U.S. patent application number 10/673065 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-22 for flexible toothbrush and method of manufacturing the same.
Invention is credited to Huang, Chen-Shen.
Application Number | 20040074035 10/673065 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32096120 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040074035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huang, Chen-Shen |
April 22, 2004 |
Flexible toothbrush and method of manufacturing the same
Abstract
Disclosed herein are a toothbrush and method of manufacturing
the same, wherein the toothbrush comprises an arced tray comprising
a base and sidewalls defining a length of the arced tray, a first
longitudinal edge of each sidewall perpendicularly coupled to
opposing longitudinal edges of the base to define a channel between
the sidewalls, the channel adapted to receive teeth therein. The
toothbrush further includes flexible flanges perpendicularly
coupled to corresponding second longitudinal edges of each of the
corresponding sidewalls opposite the corresponding first
longitudinal edges, the flanges extending over a portion of the
channel, a first end of the channel having a first width smaller
than a second width at a second end of the channel. The toothbrush
also includes a handle coupled to a side of the arced tray opposite
the channel and extending therefrom, the curvature of the arced
tray curving away from the handle.
Inventors: |
Huang, Chen-Shen; (Tsuen
Wan, HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & MCKENZIE
PATENT DEPARTMENT
2001 ROSS AVENUE
SUITE 2300
DALLAS
TX
75201
US
|
Family ID: |
32096120 |
Appl. No.: |
10/673065 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60414856 |
Sep 27, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/005 20130101;
A46B 3/005 20130101; A46B 9/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/167.2 |
International
Class: |
A46B 009/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A toothbrush, comprising: an arced tray comprising a base and
sidewalls defining a length of the arced tray, a first longitudinal
edge of each sidewall perpendicularly coupled to opposing
longitudinal edges of the base to define a channel between the
sidewalls, the channel adapted to receive teeth therein; flexible
flanges perpendicularly coupled to corresponding second
longitudinal edges of each of the corresponding sidewalls opposite
the corresponding first longitudinal edges, the flanges extending
over a portion of the channel, a first end of the channel having a
first width smaller than a second width at a second end of the
channel; and a handle coupled to a side of the arced tray opposite
the channel and extending therefrom, the curvature of the arced
tray curving away from the handle.
2. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the arced tray is a
first arced tray, and further comprising a second arced tray having
a curvature opposite the curvature of the first arced tray, outer
faces of the bases of the arced trays coupled together to form a
single arced unit.
3. A toothbrush according to claim 1, further comprising flexible
protuberances extending from the base into the channel, and adapted
to contact an occlusal surface of the teeth.
4. A toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the flexible
protuberances are integrally formed with the base.
5. A toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein flexible
protuberances are located proximate the second width of the channel
and adapted to contact occlusal surfaces of a plurality of
molars.
6. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the arced tray is a
flexible arced tray.
7. A toothbrush according to claim 6, wherein the arced tray is
comprised of silicone.
8. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the flanges extend a
portion of the length of the arced tray.
9. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the channel is
substantially tapered from the first end to the second end.
10. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the handle is
coupled to a side of the arced tray proximate the first end.
11. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the handle is
perpendicularly coupled to a neck coupled to a side of the arced
tray.
12. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the curvature of the
arced tray is substantially coplanar to a length of the handle.
13. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the curvature of the
arced tray comprises an arc having two foci.
14. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein portions of the
flanges proximate the second end comprise curvatures on
longitudinal edges thereof extending towards the channel, the
curvatures adapted to substantially conform to corresponding side
surfaces of at least one of the teeth.
15. A method for manufacturing a toothbrush, the method comprising:
providing an arced tray comprising a base and sidewalls defining a
length of the arced tray; coupling a first longitudinal edge of
each sidewall perpendicularly to opposing longitudinal edges of the
base to define a channel between the sidewalls, the channel adapted
to receive teeth therein; forming flexible flanges perpendicularly
on corresponding second longitudinal edges of each of the sidewalls
opposite the corresponding first longitudinal edges, the flanges
extending over a portion of the channel, a first end of the channel
having a first width smaller than a second width at a second end of
the channel; and coupling a handle to a side of the arced tray
opposite the channel and extending therefrom, the curvature of the
arced tray curving away from the handle.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein providing an arced tray
further comprises providing a first arced tray, the method further
comprising providing a second arced tray having a curvature
opposite the curvature of the first arced tray, and coupling outer
faces of the bases of the arced trays together to form a single
arced unit.
17. A method according to claim 15, further comprising forming
flexible protuberances on the base, extending therefrom into the
channel and adapted to contact a chewing surface of the teeth.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein forming flexible
protuberances further comprises integrally forming flexible
protuberances with the base.
19. A method according to claim 17, wherein forming flexible
protuberances further comprises forming flexible protuberances
proximate the second end of the channel and adapted to contact
bottom surfaces of a plurality of molars.
20. A method according to claim 15, wherein providing an arced tray
comprises providing a flexible arced tray.
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein providing a flexible
arced tray further comprises providing a flexible arced tray
comprised of silicone.
22. A method according to claim 15, wherein the flanges extend a
portion of the length of the arced tray.
23. A method according to claim 15, wherein coupling a first
longitudinal edge further comprises coupling a first longitudinal
edge of each sidewall perpendicularly to opposing longitudinal
edges of the base to define a channel substantially tapered from
the first end to the second end.
24. A method according to claim 15, wherein coupling a handle
comprises coupling a handle to a side of the arced tray proximate
the first end.
25. A method according to claim 15, wherein coupling a handle
comprises perpendicularly coupling a handle to a neck coupled to a
side of the arced tray.
26. A method according to claim 15, wherein providing an arced tray
further comprises providing an arced tray with a curvature
substantially coplanar to a length of the handle.
27. A method according to claim 15, wherein providing an arced tray
further comprises providing an arced tray with a curvature
comprising an arc having two foci.
28. A method according to claim 15, wherein forming flexible
flanges further comprises forming flexible flanges wherein portions
of the flanges proximate the second end comprise curvatures on
longitudinal edges thereof extending towards the channel, the
curvatures adapted to substantially conform to corresponding side
surfaces of at least one of the teeth.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application depends from and claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/414,856, filed Sep. 27, 2002,
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Disclosed embodiments herein relate generally to
toothbrushes, and more particularly to a toothbrush particularly
designed for children comprising an elastic head and a rigid
handle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The positive effect of proper oral hygiene upon the health
of teeth and gums is well known. Without proper oral hygiene, the
teeth and gums can become a breeding ground for bacteria,
specifically, plaque. The accumulation of plaque on the teeth is
one of the major causes of tooth decay and gum disease. More
importantly, it can destroy the gum tissue and bone that support
the teeth, which could eventually require the teeth to be removed.
In order to control plaque, dentists recommend brushing the teeth
at least twice a day.
[0004] To preserve healthy teeth and gums, it is beneficial to
remove plaque as it develops. The build-up of plaque can begin soon
after teeth initially emerge in the mouth and can progress quickly.
Therefore, it has been shown that good oral hygiene on the part of
infants and small children can be helpful in the prevention of
tooth decay and maintenance of healthy gums. The development of
good brushing habits early is key to good oral hygiene practices
that will last throughout a person's life.
[0005] Choosing the right toothbrush for infants and young children
and developing a regular brushing regimen can be a very difficult
task. Prior to the surfacing of teeth, gently rubbing or wiping the
infant's gums will help dislodge bacteria in order to maintain the
health of the gums. When teeth eventually emerge, brushing the
teeth promotes the removal of plaque and other debris that may
result in bacterial formations upon the teeth, and eventually tooth
decay. Toothbrushes designed for infants or small children are
generally identical to commonly used adult toothbrushes, but
smaller in size. Such brushes can be difficult for a small child to
manipulate and thus be ineffective in dental cleaning. Since
infants and small children are typically unable to adequately brush
their own teeth and gums, most parents assist with the brushing of
the teeth. Unfortunately, infants and small children are often
uncooperative, making it very difficult to effectively clean the
child's teeth.
[0006] Furthermore, when brushing teeth without appropriate skill,
excessive force can easily be exerted on both the teeth and the
gums, thereby causing pain. Another drawback is the difficulty of
cleaning the toothbrush thoroughly, as bacteria or germs can be
concealed between bristles themselves, which might not be obvious
to young children. Therefore, there is a need to have a toothbrush
particularly designed for use by infants and young children that
cleans the gums and teeth, is appealing and concurrently teaches
young children how to use a toothbrush properly without causing any
pain to their gums or teeth.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] Disclosed herein are a toothbrush and method of
manufacturing the same. The toothbrush comprises an arced tray
comprising a base and sidewalls defining a length of the arced
tray. In this embodiment, a first longitudinal edge of each
sidewall is perpendicularly coupled to opposing longitudinal edges
of the base to define a channel between the sidewalls, the channel
adapted to receive teeth therein. The toothbrush further includes
flexible flanges perpendicularly coupled to corresponding second
longitudinal edges of each of the corresponding sidewalls opposite
the corresponding first longitudinal edges. As such, the flanges
extend over a portion of the channel, where a first end of the
channel has a first width smaller than a second width at a second
end of the channel. The toothbrush also includes a handle coupled
to a side of the arced tray opposite the channel and extending
therefrom. Moreover, in these embodiments, the curvature of the
arced tray curves away from the handle.
[0008] A method for manufacturing the toothbrush disclosed herein
includes providing an arced tray comprising a base and sidewalls
defining a length of the arced tray. The method further includes
coupling a first longitudinal edge of each sidewall perpendicularly
to opposing longitudinal edges of the base to define a channel
between the sidewalls, where the channel is adapted to receive
teeth therein. The method also includes forming flexible flanges
perpendicularly on corresponding second longitudinal edges of each
of the sidewalls opposite the corresponding first longitudinal
edges. In this embodiment, the flanges extend over a portion of the
channel, where a first end of the channel has a first width smaller
than a second width at a second end of the channel. Also included
in this embodiment, is coupling a handle to a side of the arced
tray opposite the channel, where the handle is extending therefrom.
In such an embodiment, the curvature of the arced tray curves away
from the handle.
[0009] Although the toothbrush described herein can be used by
anyone, one embodiment is particularly designed for infants and
young children at least 18 months old, and more preferably about
3-6 years old. The arced tray is adapted to the arch of the upper
and lower jaw of the teeth and gum, which makes it more comfortable
and suitable for young children. The present invention is
user-friendly and can be used simply by the movement of the
children' jaw and the toothbrush. The movement of the jaw in
various directions will increase saliva flow, which can kill
bacteria inside the mouth.
[0010] Details of one or more embodiments of the toothbrush and
methods of manufacturing the same are set forth in the description
below. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and the
principle disclosed herein can be implemented in other embodiments.
Other features and advantages will become apparent from the
following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] It is emphasized that various features or components in the
drawings included herein may not be illustrated for clarity of
discussion. In addition, it is emphasized that various features may
not be drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features
may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
With this in mind, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0012] FIG. 1a illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
a toothbrush constructed according to the principles disclosed
herein;
[0013] FIG. 1b illustrates another perspective view of the
toothbrush illustrated in FIG. 1a;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line
2-2 of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 1a; and
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line
3-3 of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 1b.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] A toothbrush and method of manufacturing the same are
disclosed herein. An embodiment of a toothbrush 100 constructed
according to the principles disclosed herein is depicted in FIGS.
1a and 1b. According to one embodiment, the toothbrush 100 includes
an arced tray 110, which is adapted to cover and clean the teeth
when the jaw is moved up and down or left and right when the
toothbrush 100 is being used.
[0017] The arced tray 110 includes a base 130 and sidewalls 140,
which define a length of the arced tray 110. In the illustrated
embodiment, one longitudinal edge of each sidewall 140 is
perpendicularly attached to opposing longitudinal edges of the base
130 to define a channel between the sidewalls 140 and a face of the
base 130, wherein the channel is adapted to receive teeth therein.
According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the arced tray
110 is comprised of a flexible material. More specifically, the
arced tray 110 may be constructed from soft elastic tear-resistant
material, such as silicone or the like. It is contemplated that any
equivalent material providing beneficial elasticity and
tear-resistance for the arced tray 110 may be used. Moreover, the
arced tray 110 may be manufactured using molding techniques, such
as injection molding. In such embodiments, the sidewalls 140 and
the base 130 may be integrally formed. However, in embodiments
employing different manufacturing techniques, the base 130 and
sidewalls 140 may simply be joined after each is manufactured
individually.
[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature of the arced
tray 110 is created using an arc having two foci. By employing two
foci, the curvature of the arced tray 110 resembles that of a
portion of an ellipse. Thus, in such an embodiment, the arc is not
uniformly curved, but rather it has a slowly increasing curvature
when moving from one end of the arced tray 110 to the other. As a
result, the arced tray 110 more easily conforms to the curvature of
the teeth and gums in mouth, allowing for better results when
cleaning the teeth with the toothbrush 100. Of course, the
curvature of the arced tray 110 is not limited to having two foci,
and other embodiments may have a greater number of foci or only one
focus to generate the curvature.
[0019] According to one embodiment, a handle 180 is attached to the
arced tray 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b. In an
advantageous embodiment, the handle 180 is perpendicularly coupled
to one of the sidewalls 140 of the arced tray 110, as illustrated,
and extends therefrom. In a more specific embodiment, the curvature
of the arced tray 110 is coplanar with the length of the handle 180
and curves away from the handle 180, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b.
The perpendicular coupling of the handle 180 to the sidewall 140 of
the arced tray 100, as well as the described relationship between
the curvature of the arced tray 110 and the handle 180, increases
ease and comfort of use of the toothbrush 100. In a particularly
advantageous embodiment, the arced tray 110 and the handle 180 are
connected together by inserting one end of the handle 180 into a
neck 190 of the toothbrush 100, which is in turn coupled to the
arced tray 110. In one example of such an embodiment, the neck 190
is integrally formed in or with the arced tray 110, and one end of
the handle 180 inserted therein. In related embodiments, the handle
180 is made from thermoplastic material or the like, and
manufactured using conventional techniques.
[0020] Also illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the width of the
channel tapers from one end of the arced tray 110 to the other end
of the arced tray 110. Specifically, one end of the channel has a
width smaller than the width of the opposing end of the channel.
These widths may be seen in greater detail with reference to FIGS.
2 and 3, which are discussed below. In further embodiments, it is
contemplated that the channel is wider at the end of the arced tray
110 furthest from the handle 180. In such embodiments, the tapering
allows the toothbrush 100 to accommodate the widening of the teeth
that occurs when moving from the anterior teeth to the posterior
teeth. In one embodiment, one end of the arced tray 110 is wide
enough to accommodate the incisors, whereas the opposite end of the
arced tray 110 is wider than the first end in order to accommodate
the molars. In a related embodiment, the handle 180 is attached to
the arced tray 110 substantially closer to one end of the arced
tray 110. More specifically, as illustrated, the handle 180 may be
attached to the arced tray 110 closer to the end of the arced tray
110 that is designed to accommodate the incisors (e.g., smaller
width) so that the handle 180 can be held substantially in the
middle of the opening of the mouth when the toothbrush 100 is in
use.
[0021] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, flexible flanges
150 are located on corresponding longitudinal edges of each of the
sidewalls 140 that are opposite the longitudinal edges that are
connected to the base 130. As illustrated, in such embodiments, the
flexible flanges 150 extend inwardly over part of the channel
defined by the base 130 and sidewalls 140. By extending over the
channel, when the arced tray 110 is applied over the teeth, the
flexible flanges 150 allow the user to rub and scrape the side
surfaces, e.g., the lingual and buccal surfaces, of the teeth to
remove plaque and debris therefrom. In related embodiments, the
flanges 150 may be flexible enough to conform at least partially
into the spaces between the teeth to remove plaque and other debris
from these locations.
[0022] In another embodiment, portions of the flexible flanges 150
proximate the wider end of the arced tray 110 include corresponding
curvatures 170 on the longitudinal edge of the flanges 150
extending towards the channel. In such embodiments, the curvatures
170 are formed so as to substantially conform to corresponding side
surfaces of at least one of the teeth, for example, the lingual and
buccal surfaces of molars in order to more efficiently scrape
plaque therefrom. In related embodiments, the flexible flanges 150
extend the full length of the arced tray 110 without the curvatures
170. In another embodiments, the flexible flanges 150 extend only a
portion of the length of the arced tray 140, for example, starting
at the end of the arced tray 110 having the smaller width.
Advantageously, the flanges 150 may be integrally manufactured with
the sidewalls 140 using, for example, injection molding techniques,
however any appropriate technique may also be employed.
Alternatively, the flanges 150 may be manufactured separately from
the sidewalls 140, and coupled thereto later in the manufacturing
process.
[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, flexible protuberances 160
extend from the base 130 into the channel, and are adapted to
contact the bottom surface of the teeth. According to one
embodiment, the flexible protuberances 160 are integrally formed
with the base 130. In another embodiment, the flexible
protuberances 160 are located proximate to the end of the channel
that is widest, and are adapted to contact bottom surfaces of the
molars. This allows the user to clean the occlusal surface of the
posterior teeth, for example, by moving their jaw left and right
and by moving the handle from left to right and back to front. In
advantageous embodiments, the flexible protuberances 160 may be
formed integrally with the base 130, or even with the entire tray
110, during manufacturing. In such embodiments, the entire tray
110, including the sidewalls 140, the base 130, the flanges 150
(with or without curvatures 170) and the flexible protuberances 160
may all be formed from silicone or other appropriate material, and
using a single injection molding die. However, non-integral
flexible protuberances 160 may also be in the channel, which may be
implanted on the base 130 in the manner of conventional
toothbrushes.
[0024] As illustrated by the embodiment in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the
toothbrush 100 may comprise a first arced tray 110 and a second
arced tray 120 having a curvature opposite the curvature of the
first arced tray 110. In such an embodiment, wherein the outer
faces of the bases 130 of the arced trays 110, 120 are coupled
together to form a single arced unit. The coupling of two (2) trays
as illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b allows the user to clean both the
upper and lower teeth at the same time. According to a related
embodiment, the handle 180 is positioned between the arced trays
110, 120.
[0025] Now turning to FIG. 2, illustrated is a cross-sectional side
view along line 2-2 of the toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. 1. The
illustrated embodiment depicts two (2) arced trays 110, 120
connected to form a single arced unit. More specifically, outer
faces of the bases 130 of the first and second trays 110, 120 are
coupled together, or, alternatively, integrally formed during the
manufacturing process, to form a single unit for the head of the
toothbrush 100. Moreover, the flexible flanges 150 extending over
part of the channel on both the first and second trays 110, 120 may
also be seen. As mentioned above, as the teeth are inserted into
the channel and the toothbrush 100 moved in the appropriate
directions, the flanges 150 may gently scrape against the side
surfaces of the teeth to remove plaque and other debris
therefrom.
[0026] The illustrated embodiment further includes a first width
W.sub.1 at one end of the arced trays 110, 120, wherein the first
width W.sub.1 is designed to accommodate the incisors. While the
embodiment of FIG. 2 does not illustrate the flexible protuberances
160 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, it is contemplated that the flexible
protuberances 160 may be formed throughout the channel of the arced
trays 110, 120, including on the end of the arced trays 110, 120
illustrated in FIG. 2. Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is the handle 180
coupled to the arced trays 110, 120 in a perpendicular manner. Of
course, the handle 180 may be coupled to the arced trays 110, 120
in any beneficial manner.
[0027] Looking now at FIG. 3, illustrated is a cross-sectional view
along 3-3 of the toothbrush 100 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b. FIG. 3
includes a second width W.sub.2 of the arced trays 110, 120 located
on the opposite end of the arced tray 110 from the first width
W.sub.1 depicted in FIG. 2. Advantageously, the second width
W.sub.2 is wider than the first width W.sub.1 in order to
accommodate the increasing widths of teeth when moving from the
front teeth to the molars. In such embodiments, the width of the
tray 110 may uniformly taper when moving from the first width
W.sub.1 to the second width W.sub.2. Alternatively, the change from
the first width W.sub.1 to the second, final width W.sub.2 of the
tray may be staggered, in an attempt to conform with the staggered
changes in widths of teeth when moving from the front to the back
of the mount.
[0028] Also shown in FIG. 3 are flexible protuberances 160
extending from the bases 130 of both the first and second arced
trays 110, 120. In addition, the flexible flanges 150 extending
over part of the channel on the wider ends of both the first and
second trays 110, 120 may also be seen. As mentioned above, these
portions of the flexible flanges 150 may also include curvatures
170 (see FIGS. 1a and 1b) to conform to the side surfaces of molars
that are inserted into the channels of the arced trays 110, 120 to
gently scrape against the molars to remove plaque and other debris
therefrom.
[0029] While various embodiments of a toothbrush, as well as
methods of manufacturing the same, have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of
the invention(s) should not be limited by any of the
above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only
in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
Moreover, the above advantages and features are provided in
described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of the
claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the
above advantages.
[0030] Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for
consistency with the suggestions under 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to
provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or
characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue
from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although
the headings refer to a "Technical Field," the claims should not be
limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the
so-called technical field. Further, a description of a technology
in the "Background" is not to be construed as an admission that
technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure.
Neither is the "Brief Summary" to be considered as a
characterization of the invention(s) set forth in the claims found
herein. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to
"invention" in the singular should not be used to argue that there
is only a single point of novelty claimed in this disclosure.
Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations
of the multiple claims associated with this disclosure, and the
claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents,
that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of the
claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of the
specification, but should not be constrained by the headings set
forth herein.
* * * * *