U.S. patent application number 10/035962 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-15 for toothbrush.
Invention is credited to Gardiner, Vernon.
Application Number | 20030088932 10/035962 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21885794 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030088932 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gardiner, Vernon |
May 15, 2003 |
Toothbrush
Abstract
A toothbrush having novel bristles and/or a novel handle is
disclosed. The toothbrush has a better grip and a better massaging
effect than in the prior art. The effective areas of bristle
contact are preferably flat sections, which increase the total area
of contact. The bristles in the present invention are shaped like a
polygon in cross-section. The polygon-shaped bristles preferably
have three to six sides, and the polygon is preferably a regular
polygon. The points of contact on the tooth are the edges of the
polygon. When the cleaning direction of the brush is perpendicular
to the long axis of the bristle, the effective cleaning agent is a
cleaning edge equivalent to the corner of the polygon. The bristles
are twisted in a spiral (screw-like) pattern to allow for the tooth
to contact primarily the edges of the sides of the bristles. The
edges of the bristles are preferably always in contact with the
tooth. The toothbrush handle preferably has at least four thumb
grips. The thumb grips are preferably concave areas with raised
parallel ridges to minimize slip and maximize friction under wet
conditions. The handle has a general elongated shape that is
preferably slightly elliptical. In a preferred embodiment, each
thumb grip area has a layer of soft non-slip material covering
it.
Inventors: |
Gardiner, Vernon;
(Montego-bay, JM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROWN & MICHAELS, PC
400 M & T BANK BUILDING
118 NORTH TIOGA ST
ITHACA
NY
14850
US
|
Family ID: |
21885794 |
Appl. No.: |
10/035962 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 ;
15/143.1; 15/207.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 5/026 20130101;
A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A46D 1/0238 20130101; A46B 9/04 20130101;
A46B 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 ;
15/143.1; 15/207.2 |
International
Class: |
A46B 009/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An improved toothbrush comprising a handle and a head, wherein
the improvement comprises a bristle sub-assembly located on the
head of the toothbrush comprising: at least one tuft of bristles,
wherein said tuft of bristles comprises a plurality of U-shaped
bristles in which a cross-section of said bristles forms a polygon,
wherein a first end and a second end of said bristles are embedded
in the head such that a middle section of said bristles form a
flattened area for contact with a tooth.
2. The improved toothbrush of claim 1, wherein at least a middle
portion of each bristle is twisted lengthwise, such that the tooth
contacts more than one corner of the polygon during brushing.
3. The improved toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said polygon is a
regular polygon.
4. The improved toothbrush of claim 3, wherein all of the internal
angles of said regular polygon are less than or equal to
120.degree..
5. The improved toothbrush of claim 3, wherein said regular polygon
is selected from the group consisting of: a) a triangle; b) a
square; c) a pentagon; and d) a hexagon.
6. The improved toothbrush of claim 1, wherein there is a plurality
of alternating tufts of bristles, wherein a middle section of the
bristles in each tuft of bristles is at a 90 degree angle to the
middle section of the bristles in the tuft of bristles directly
adjacent to it.
7. The improved toothbrush of claim 1, wherein each tuft of
bristles further comprises an interior set of bristles and two
exterior sets of bristles, wherein said exterior sets of bristles
sandwich said interior set of bristles and a middle section of the
bristles in said exterior set of bristles is positioned
perpendicularly to the middle section of the bristles in said
interior set of bristles.
8. The improved toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises
at least four thumb grips arranged radially around an axis of the
handle, wherein said thumb grips comprise a concave area with a
plurality of raised parallel ridges.
9. The improved toothbrush of claim 8, wherein a longitudinal
cross-section of said handle is elliptical.
10. An improved toothbrush comprising a handle and a head, wherein
the improvement comprises at least four thumb grips arranged
radially around an axis of the handle, wherein said thumb grips
comprise a concave area with a plurality of raised parallel
ridges.
11. The improved toothbrush of claim 10, wherein a longitudinal
cross-section of said handle is elliptical.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention pertains to the field of toothbrushes. More
particularly, the invention pertains to a toothbrush designed to
have improved teeth cleaning and massaging abilities.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Toothbrushes are generally designed to clean the surfaces of
the teeth and gums, the areas between adjoining teeth, and the
marginal areas between the teeth and the gums, as well as removing
dental plaque in these areas. Brushing with a toothbrush also
massages the gums, which is highly effective in preventing
periodontitis.
[0005] Toothbrush Bristles
[0006] The sweeping action of toothbrush bristles removes food
particles and debris from the surfaces of the tooth. The ends of
the bristles are the active cleaning agent of the whole toothbrush.
Although the ends of the bristles are rounded off in the
manufacturing process, they are still relatively sharp and
potentially harmful due to the small diameter of the bristles. The
bristles work by cumulatively acting like a rough flat, curved or
stepped surface, which in theory and practice acts as an effective
cleaning tool. The amount of force applied to the brush, the
rigidity of the bristles and the extent of end rounding of the
bristles determine to a great extent the intrinsic effective
cleaning action of the brush. In the mouth, there are relatively
delicate tissues in close proximity to the teeth, namely the gums
and gingiva. This situation begs the question of how to clean the
teeth without seriously harming the gums and surrounding soft
tissues.
[0007] Bristle tips play a significant role in cervical abrasion
and gingival recession (where the predisposing factors are
present). Despite the fact that all human mouths are basically the
same, with the exception of persons with braces, bridgework and
implants, over two dozen fundamentally different types of basic
toothbrushes are on the market today. Many toothbrushes have
rigidly mounted bristles and a rigid curved or angled bristle
surface. These toothbrushes have inherent disadvantages. For
example, placing these type of bristles on flat tooth surfaces
results in fewer bristles making contact with the teeth. The
bristles that do contact the teeth must support the brushing forces
applied through the handle, which results in premature splaying of
the bristles. Some toothbrushes have elongated rigidly mounted tip
bristles which may have improved access to the teeth.
[0008] Another drawback of current toothbrushes is that applying
sufficient pressure for good cleaning often damages or irritates
the softer, adjacent gums. Prior art toothbrush manufacturers have
tried to solve this problem by modifying the configuration of the
brush, or by varying bristle hardness or length. However, there is
currently no single configuration that is optimal under all
conditions.
[0009] There have been a number of toothbrush head and bristle
configurations patented in the past. Most of the previously
described toothbrush head and bristle configurations are based on a
model where the effective working part of the toothbrush is the
bristle or more specifically the ends of the bristle.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 2,317,485, "BRUSH," Rider (1943), discloses a
toothbrush which has bristles having a cross-section shaped like a
polygon with simple flat sides.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 2,599,191, "DENTAL BRUSH HAVING LOOPED
BRISTLES," Meunier (1952), discloses a toothbrush head and bristle
configuration based on the fact that the sides of the shaft of the
bristle could provide a less traumatic cleaning action especially
with persons with sensitive gums. This patent teaches the bristles
looping back on themselves forming a simple loop. These loops are
duplicated side by side to form a series thereby forming a working
head of a toothbrush. The effective working areas of this brush
however are curved points of contact on the looped tufts and this
greatly reduces its cleaning potential compared to regular
toothbrushes. This toothbrush is atraumatic in its functioning but
is not a very effective cleaning agent.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 2,637,893, "ARTIFICIAL FILAMENT," Shaw (1953),
shows an artificial filament to be used in push brooms, whisks,
brushes and related articles. The bristles in these filaments have
a lobed appearance in cross-section.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 2,876,477, "BRUSH," Stewart (1959), discloses
a toothbrush having bristles with a basic polygon shape in
cross-section. The sides of the bristles are concave so the
effective angles are more acute than in the patents with simple
flat sides.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,957, "TOOTHBRUSH," Watanabe (1999),
teaches a toothbrush which has bristles shaped like a polygon in
cross-section with simple flat sides.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,314, "TOOTHBRUSH WITH IMPROVED CLEANING
AND ABRASION EFFICIENCY," Schiff et al. (2000), shows a toothbrush
with bristles which are star-shaped in cross-section.
[0016] With the exception of U.S. Pat. No. 2,599,191, all of these
patents changed the basic intrinsic shape of the bristles without
changing the arrangment of the bristles in the head of the
toothbrushes. Similar to other conventional toothbrushes, the ends
of the bristles in these inventions still play a significant part
in the cleaning process.
[0017] Toothbrush Handles
[0018] Toothbrush handles currently available have many
deficiencies. For example, most toothbrush handles are too small to
grip firmly. Depending on the size of a user's hand, there exists a
minimum size of a gripped elongated objected below which
manipulation becomes difficult. The size of the handle should be
large enough to allow enough pressure to be placed on it with the
fingers to allow adequate manipulation. With this in mind, most
currently available toothbrush handles are inadequate. In addition,
the general square or rectangular shaped cross section of existing
toothbrush handles is not the ideal shape for a comfortable grip in
the palm.
[0019] The preferred and most common technique for brushing teeth
is generally known as the Bass technique. In this technique, the
toothbrush bristles are placed at about a 45 degree angle toward
the gum tissues. With a vibrating or circular motion, the bristles
are flexed so they surround the gum tissues and the portion of the
tooth closest to the gumline. This type of motion also massages and
stimulates the gingiva. The plaque is usually heaviest on the third
of the tooth closest to the gumline. Once this area of the tooth is
cleaned, the brush can be swept up (for lower teeth) and down (for
upper teeth) to help remove the plaque from the remaining facial
and lingual tooth surfaces. This must be done in a systematic
manner around the mouth so no tooth is missed. Pressure must be
light so as not to damage the gingival tissues. Since this brushing
method is difficult and requires maneuvering and dexterity, most
people do not currently use it. There is no toothbrush currently
available which makes it easier to use this technique.
[0020] Since current toothbrush handles are not made to facilitate
the Bass technique, it makes it even more difficult to perform. The
thumb plays a vital role in maneuvering the toothbrush for proper
cleaning. To properly carry out the Bass technique, as well as
other advocated brushing methods (e.g., the Stillman technique),
the handle has to be gripped with the thumb at all times. While
cleaning all areas of the teeth, the thumb is placed in succession
on all four sides of the toothbrush handle. However, most
toothbrush handles have only one thumb grip which is flat and
inadequate. Some of the more expensive toothbrushes have another
thumb rest which is situated opposite to the first on the back of
the handle. However, thumb grips are needed on all four sides of
the handle, especially to perform the Bass Technique.
[0021] Therefore, there is a need in the art for both an improved
bristle configuration and an improved toothbrush handle to allow
more efficient teeth cleaning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention is a toothbrush with novel bristles
and/or a novel handle. The toothbrush has a better grip and a
better massaging effect than in the prior art. The effective areas
of bristle contact are preferably flat sections, which increase the
total area of contact. The bristles in the present invention are
shaped like a polygon in cross-section. The polygon-shaped bristles
preferably have three to six sides, and the polygon is preferably a
regular polygon. The points of contact on the tooth are the edges
of the polygon. When the cleaning direction of the brush is
perpendicular to the long axis of the bristle, the effective
cleaning agent is a cleaning edge equivalent to the corner of the
polygon. The bristles are twisted in a spiral (screw-like) pattern
to allow for the tooth to be in touch with only the edges of the
sides of the polygon and not the flat side of the polygon. The
edges of the bristles are preferably always in contact with the
tooth. The toothbrush handle preferably has at least four thumb
grips. The thumb grips are preferably concave areas with raised
parallel ridges to minimize slip and maximize friction under wet
conditions. The handle has a general elongated shape that is
preferably slightly elliptical. In a preferred embodiment, each
thumb grip area has a layer of soft non-slip material covering
it.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the bundles of bristles are
arranged at 90 degrees to each other. The two diametrically opposed
sets of bristles serve dual purposes, depending on the direction of
movement or brushing. When the general motion of the brush is
perpendicular to the long axis of the bristle, there is a cleaning
action. However, if the motion is parallel to the axis then a
massaging action is being carried out on the gums. In this
configuration, one set of bristles is always cleaning the teeth
while the adjacent set is massaging the teeth.
[0024] In another embodiment, the bristles are more resilient and
rigid than conventional soft and medium bristles. This ensures that
the flat working portion of the bristle does not give in and bend
too much while brushing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1A shows a single bristle bent into the functional
shape of the bristle in an embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 1B shows a grouping of the bristles shown in FIG. 1A,
in a working bristle section in an embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 2A shows a cross-section of a triangular bristle shape
in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2B shows a cross-section of a square bristle shape in
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2C shows a cross-section of a pentagonal bristle shape
in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2D shows a cross-section of a hexagonal bristle shape
in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 3A shows an example of the square bristle shape shown
in FIG. 2B, in a twisted screw-like configuration in an embodiment
of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 3B shows an example of the hexagonal bristle shape
shown in FIG. 2D, in a twisted screw-like configuration in an
embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 4A shows a top-down view of a complete head of a
toothbrush with the bristle sections in an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0034] FIG. 4B shows a side view of a complete head of a toothbrush
with the bristle sections in an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 4C shows a front view of a complete head of a
toothbrush with the bristle sections in an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the toothbrush shown in
FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows a configuration of the bristle sections in an
alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 7 shows a configuration of the bristle sections in an
alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 8 shows a configuration of the bristle sections in an
alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0040] FIG. 9A shows a configuration of the handle with thumb grips
on all four sides in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 9B shows a side view of the handle shown in FIG.
9A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] This invention seeks to maximize the use of the sides of the
bristles in the cleaning process by creating and utilizing working
edges on the sides and by introducing a new bristle arrangement. In
addition, multiple thumb grips on the toothbrush handle allow for
easier execution of the advocated cleaning methods including the
Bass technique, which also increases the effectiveness of cleaning
the teeth. Since there are no bristle tips present, this invention
removes the harmful effects that the ends of the bristles cause.
The working portion of the bristles is totally shifted to the
sides. This invention is better at cleaning than previous
(traditional) toothbrushes.
[0043] Toothbrush Bristles
[0044] The total area of the bristles in contact with the tooth
should be maximized to clean effectively. The bristles in this
invention are flattened. The effective areas of contact are not
curved sections of the bristles as in U.S. Pat. No. 2,599,191, but
are flat sections, which increase the total area of contact.
Instead of being round in cross-section as in regular toothbrush
bristles, the bristles of the present invention are shaped like a
polygon. This unique shape makes them more effective cleaners. The
polygon preferably has between three and six sides. The edges of
the polygon act as the lines of contact with the tooth. When the
cleaning direction of the brush is perpendicular to the long axis
of the bristle, the effective cleaning agent is a cleaning edge
equivalent to the corner of the polygon.
[0045] With this configuration, however, there is the possibility
that a significant number of bristles only contact the tooth on
their flat faces, which would be a less effective cleaner than a
round bristle. Twisting the bristles in a spiral (screw-like)
pattern allows the tooth to be in contact primarily with the
corners of the sides of the bristles, thereby solving this problem.
Unlike U.S. Pat. No. 2,599,191, the total area in contact with the
tooth is increased significantly by having flat portions of the
bundle of bristles coming in contact with the tooth. To ensure that
the flat working portion of the bristle does not give in and bend
too much while brushing, the bristles are preferably a bit more
resilient and rigid than the regular soft and medium bristles in a
preferred embodiment.
[0046] During brushing only the flat part of the bristle comes in
contact with the tooth surface, and even under undue force, it is
still only a flat section of the bristle in contact with the tooth.
The flat sections of the bristles give slightly under pressure to
form a curve that fits the curves of the inner and outer portion of
the teeth. Unlike traditional brushes, the configuration of the
bristles ensures that there is no brushing method that actually
does harm to the tooth or gums. The flat portion of the bristles
cleans the sides of the teeth while the sections perpendicular to
the surfaces of the teeth clean the areas between the teeth. The
sections of the bristle parallel to the gum line gently glide
between the tooth and gum and remove any food particles and debris
that are found there.
[0047] There are many benefits to the bristle configuration design
over the prior art. Clinically, this design cleans the teeth
better. It also has a better massaging effect on the gums. In
addition, there is reduced cervical erosion or abrasion, and the
bristles are never traumatic. A toothbrush with these bristles is
also easier to manufacture. The larger diameter bristles make it
easier to work with. Also, there are fewer bundles or tufts of
bristles to work with than in the prior art. In addition, the
bristle ends require no trimming or rounding off.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the bristles (7) in this
invention have the shape of a polygon in cross section. Some
examples of these shapes include regular polygons such as a
triangular-shaped bristle (1), a square-shaped bristle (2), a
pentagon-shaped bristle (3), and a hexagonal-shaped bristle (4),
although other polygons, including other rectangles, are also
possible. Rectangles are just as effective as squares, but since
the bristle is preferably twisted, it is easier to work with
squares. The edges of regular polygons with seven or more sides are
almost flat and ineffective. When the internal angle of the edge
goes above 120.degree., then the bristle is relatively flat and
loses its effective scraping action. Therefore, a regular polygon
from three to six sides is preferred. Since the edges of a triangle
could potentially be too sharp and could wear down quickly with
use, a regular polygon having four to six sides is further
preferred.
[0049] These bristles (7) are preferably twisted into a screw or
spiral shape. Both a twisted square-shaped bristle (5) and a
twisted hexagonal-shaped bristle (6) are shown. The spiral pattern
decreases the number of bristles where only the flat surface of the
polygon comes in contact with the tooth. This allows the tooth to
be almost exclusively in contact with the edges of the bristles
(7). The total area in contact with the tooth is increased
significantly by having flat portions of the bundle of bristles
coming in contact with the tooth. There are preferably enough
complete revolutions per centimeter to ensure that there is always
an edge of the bristle that is facing outward and in contact with
the tooth surface. The spiral pattern also decreases the total area
occupied by the bristles (7). The number of revolutions depends on
the number of sides of the polygon. As the number of sides of the
polygon increases, the number of revolutions required to bring
another edge in contact with the tooth decreases. For example, when
an edge of a triangle is rotated around and away from the tooth, it
must be rotated 120.degree. before another edge is brought back in
line and in contact with the tooth. In contrast, a hexagon only
needs to be rotated 60.degree. to bring another edge in line with
the tooth. The edge preferably does not form an angle greater than
45.degree. with the long axis of the bristle. Ideally, the angle is
zero. In a preferred embodiment, approximately one revolution per 2
mm is used.
[0050] The bristles (7) of the toothbrush preferably form inverted
or upside down `U`s. These inverted `U`s are bundled together to
form tufts (8). The two free ends (25) of the tufts (8) are
embedded, like regular tufts, in the head (26) of the toothbrush
(11). In this embodiment, the flat `roof` section (27) of one
inverted `U` (9) forms a right angle with the roof section (27) of
adjacent tufts of bristles (10). In a preferred embodiment, the
tufts have enough bristles to closely pack a cross-sectional area
of 5 mm.times.2 mm. The number of bristles depends on the thickness
of the bristles, which is preferably about 0.012 inches in
diameter. The bristles are preferably of nylon type 6.12.
[0051] The two diametrically opposed sets of bristles (9) and (10)
serve dual purposes depending on the direction of movement or
brushing. When the general motion of the brush is perpendicular to
the long axis of the bristle there is a cleaning action, while when
the motion is parallel to the axis then a massaging action is being
carried out on the gums. The bundles of bristles (9) and (10) are
arranged at 90.degree. to each other in the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5. Regardless of the direction of motion, one set of
bristles (9) or (10) is always cleaning the teeth while the
adjacent set is massaging the teeth. In addition, the flat sections
(27) of the bristles give slightly under pressure to form a curve
that fit the curves of the inner and outer surfaces of the
teeth.
[0052] Although this arrangement seems to be the most effective,
other bristle arrangements are possible using the same principle.
For example, referring to FIG. 6, sets of bristles (13) are
sandwiched between two additional sets of bristles (14) which are
perpendicular to the first set of bristles (13) of the toothbrush
(12). This configuration functions similarly to the configuration
shown in FIG. 5. Regardless of the direction of motion, one set of
bristles (13) or (14) is always cleaning the teeth while the
adjacent set (13) or (14) is massaging the teeth.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 7, the toothbrush (15) has only bristles
(17) that are perpendicular to the long axis of the toothbrush
(15). These bristles create one uniform section (16). Although this
configuration has minimal gingival cleaning, it has maximum tooth
cleaning properties. Referring also to FIG. 8, the toothbrush (19)
has separate bristle sections (18), each creating a tuft. This
arrangement has maximum gingival cleaning and minimum tooth
cleaning properties.
[0054] There are additional variations to the bristle design, which
include having the end group of bristles taller and stiffer than
the others (a power tip configuration) to help clean the back
section of back teeth. Alternatively, the working flat sections
(27) of the bristles are at forty-five degrees to the long axis of
the brush.
[0055] Toothbrush Handle
[0056] The toothbrush handle of the present invention is large
enough to have a comfortable grip without being too bulky. The
general elongated shape is slightly elliptical. In reference to the
Bass brushing technique, the toothbrush handle is stabilized with a
properly placed thumb on a thumb grip.
[0057] The longitudinal cross section of the shape that best
approximates the shape formed by the inside of curved fingers and
palm is mildly elliptical. Therefore, referring now to FIGS. 9A and
9B, the toothbrush handle extension (21) is slightly elliptical in
cross section and generally elongated. The central portion of the
handle (20) has the largest diameter of the handle (20) so that it
fits into the curvature of a user's palm. In a preferred
embodiment, the central portion of the handle (20) is approximately
3/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter and circular in cross section. There
are at least four thumb grips (22). The thumb grips (22) are
preferably concave areas with raised parallel ridges (23) to
minimize slip and maximize friction under wet conditions. In a
preferred embodiment, each thumb grip (22) has a layer of soft
non-slip material covering it.
[0058] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of
the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the
application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to
details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the
scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features
regarded as essential to the invention.
* * * * *