U.S. patent application number 10/214633 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-20 for toothbrush.
This patent application is currently assigned to Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.. Invention is credited to Davies, Richard Huw, Di-Drusco, Isotta, Giani, Paola.
Application Number | 20030033682 10/214633 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8182188 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030033682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davies, Richard Huw ; et
al. |
February 20, 2003 |
Toothbrush
Abstract
Toothbrush comprising a head and a handle, the head comprising
massaging wings extending from a bristle-bearing face said
massaging wings flanking a central bristle area and angled
outwardly from said area, wherein the bristles are arranged in
bristle tufts and of the bristle tufts which are adjacent a wing,
at least a portion are angled towards said wing.
Inventors: |
Davies, Richard Huw;
(Gaggiano, IT) ; Di-Drusco, Isotta; (Milano,
IT) ; Giani, Paola; (Gaggiano, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
UNILEVER
PATENT DEPARTMENT
45 RIVER ROAD
EDGEWATER
NJ
07020
US
|
Assignee: |
Unilever Home & Personal Care
USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
8182188 |
Appl. No.: |
10/214633 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/110 ;
15/167.1; 601/141 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1066 20130101;
A46B 9/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/110 ;
15/167.1; 601/141 |
International
Class: |
A46B 009/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 14, 2001 |
EP |
01306931.5 |
Claims
1. Toothbrush comprising a head and a handle, the head comprising
massaging wings extending from a bristle-bearing face said
massaging wings flanking a central bristle area and angled
outwardly from said area, characterised the bristles are arranged
in bristle tufts and of the bristle tufts which are adjacent a
wing, at least a portion are angled towards said wing.
2. Toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the wings sit over an
edge of the head of the brush.
3. Toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein each individual wing is
connected to the head by way of a tab which extends along an
underside surface of the head opposite the bristle-bearing
face.
4. Toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the wings are made from
an elastomeric material.
5. Toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
wings comprises a surface formation.
6. Toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the wings have a tip
profile which closely matches a tip profile of the bristles.
7. Toothbrush according to any preceding claim, wherein the wings
are integral with one another.
8. Toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein the wings are connected
to each other by way of an elastomeric channel which extends from
one wing, around a tip portion of the brush head and to the other
wing.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrush comprising
massaging elements.
THE PRIOR ART
[0002] Toothbrushes comprising rubbery massaging elements are known
in the art. Typically, these comprise rubbery fingers which, either
alone or in combination with conventional bristle tufts, project
from the bristle-bearing surface in the normal fashion and exert
their massaging action during brushing.
[0003] WO 98/18364 (P&G) describes a toothbrush with
combination of bristles, soft cleansing pad and/or polishing
fingers. The polishing fingers are preferably made of a
thermoplastic elastomer and the soft polishing pad is an absorbent
pad capable of providing an improved cleaning benefit.
[0004] GB-A-2 040 161 (Vowles) describes an improved toothbrush
comprising, in addition to conventional bristles tufts, a gum
massaging member located outermost on opposite sides of the
brushing surface.
[0005] WO 98/22000 (Asher) discloses a toothbrush comprising a
plaque removing member being formed from a mixture of relatively
soft elastomeric material and particles of an abrasive
material.
[0006] WO 01/21036 (Unilever) discloses a toothbrush comprising a
wall-like member which is flanked by bristles. The wall-like member
is designed so as to provide improved polishing to the teeth during
brushing.
[0007] DE 299 19 122 (Teske) discloses a toothbrush comprising a
pair of gum massaging members either side of a central bristle area
and wherein the wings are angled outwardly of the bristles.
[0008] Despite the prior art there remains a consumer need to
improve the health of the gums without having to receive specialist
treatment, such as a mouthwash or an antibacterial toothpaste.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0009] The present invention aims to provide an improved massaging
effect of a toothbrush, which also has a conventional cleaning
action through the use of conventional bristles.
[0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides a toothbrush
comprising a head and a handle, the head comprising massaging wings
extending from a bristle-bearing face said massaging wings flanking
a central bristle area and angled outwardly from said area,
characterised the bristles are arranged in bristle tufts and of the
bristle tufts which are adjacent a wing, at least a portion are
angled towards said wing.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0011] The toothbrush according to the invention comprises
massaging wings which are angled outwardly from the bristles. Such
an arrangement facilitates the massaging effect of the wings while
at the same time allowing the conventional bristles of the brush to
exert their regular cleaning action. The feature which leads to an
improved cleaning effect of the toothbrush is where the
conventional bristles, particularly the conventional bristles which
are nearest the massaging wings, are angled outwardly. A
disadvantage of having a brush which has massaging elements at the
sides is that the cleaning action of the conventional bristles is
easily compromised by including either not enough bristles,
therefore not providing enough of a cleaning benefit, or including
the same number of bristle as would normally be presented on a
toothbrushing surface but not giving them enough room to effect
their action. By angling the conventional bristles in between the
massaging wings allows the bristles to splay more during brushing.
This angling of the bristles, at least of the outermost bristles,
also has the added benefit of a better perception of brushing by
the consumer.
[0012] The massaging wings should be angled relative to a plane,
which extends orthogonally from the bristle-bearing surface and
longitudinally down the brush head. Preferably, the wings should be
angled from 1 to 30.degree., more preferably from 2 to 20.degree.
and more preferably from 2.5 to 7.degree. relative to said
orthogonal plane.
[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the toothbrush according to
the invention comprises a head with a massaging wing, which has an
outer surface and an inner surface and extends from a base to a
tip, wherein the base of the wing sits on an outer edge to the
toothbrush head. Such a construction allows the maximisation of the
space on the bristle-bearing surface for conventional bristles. As
mentioned below, it is of great importance that the cleaning effect
of the bristles is maintained and that the space taken up by the
massaging wings is minimised as much as possible. In a particular
embodiment the outer surface of the massaging wings continues down
from its tip down past the bristle-bearing surface of the brush
head base such that the outer surface of the wing actually provides
the edge of the brush head. The massaging wing may continue in its
path along its outer surface such that it passes around the edge of
the head. It may then either finish at some point on the bottom
surface of the head or even to continue such that a pair of wings
on either side of the head may then be connected to each other on
the underside of the brush head base. Preferably, said wings may
join at a tip region of the head so that a buffering effect may be
provided to reduce damage to the gums during brushing.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment the brush comprises an array of
bristle tufts some of which will necessarily be adjacent the
massaging wings. Preferably, a portion of these adjacent bristle
tufts are also angled with respect to said orthogonal plane and in
a direction towards the adjacent massaging wing. In this way the
brushing characteristics of the brush can be improved without
compromising the effect of the massaging wings. As mentioned above,
it is a problem with brushes comprising massaging members that they
often do not provide an acceptable level of cleaning since the
numbers or arrangement of bristles is not optimal. However, by
splaying these adjacent bristles in a similar fashion to the
massaging wings an improved bristle arrangement can be provided.
Typically, these bristle tufts will be angled from 1 to 30.degree.,
more preferably from 2 to 20.degree. and more preferably from 2.5
to 7.degree. relative to said orthogonal plane.
[0015] The inner surface of the massaging wing preferably passes
from the tip down to the brush head and is attached to the edge of
the brush head base. The wing may be attached to the edge of the
brush base merely as a result of the manufacturing process, e.g. by
injection moulding, or even by an adhesive. In any case, the
attachment of the wing to the brush head base may be improved by
way of surface formations, such as corrugations, on the brush head,
which may increase the surface area of the edge in contact with the
wings. In a preferred embodiment the inner surface of a massaging
wing sits on a stepped ledge on the edge of the brush head base.
The ledge may run for a part or the whole length of the wing on the
brush head.
[0016] The material comprising the wing comprises an elastomeric
material such as those often used in toothbrush manufacture. The
thermoplastic elastomer which forms the wall may be a thermoplastic
vulcanate (TPV) consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and EPDM
(ethylene propylene diene monomers) which is available as
Santoprene (brand), described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,796 issued to
Halberstadt et al, or Vyram (brand), another TPV consisting of a
mixture of polypropylene and natural rubber, both Santoprene and
Vyram (brands) being elastomers marketed by Advanced Elastomer
Systems. Other suitable elastomers include Kraton, a brand of
styrene block copolymer (SBC) marketed by Shell, and Dynaflex G
2706 (brand), a thermoplastic elastomer marketed by GLS Corporation
and which is made with Kraton (brand) polymer. Other thermoplastic
compounds include base:styrene block co-polymer (SEBS) e.g.
Thermolast K from Gummiwerk Kraiberg (GmbH) or PONA-flex S from
PLASTOLEN (GmbH).
[0017] Preferred elastomeric materials include those with a Shore A
hardness ranging from 10 to 40, preferably from 15 to 30 and more
preferably from 17 to 23 and especially preferably around 20.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment at least one massaging wing has
surface formations which improve the massaging effect of the wings
on the gums. Preferably, said surface formations are present on one
or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the massaging wings.
Preferred surface formations include raised spherical, square,
egg-shaped, triangular or wavy formations. The most preferred
formations are spherical formations. Preferably the surface
formations extend from 10 to 90% of the width of the wing at the
level at which the particular formation is located. For example, at
one point down its length the wing may be 1 mm wide in cross
section.
[0019] At this point on the wing surface the surface formation may
extend from 0.1 mm to 0.9 mm from the surface of the wing.
[0020] In another embodiment the wings extend below the brush head
such that they have an increased contact with the material of the
brush head to improve bonding between the two materials. There is a
danger when using a brush such comprising such wings in that the
wings, which are bent outwardly during use, may become detached
from the head. By increasing the surface contact between the wing
and the head one can reduce the chances of such breakage.
[0021] In yet another embodiment the brush according to the
invention comprises a bristle profile which closely matches the
profile of the massaging wings. This does not necessarily mean that
the wings need to extend from the bristle-bearing surface to a
similar extent to the bristles, but only that the profile of each
matches. This helps to avoid an excess of bristle cleaning where no
massaging is taking place and also prevents the wings being
buffeted by the bristles during use.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment the massaging wings extend for a
distance equal to from 60 to 120% the length of the average bristle
tuft on the head. Preferably, the wing extends for a distance equal
to from 65 to 95, more preferably from 70 to 85 and especially
about 75% of the length of the average bristle tuft. Where the
wings are shorter than the average bristle length the wings are
less likely to be buffeted by the bristles during use and are able
to exert their massaging action without affecting the cleaning
efficacy of the bristles on the teeth.
[0023] In an alternative embodiment the massaging wings are
profiled in a way that they present an uneven tip edge so as to
present an uneven massaging capability. This helps to improve the
sensation of massaging which would otherwise be reduced should the
tip profile be even. Preferably the tip profile includes a raised
section at either end with a recess in the middle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0024] Particular embodiments according to the invention will now
be discussed in more detail with reference to the following
non-limiting figures in which
[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a brush according to the invention
and
[0026] FIGS. 2 and 3 are elevation and end views of the embodiment
according to FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 4 is an end view of another embodiment;
[0028] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are embodiments exhibiting surface
formations;
[0029] FIGS. 8 and 9 are end views of preferred embodiments;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a view of the brush during use and
[0031] FIG. 11 is an elevation of the most preferred
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 1 discloses a brush head (1) according to the invention
comprising bristle tufts (2) projection from said head and a pair
of outwardly extending massaging wings (3). Bristle tufts (2a)
adjacent the wings (3) are also angled towards said wings (3).
[0033] FIG. 2 discloses a brush head (1) comprising a massaging
wing (3) and conventional bristle tufts (2).
[0034] FIG. 3 discloses a brush head (1) comprising a pair of
massaging wings (3) and conventional bristles (2). The wings are
angled by .alpha..degree. relative to the plane (11) running
orthogonally from the bristle-bearing surface and longitudinally
down the brush head. The angled bristle tufts (2a) are also angled
by .beta..degree. relative to the brush head surface from which
they extend.
[0035] FIG. 4 discloses another embodiment according to the
invention in which the massaging wings sit over the edge (4) of the
brush head and are tapered towards their tips (5). In addition the
base end of the massaging wings (7) extend around the edge of the
brush head and form tabs on the surface (6) of the brush head
opposite the bristle bearing face. This embodiment provides
improved grip between the material of the wings and the material of
the brush head.
[0036] FIG. 5 discloses a brush head comprising a massaging wing
which has surface formations (8) thereon for improving the sensory
experience of the consumer. The surface formations (8) are in the
form of ridges running along a length of the wing.
[0037] FIG. 6 also discloses a brush head comprising a massaging
wing with surface formations (8) which are in the form of raised
spherical regions.
[0038] FIG. 7 discloses a brush head according to FIG. 6. The
surface formations (8) are present on both sides of the wings
(3).
[0039] FIG. 8 discloses a brush head comprising a pair of outwardly
extending massaging wings (3a/3b) and bristle tufts (2a, 2b, 2c)
arranged in three formats. Bristle tuft (2a) is adjacent wing (3a)
and is angled towards said wing. Bristle tuft (2b) is adjacent wing
(3b) and is angled towards said wing. Bristle tuft (2) extends
orthogonal to the bristle-bearing surface.
[0040] FIG. 9 discloses a brush head comprising a pair of massaging
wings, which are connected to one another along the underside of
the brush head. This allows the wings to be manufactured in a
single injection moulding step. It also provides improved stability
of the wings during use when they are bent away from the brush
head.
[0041] FIG. 10 discloses how the brush according to the invention
has a massaging effect during use. The wings (3) are splayed
outwardly such that they are in contact with the gums (9) while the
bristles contact the teeth. Accordingly, the wing moves along the
gum surface during use and this improves the oxygenation of the gum
tissue, which helps to provide stronger healthy gums.
[0042] FIG. 11 discloses a brush head comprising a wing (3) which
has a curved tip edge (10) to improve the massaging effect on the
gums by presenting an uneven contact during use.
* * * * *