mm to about 1.0 mm and a free length of from
about 9 mm to about 15 mm arranged along the periphery of the
toothbrush head; and a dense tuft of bristles at the distal
end.
22. A toothbrush comprising: a handle; a toothbrush head distal to
the handle; a multiplicity of first type bristles, each of said
bristles having a diameter ranging from about 0.25 mm to about 0.60
mm and being individually embedded in said toothbrush head; said
bristles being mutually spaced apart from one another by a distance
ranging from about 0.5 times to about 10 times the diameter of the
bristles; and at least one dense tuft of bristles.
23. A toothbrush according to claim 22 wherein: the first type
bristles comprise at least one bristle having a diameter from about
0.35 mm to about 0.60 mm and at least one bristle having a diameter
of from about 0.25 mm to about 0.35 mm.
24. A toothbrush according to claim 22 wherein the dense tuft of
bristles has a shape selected from the group consisting of circle,
square, oval, triangle, elongated rectangle, polygonal, half-moon,
horseshoe, bar, stars, arc and combinations thereof.
25. The toothbrush according to claim 24 further comprising a
distal dense tuft of bristles.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of Application Ser. No.
09/461,891, filed Dec. 15, 1999.
[0002] This invention relates to a toothbrush. The toothbrush is
characterized by standing plastic bristles which are individually
embedded in the head of the toothbrush at a small distance from
each other. Within the head of a single toothbrush, several
different bristle arrangements may exist, each with a unique oral
cavity functional purpose.
[0003] Conventional toothbrushes are manufactured by attaching
groups of bristles ("tufts") to the plastic head of the toothbrush.
The tufts can be adhered in many ways. In one well-known method,
each tuft is formed from a plurality of individual bristles folded
into a U-shaped configuration. The folded tufts are then inserted
into apertures, or cavities, provided in the head of the
toothbrush. Each folded tuft is held in place in its respective
cavity by inserting a small piece of metal (called an "anchor" or
"staple") into the cavity such that the bottom portion of the
U-shaped tuft is located and secured between the bottom of the
cavity and the staple. That portion of each folded tuft which is
secured in its respective cavity is sometimes referred to as the
"bristle roots". See, e.g., U.S. 3,590,438, the disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference. Each tuft is made up of
anywhere from 2-60 individual bristles typically having a diameter
of about 0.15 to about 0.25 mm and a length of 7 to 13 mm,
depending on the manufacturer's design and toothbrush type. For
example, a "soft" bristled toothbrush may have different length and
diameter bristles than a "medium" bristled toothbrush will
have.
[0004] In another method of manufacture, each tuft again comprises
a plurality of individual bristles. A number of bristle tufts, each
of the tufts comprising a plurality of individual bristles, are
inserted into respective holes in a first mold member such that a
length of the tuft protrudes from a side of the mold member which
will subsequently form an inner surface of the mold cavity for the
brush body. At least a portion of the protruding length of each
tuft is then fused into a mass having a larger cross-section than
that of the holes at the inner side of the first mold member. The
first mold member is then mated with a second mold member to define
the mold cavity for the brush body and molding material is injected
into the cavity to form the final brush product. See, e.g., U.S.
4,635,313, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0005] This method allows for the creation of complex and
asymmetric tuft patterns that may be denser than the standard
stapled tuft.
[0006] Another method of fastening bristle tufts to a bristle
carrier is disclosed in WO 93/12690, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0007] One problem associated with toothbrushes manufactured with
tufted bristles is that bristles incorporated into the tuft
structure are not free to bend and flex independently. Thus tufted
bristles cannot clean as efficiently as bristles which are free to
independently follow the irregular contours along the tooth's
structure. Further, the structure of the tuft limits the freedom of
motion of the individual bristles, especially over the cusps,
grooves and other varied terrain of the tooth structure. In
addition, the interproximal access of the bristle is limited by the
bulky diameter of the densely packed bristle tufts.
[0008] Another problem associated with toothbrushes manufactured
with bristles in tufts is that after being used, the toothbrushes
frequently do not dry out sufficiently prior to their next use.
This is because the bristles are combined into bundles, which
creates narrow capillaries between the bristles. The moisture from
using the toothbrush may be preserved for an extended period of
time in the narrow capillaries between the bristles. The moisture
may provide conditions under which bacteria and microbes may grow.
If the toothbrush is used at least twice per day, as recommended by
dental professionals, the period between uses may not be long
enough to allow for sufficient drying. The problem is particularly
noted in the region situated near the head of the toothbrush where
the bristles are attached. This effect is additionally promoted by
dirt particles or residues of application media, namely toothpaste,
that remain in the narrow capillaries and cannot be adequately
removed. The relatively close spacing of the bristles within the
root region may lead to incomplete removal of toothpaste residue
when the toothbrush is rinsed after use.
[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a toothbrush which provides
efficient tooth cleaning, is itself easily cleaned, and dries in a
relatively short period of time.
[0010] World Patent Application No. WO 96/27308 describes an
article which contains a bristle carrier as well as a bristle
covering. The bristle covering contains individual plastic bristles
that do not contact one another. The reference teaches that the
flexural stiffness of the bristles is critical to the effectiveness
of the toothbrush. The stiffness of the entire bristle covering can
be varied not only by choosing varying bristle dimensions
(diameter, length) and bristle materials, but also by choosing
slightly varying spacing between the bristles. The bristles may be
spaced apart by about 0.5 times to 4 times, in particular 1.5 to 2
times, the bristle diameter, based on the space between the
exterior adjacent surfaces of the bristles. The bristles may also
have a varying stiffness, for example varying diameters and/or
spacing, wherein groups of bristles have the same stiffness within
a group but a different stiffness from another bristle group. The
bristles may be of varying lengths from the bristle carrier to the
free end of the bristle. The bristles may be structured, flocked or
coated on their surfaces. Also, the free ends of the bristles may
be shaped.
[0011] As used herein, the term "free end" means the end of the
bristle distal to the point where the bristle is attached to the
toothbrush head.
[0012] In conventional toothbrushes, stiffness is substantially
determined by the length of the tufts and the bristle packing
density in the tuft, as well as by the diameter of the individual
bristles. This latter factor has the least impact because the
bristles are mutually supportive in the tuft as a result of which
the flexural stiffness of the tuft is several times greater than
that of the individual bristle. Due to the separation distance
between bristles in the article taught in WO 96/27308, the bristle
diameter plays a much larger role in determining stiffness than
when the bristles are in tufts. WO 96/27308 does not teach
appropriate bristle lengths or diameters, the two most important
factors in determining the bristle stiffness.
[0013] World Patent Application No. WO 99/07252 describes a
toothbrush having a plastic bristle head and standing plastic
bristles which are individually embedded in the bristle head. The
bristles are mutually spaced apart by a small distance. The
distance is specified only in that the bristle packing density is
400 to 800 bristles per square centimeter on the brush head. The
reference discloses that a bristle density of 600 bristles per
square centimeter is preferred. The reference further discloses
bristles between about 0.095 mm and about 0.225 mm in diameter. The
reference teaches: that the shorter the free length of the bristle,
the smaller the diameter selected to maintain stiffness; an overall
height of the toothbrush in the region of the bristle head of
between 6.5 mm and 11 mm; a thickness of the bristle head of
between 1.5 mm and 3 mm; and bristles of 5 mm to 9.5 mm in free
length. Since the flexural stiffness of an individual bristle is
significantly less than that of a tuft comprising a plurality of
bristles of the same height and diameter, this patent application
discloses the use of a shorter bristle with equivalent diameter to
conventional tufted brush bristles. The toothbrush with the
individual bristles further makes it possible to vary the flexural
stiffness in precise graduations by altering the spacing of the
bristles.
[0014] WO 99/97252 also states that the individual bristle
toothbrushes provide a gap-free surface, which is desirable in
terms of cleaning. This is an advantage to the individual bristle
technology. Since each bristle is capable of independent movement,
more of the small irregularities in the tooth structure can be
cleaned at one time. The entire surface of the toothbrush bristles
is used to clean more efficiently to provide a better overall clean
versus conventional tufted brushes. Although the total number of
bristles on the conventional toothbrush is roughly equivalent to
the overall number of bristles on the new individual bristle
toothbrush, the new toothbrush is perceived to have over 1000
cleaning surfaces (individual bristles) versus 40 to 50 cleaning
surfaces (tufts) on the conventional toothbrush.
[0015] Typical bristles in a soft tufted toothbrush have a diameter
of about 0.15 mm to about 0.25 mm and free lengths from about 8 mm
to about 12 mm. The dimensions disclosed in the references above
are very similar to those used in conventional tufted brushes, but
because the bristles in the references are individually embedded,
the flexural stiffness is substantially less than the flexural
stiffness of a conventional toothbrush whose individual bristle
tufts comprise a plurality of bristles. Therefore, the toothbrush
with individual bristles embedded in the head as taught in the
foregoing references presents several problems for the consumer.
One problem is that, although some flex is desired in the bristle
to adapt to the contours of the irregular tooth structure, too much
flex is not beneficial in that if the bristle is too soft, it will
not be able to adequately clean the teeth. There will not be enough
strength in the bristle to sweep away the plaque, food debris, etc.
Although one certainly does not want to make a bristle that is so
stiff that it may injure the soft or hard oral tissues, a certain
amount of stiffness is nevertheless required to perform the
toothbrush's cleaning function.
[0016] A second problem associated with the toothbrushes disclosed
in the references above is that they are perceived by the consumer
as being too soft and unable to clean as well as somewhat stiffer
toothbrushes. Although it is not desirable to make a toothbrush
that is so stiff that it could cause damage to the oral tissues,
some minimal degree of stiffness is required to provide both actual
cleaning and a perception in the consumer's mind that cleaning is
being accomplished. A consumer may believe that a toothbrush that
is too soft is not capable of removing plaque, food debris, etc.
from the teeth. The flexural stiffness of a single bristle used in
a tufted toothbrush is too low when used individually to provide
the consumer with a perception that cleaning is actually being
effected.
[0017] A third problem associated with the toothbrushes disclosed
in the references above is that, because the flexural stiffness of
the individual bristle is much less than that of a tuft comprised
of a plurality of identical bristles, and since there are no
supporting bristles about the periphery to return the bristle to
the upright position after deflection, the individual bristles are
likely to no longer appear to be in an upright, generally
perpendicular position after use. Instead, the bristles will bend
in all directions from the toothbrush head ("splay") after
significantly fewer uses than in a tufted toothbrush. A splayed
toothbrush is seen by the consumer as worn and used. Clinical
studies in the literature have also shown that these splayed
toothbrushes do not clean as well as an identical toothbrush that
contains new, upright bristles.
[0018] A fourth problem associated with the toothbrushes disclosed
in the references above is that, upon inspection by the consumer,
it is believed that the toothbrush will not last as long as a
tufted toothbrush. The toothbrush containing spaced apart,
individual bristles is perceived as not having the same resiliency
as a tufted toothbrush and thus will need to be replaced sooner.
This is mostly due to the perception that there are no other
bristles helping to maintain each bristle upright. Since the
splaying effect is also the main cue to the consumer that the
toothbrush needs to be replaced, the product is undesirable for
purchase due to the perceived shorter product life.
[0019] Therefore, despite the disclosure of the above-mentioned
references, there is a continuing need for a toothbrush which
provides efficient tooth cleaning, is easily cleaned, and dries in
a relatively short period of time. We have surprisingly found that
toothbrushes which employ larger diameter bristles having a length
similar to the length of the tufts in tufted toothbrushes will
solve or greatly reduce the problems described above. A thicker
bristle of similar length to that used in conventional tufted
toothbrushes will not only supply more rigidity to the toothbrush,
thus providing a more perceivable scrubbing feeling to the user,
but will also maintain the bristle length that is required to reach
the interdental and subgingival areas. The thicker bristle will
inherently have more structural support to resist splaying and
retain its upright shape for a longer period of time relative to a
smaller diameter, equal length bristle.
[0020] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a
toothbrush having: a handle; a toothbrush head distal to the
handle; and a multiplicity of first type bristles, each bristle
having a diameter of from about 0.25 mm to about 0.60 mm; wherein
the first type bristles are individually secured, e.g., by
embedding in the toothbrush head; and the bristles are mutually
spaced apart from one another by a distance from 0.5 times to 10
times the diameter of the bristles.
[0021] The toothbrush handle (1) and toothbrush head (2) may be
made in one piece by injection molding. The toothbrush head (2) is
distal to the toothbrush handle (1). The toothbrush handle (1) and
toothbrush head (2) may be made of polymers such as, but not
limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate.
[0022] The first type bristles (3) and any other bristles utilized
in this invention may be made from a material selected from an
elastomeric material such as, but not limited to, rubber and a
polymer selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyamides,
polyesters, polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene, acetal
resins, fluoropolymers, polyacrylates, and polysulfones. The first
type bristles and any other bristles utilized within this invention
may be structured, flocked or coated on their surface area. The
first type bristles and any other bristles utilized in this
invention may contain additives such as, but not limited to
abrasives and polishing agents; anti-cavity agents such as sodium
fluoride; antimicrobial agents, and combinations thereof.
[0023] In the first embodiment of the invention, it is preferred
that the first type bristles (3) all have the same free length. As
used herein, the term "free length" means the length of the bristle
from inner surface (9) of the toothbrush head to the free end of
the bristle. The space between the exterior surfaces of adjacent
first type bristles (4) and the diameter of the first type bristles
may be varied such that a first type bristle packing density of
from 50 per cm.sup.2 to 1000 per cm.sup.2 is obtained. Each first
type bristle (3) is individually embedded in the head of the
toothbrush (2). The first type bristles (3) as well as any other
bristles utilized herein may be secured to the toothbrush head (2)
by any process known in the art, including those mentioned
hereinabove, or by a bonding method wherein an adhesive is utilized
to attach the bristles to the toothbrush head.
[0024] A combination of first type bristle diameters ranging from
about 0.25 mm to about 0.60 mm, and spacing between immediately
adjacent bristles ranging from about 0.5 times to about 10 times,
preferably about 0.5 times to about 4 times, the diameter of the
first type bristles (3) or any other bristles utilized in this
invention may be utilized to provide different sensations for
different parts of the mouth. For example, the first type bristles
(3) may be arranged such that at least one section of the
toothbrush head (2) contains first type bristles (3) having
diameters ranging from about 0.35 mm to about 0.60 mm, while at
least one other section of the toothbrush head (2) contains first
type bristles (3) having diameters ranging from about 0.25 mm to
about 0.35 mm.
[0025] The toothbrush may further include at least one dense tuft
(8) of bristles. The skilled art worker will recognize that dense
tuft (8) of bristles may be secured to the toothbrush head (2) by
means known in the art, such as, but not limited to, fusion or
stapling techniques. The bristles in this tuft may have diameters
ranging from about 0.08 mm to about 0.40 mm and a free length
ranging from about 7 mm to about 15 mm. The dense tuft (8) of
bristles may be arranged anywhere on the toothbrush head (2).
Preferably, the dense tuft (8) of bristles is distal to the
toothbrush handle (1). Preferably, when the dense tuft (8) is
distal to the toothbrush handle, the dense tuft has a longer length
than that of the bristles comprising the toothbrush.
[0026] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the
toothbrush comprises: a handle; a toothbrush head distal to the
handle; at least one second type bristle having a diameter of from
about 0.08 mm to about 0.35 mm and a free length of from about 7 mm
to about 16 mm; and at least one third type bristle having a
diameter of from about 0.15 mm to about 0.40 mm and a free length
of from about 5 mm to about 14 mm; wherein the trim difference
between the second type bristle and the third type bristle ranges
from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm. This toothbrush is believed to
provide enhanced cleaning performance.
[0027] The second type of bristle (5) must have a diameter which is
sufficiently large to provide the bristle with enough inherent
stiffness to be able to remove plaque, food debris, etc. from the
teeth while remaining flexible enough to follow the contour of the
oral surfaces during use. For this purpose, the second type of
bristle (5) may have a diameter of from about 0.08 mm to about 0.35
mm, preferably from about 0.13 mm to about 0.35 mm, and a free
length of from about 7 mm to about 16 mm, preferably from about 9
mm to about 14 mm. The second type bristles (5) may serve the
purpose of interdental and subgingival cleaning.
[0028] The third type of bristle (6) may serve the purpose of
cleaning the surfaces of the teeth. The third type of bristle (6)
may have a diameter of from about 0.15 mm to about 0.40 mm,
preferably from about 0.20 mm to about 0.40 mm and a free length of
from about 5 mm to about 14 mm, preferably from about 7 mm to about
12 mm. A trim difference of from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm is
recommended between the free lengths of the second type (5) and
third type (6) of bristles to ensure optimal cleaning interdentally
and subgingivally. As used herein, the term "trim difference" means
the difference in free lengths between different types of
bristles.
[0029] The free lengths of the bristles within a given section of
the toothbrush may be varied to also provide an improved perception
of cleaning via visual and tactile stimuli. For example, a sawtooth
cut or a zigzag cut reinforces the consumer's perception of
interdental cleaning. Other patterns, such as but not limited to,
waves, arcs, etc., can be used in place of the sawtooth cut or
zigzag cut.
[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, alternating
sections of second type (5) and third type (6) bristles are
contained in the toothbrush to enhance interproximal cleaning
efficacy. In this embodiment, second type bristles (5), which may
have a diameter of from about 0.08 mm to about 0.35 mm, preferably
from about 0.13 mm to about 0.35 mm, and a free length of from
about 7 mm to about 16 mm, preferably from about 9 mm to about 14
mm, may be alternated with third type bristles (6), which may have
a diameter of from about 0.15 mm to about 0.40 mm, preferably from
about 0.20 mm to about 0.40 mm, and a free length of from about 5
mm to about 14 mm, preferably from about 7 mm to about 12 mm. The
first sections contain second type bristles, and the second
sections contain third type bristles. The sections may be from 1 to
7 rows deep. If each section is spaced at 2.15 times the diameter
of each adjacent bristle and the transition is spaced at 2.15 times
the average diameter of the adjoining bristles, the density of the
third type bristle section may be 380-600 bristles per square
centimeter while the density of the second type bristle section may
be 100-350 bristles per square centimeter. The lower density of
bristles is preferred since it allows for the use of thicker
diameter bristles, which provide more cleaning sensation to the
consumer.
[0031] Other patterns besides alternating rows may also be used for
the varying length and diameter bristles and these include, but are
not limited to alternating waves, a circle of longer bristles
surrounding the shorter bristles along a row, a hexagon of longer
bristles surrounding a shorter bristle, etc.
[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one
of a fourth type of bristle (7) is contained in at least one
section about the periphery of the toothbrush head (2). As used
herein, by "periphery" is meant the outer edge of the upper surface
of the toothbrush head. Elastomeric material such as, but not
limited to rubber may be particularly suited as the material of
construction for the fourth type of bristle. The fourth type
bristles (7) may be of a diameter of from about 0.15 mm to about
1.0 mm, preferably about 0.30 mm to about 0.50 mm, and a free
length of from about 9 mm to about 15 mm, preferably from about 10
mm to about 13 mm. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of fourth
type bristles (7) are arranged about the periphery of the
toothbrush head. The free length of the fourth type bristles (7)
may also alternate along the periphery of the toothbrush head,
resulting in forms. Possible forms include, but are not limited to
an arc shape, a sawtooth shape, or a wave shape. Combinations of
these height patterns are possible as well, as are repeating
patterns, such as a series of smaller arcs along the periphery or a
sawtooth with an arcing midline.
[0033] The present invention may also provide a toothbrush having a
multiplicity of bristle diameters and bristle spacing (4) within
the toothbrush head (2) to provide different sensations for
different parts of the mouth. Depending on the ratio of the
different bristles used of each diameter, and the spacing (4) used
between bristles, the bristle density on the toothbrush head (2)
can be varied from 50 to 1000 per square centimeter. The bristle
density could also vary along various regions of the toothbrush
head (2) such that one area may have a different bristle density
than that of another area to provide the customer with desired
tactile perception and visual cues.
[0034] The toothbrush may further include at least one dense tuft
(8) of bristles. The bristles in the tuft may have diameters
ranging from about 0.08 mm to about 0.40 mm and a free length
ranging from about 7 mm to about 15 mm. The dense tuft (8) of
bristles may be arranged anywhere on the toothbrush head (2). In
one embodiment, the toothbrush includes at least one dense tuft
with first type bristles; second type bristles; third type
bristles; fourth type bristles; or combinations thereof. The dense
tuft or tufts may be of any shape. In top plan, the dense tuft or
tufts may be, for example, in the form of a circle, square, oval,
triangle, elongated rectangle, polygonal, half-moon, horseshoe,
bar, stars, arc and combinations thereof. Preferably, a dense tuft
(8) of bristles is located at the tip of the free end of the brush
head of the toothbrush to aid in cleaning the posterior teeth.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a
toothbrush wherein the toothbrush head (2) contains second type
bristles (5) which may have a diameter of from about 0.08 mm to
about 0.35 mm, preferably from about 0.13 mm to about 0.35 mm, and
a free length of from about 7 mm to about 16 mm, preferably from
about 9 mm to about 14 mm throughout the toothbrush head (2; third
type bristles (6) which may have a diameter of from about 0.15 mm
to about 0.40 mm, preferably from about 0.20 mm to about 0.40 mm,
and a free length of from about 5 mm to about 14 mm, preferably
from about 7 mm to about 12 mm; and fourth type bristles (7) having
a diameter of from about 0.15 mm to about 1.0 mm, preferably about
0.30 mm to about 0.50 mm, and a free length of from about 9 mm to
about 15 mm, preferably about 10 mm to about 13 mm along the
periphery of the toothbrush head (2). The toothbrush head contains
a periphery and a distal end. At the distal end of the toothbrush
head (2) is a dense tuft (8) of bristles for cleaning of the back
teeth and gums. The bristles in the dense tuft (8) may have
diameters ranging from about 0.08 mm to about 0.40 mm and a free
length ranging from about 7 mm to about 15 mm. With the varying
bristle patterns within this toothbrush, consumers receive not only
a superior cleaning of their entire oral cavity (teeth surfaces,
gums, interproximal regions, etc.) but also are able to perceive
the better clean through sensual cues (visual and tactile)
delivered via the bristle configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] Descriptions of the Drawing Figures follow. The descriptions
are intended to illustrate various aspects of the invention, but
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 1 displays a toothbrush having a handle (1) and a
toothbrush head (2) distal to the toothbrush handle. A multiplicity
of first type bristles (3) of uniform length and diameter are
embedded in the toothbrush head (2). The first type bristles (3)
are mutually spaced apart from one another by a distance (4) from
0.5 times to 10 times the diameter of the bristles.
[0038] FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the toothbrush shown in FIG.
1.
[0039] FIG. 2 displays a toothbrush having second type bristles (5)
and third type bristles (6) embedded in the toothbrush head (2).
The bristles are mutually spaced apart from one another by a
distance (4) from 0.5 times to 10 times the diameter of the
bristles. The second type bristles (5) are arranged in hexagonal
shapes around the third type bristles (6).
[0040] FIG. 3 displays a toothbrush having alternating rows of
second type bristles (5) and third type bristles (6) embedded in
the toothbrush head (2). The bristles are mutually spaced apart
from one another by a distance (4) from 0.5 times to 10 times the
diameter of the bristles.
[0041] FIG. 3A is a top plan view of the toothbrush shown in FIG.
3.
[0042] FIG. 4 displays a toothbrush having alternating rows of
second type bristles (5) and third type bristles (6) embedded in
the toothbrush head (2). The bristles are mutually spaced (4) apart
from one another by a distance from 0.5 times to 10 times the
diameter of the bristles. Along the periphery of the toothbrush
head (2) are fourth type bristles (7) embedded in the toothbrush
head (2).
[0043] FIG. 4A is a top plan view of the toothbrush shown in FIG.
4.
[0044] FIG. 5 displays a toothbrush having second type bristles (5)
and third type bristles (6) embedded in the toothbrush head (2).
The bristles are mutually spaced apart from one another by a
distance (4) from 0.5 times to 10 times the diameter of the
bristles. The second type bristles (5) are arranged in hexagonal
shapes around the third type bristles (6). At the end of the
toothbrush head (2) distal to the handle (1), is a dense tuft of
bristles (8).
[0045] FIG. 5A is a top view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 5.
[0046] FIG. 6 displays a toothbrush having second type bristles (5)
and third type bristles (6) embedded in the toothbrush head (2).
The bristles are mutually spaced apart from one another by a
distance (4) from 0.5 times to 10 times the diameter of the
bristles. The second type bristles (5) are arranged in hexagonal
shapes around the third type bristles (6). At the end of the
toothbrush head (2) distal to the handle (1), is a dense tuft of
bristles (8). Along the periphery of the toothbrush head (2) are
fourth type bristles (7) embedded in the toothbrush head (2).
[0047] FIG. 6A is a top view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 6.
[0048] FIG. 7 displays a toothbrush having alternating rows of
second type bristles (5) and third type bristles (6) embedded in
the toothbrush head (2). The bristles are mutually spaced apart
from one another by a distance (4) from 0.5 times to 10 times the
diameter of the bristles. At the end of the toothbrush head (2)
distal to the handle (1), is a dense tuft of bristles (8). Along
the periphery of the toothbrush head (2) are fourth type bristles
(7) embedded in the toothbrush head (2).
[0049] FIG. 7A is a top view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 7.
[0050] FIG. 8 displays a toothbrush having randomly distributed
second type bristles (5) and third type bristles (6) embedded in
the toothbrush head (2). The bristles are mutually spaced apart
from one another by a distance (4) from 0.5 times to 10 times the
diameter of the bristles. At the end of the toothbrush head (2)
distal to the handle (1), is a dense tuft of bristles (8). Along
the periphery of the toothbrush head (2) are fourth type bristles
(7) embedded in the toothbrush head (2).
[0051] FIG. 8A is a top view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 8.
[0052] FIG. 9 displays a perspective view of a toothbrush having a
multiplicity of individually embedded first type bristles (3) and a
multiplicity of dense tufts (8) of bristles embedded in the
toothbrush head (2).
[0053] FIG. 9A is a top plan view of the toothbrush shown in FIG.
9.
[0054] FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of different
embodiments of a toothbrush having a multiplicity of individually
embedded first type bristles (3) and a multiplicity of dense tufts
(8) of bristles embedded in the toothbrush head (2).
[0055] FIGS. 10A and 11A are top plan views of the toothbrushes
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively.
[0056] Several examples of the invention are set forth below to
further illustrate the nature of the invention and the manner of
carrying it out. However, the invention should not be considered as
being limited to the details thereof.
EXAMPLE 1
[0057] A toothbrush was made according to the design shown in FIG.
8. The bristles of the toothbrush according to FIG. 8 had the
following diameters: second type bristles (5): 0.18 mm; third type
bristles (6): 0.23 mm; fourth type bristles (7): 0.2 mm; and dense
tuft of bristles (8): 0.25 mm. The heights of the bristles were as
follows: second type bristles: 9-10 mm; third type bristles: 10.5
mm; fourth type bristles: 10-11.25 mm; and dense tuft of bristles:
12.5 mm. The space between the exterior adjacent surfaces of the
second type bristles (5) was about 0.021 mm; the corresponding
space between the exterior surfaces of the third type bristles (6)
was about 0.0197 mm; the space between the exterior adjacent
surfaces of the fourth type bristles (7) was about 0.018 mm; and
the space between the exterior surfaces of the individual bristles
comprising the dense tuft (8) of bristles was about 0.020 mm.
[0058] Two toothbrushes were made according to the design shown in
FIG. 11. First toothbrush (Sample 11A) had bristles of the
following diameters: first type bristles (3): 0.20 mm; dense tufts
(8) of bristles throughout the toothbrush head: 0.20 mm; and distal
dense tuft (8): of bristles 0.20 mm. The heights of the bristles
were as follows: first type bristles (3): 11 mm; dense tufts of
bristles throughout the toothbrush head: 9 mm; and distal dense
tuft (8) of bristles 12.5 mm. Second toothbrush (Sample 11B) had
the following bristle diameters: first type bristles (3): 0.20 mm;
dense tufts (8) of bristles throughout the toothbrush head: 0.18
mm; and distal dense tuft (8): of bristles 0.20 mm. The heights of
the bristles were as follows: first type bristles (3): 11 mm; dense
tufts (8) of bristles throughout the toothbrush head: 9 mm; and
distal dense tuft (8) of bristles: 12.5 mm. In each sample 11A,
11B, the first type bristles (3) were individually embedded in
toothbrush head 2. The above-described three toothbrushes were
tested for efficacy at cleaning between the teeth according to the
procedure described in "Access to interproximal tooth surfaces by
different bristle designs and stiffnesses of toothbrushes",
Nygaard-Ostby et al., Scand. J. Dent Res. 1979, 87, 424-430, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The
results of the tests are reported in Table 1.
1 TABLE 1 Sample Between Teeth Access (mm) 12 11A 11.8 11B 12.6
Oral B Cross Action 10.8 Oral B Indicator 7.7
[0059] The data above demonstrates that the toothbrushes according
to the present invention clean between the teeth better than
commercially available toothbrushes.
EXAMPLE 2
[0060] The efficacy of the toothbrush of FIG. 8 and the Oral B*
Indicator toothbrush was tested by a clinical trial. An
examiner-blind, randomized, crossover clinical study was conducted
with seventy healthy adults. Plaque was evaluated before and after
brushing for one minute using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy
Plaque Index ("RMNPI"). Subjects were randomly assigned to use one
of the two test toothbrushes, namely the Oral B* Indicator
toothbrush or the toothbrush made according to the design shown in
FIG. 8. After brushing at the initial visit, the subjects returned
two weeks later to repeat the procedure with the other of the two
test toothbrushes. Evaluation of plaque using RMNPI was done at
both visits. RMNPI scores were given for the whole mouth,
interproximal sites, marginal sites, behind the last molar,
anterior sites, and posterior sites. The change in plaque from
pre-brushing to post brushing was compared for both toothbrushes.
The results are shown in Table 2.
2 TABLE 2 Plaque Scores Invention* Oral B Indicator Tooth Site Pre
Post delta Pre Post delta Whole Mouth 0.64 0.30 52.8 0.64 0.36 44.1
Marginal 1 0.63 37.1 1 0.71 28.9 Interproximal 1 0.38 61.9 1 0.47
52.9 Last Molar 0.58 0.23 60 0.57 0.31 45.8 Anterior 0.65 0.30 54
0.65 0.34 48 Posterior 0.64 0.31 51.8 0.64 0.38 40.7 *Toothbrush of
FIG. 8.
[0061] The scores reported are the mean scores for the groups of
participants. The term "delta" is the percent reduction in plaque
for each group from before brushing to after brushing. Using
statistical techniques, it was concluded that the toothbrush of the
invention removed significantly more plaque than a commercially
available toothbrush from the whole mouth, gingival margin,
interproximal surface, and behind the last molar, respectively 20%,
28%, 17%, and 31% more.
[0062] Toothbrushes in accordance with the present invention
provide efficient tooth cleaning, are easily cleaned, and dry in a
relatively short period of time.
* * * * *