U.S. patent application number 10/601106 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for toothbrush with tongue cleaning member.
Invention is credited to Hohlbein, Douglas J..
Application Number | 20040255416 10/601106 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33517903 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040255416 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hohlbein, Douglas J. |
December 23, 2004 |
Toothbrush with tongue cleaning member
Abstract
A toothbrush having a handle portion formed with a neck at one
end thereof and extending along a first longitudinal axis. A head
section is coupled to the neck. The head section includes a
plurality of first cleaning members provided on a first head side
thereof which extends outwardly from the first head side generally
perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The head section
further includes a second cleaning member provided on a second head
side thereof opposite to the first head side. In order to reliably
clean the tongue surface, the second cleaning member includes a
plurality of flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements which
extend outwardly from the second head side of the head section
generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
Alternately, the second cleaning member can include a plurality of
grated cleaning elements which extend outwardly from the second
head side of the head section generally perpendicular to the first
longitudinal axis.
Inventors: |
Hohlbein, Douglas J.;
(Pennington, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FROMMER LAWRENCE & HAUG LLP
745 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10151
US
|
Family ID: |
33517903 |
Appl. No.: |
10/601106 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/106 ; 15/111;
15/167.1; 606/161 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 5/02 20130101; A46B
9/04 20130101; A46B 15/0055 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A46B
15/0081 20130101; A46B 5/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/106 ;
015/111; 015/167.1; 606/161 |
International
Class: |
A46B 009/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A toothbrush comprising: a handle portion being formed with a
neck at one end thereof, said handle portion extending along a
first longitudinal axis; a head section coupled to the neck, the
head including a plurality of first cleaning members provided on a
first head side thereof and extending outwardly from said first
head side generally perpendicular to said first longitudinal axis;
and said head section including a second cleaning member provided
on a second head side thereof opposite to said first head side,
said second cleaning member including a plurality of flat-tipped
conical-shaped cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface
which extend outwardly from the second head side of the head
section generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
2. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said second cleaning member is
molded of a relatively soft elastomeric material.
3. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said conical shaped cleaning
elements are in the shape of short thin whiskers.
4. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said conical-shaped cleaning
elements have tips at an end thereof which are less than 0.5 mm in
diameter for optimum tongue cleaning penetration.
5. The toothbrush of claim 4 wherein said tips are less than 0.2 mm
in diameter.
6. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said second cleaning element
is made from a flexibly resilient thermoplastic elastomer.
7. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein each of said flat-tipped
conical-shaped cleaning elements has a height which is within the
range of 0.020" to 0.100".
8. The toothbrush of claim 7 wherein each of said flat-tipped
conical-shaped cleaning elements has a height which is within the
range of 0.040" to 0.060".
9. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said second cleaning member is
made of an elastomeric material having a hardness which is within
the range of Shore A8 to Shore A25 hardness.
10. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said second cleaning member
is injection molded into a cavity provided in the head section.
11. A tongue cleaning member for a toothbrush including a plurality
of flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements for cleaning the
tongue surface.
12. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 wherein said conical
shaped cleaning elements are in the shape of short thin
whiskers.
13. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 wherein said conical
shaped cleaning elements have tips at an end thereof which are less
than 0.1 mm in diameter for optimum tongue cleaning
penetration.
14. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 from a flexibly
resilient thermoplastic material.
15. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 made of an elastomeric
material having a hardness which is within the range of Shore A8 to
Shore A25 hardness.
16. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 wherein each of said
flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements has a height which is
within the range of 0.020" to 0.100".
17. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 wherein each of said
flat-tipped conical shaped cleaning elements has a height which is
within the range of 0.040" to 0.060".
18. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 wherein the flat-tipped
conical-shaped cleaning elements are densely disposed on and extend
from a bottom face of a head section of the toothbrush.
19. The tongue cleaning member of claim 18 wherein said flat-tipped
conical-shaped cleaning elements are spaced from an adjacent
conical-shaped cleaning element at a spacing within the range of
approximately 0.020" to 0.120".
20. The tongue cleaning member of claim 18 wherein approximately
200 to 500 conical shaped cleaning elements per square inch are
disposed on the bottom face of the head section of the
toothbrush.
21. A toothbrush comprising: a handle portion being formed with a
neck at one end thereof, said handle portion extending along a
first longitudinal axis; a head section coupled to the neck, the
head including a plurality of first cleaning members provided on a
first head side thereof and extending outwardly from said first
head side generally perpendicular to said first longitudinal axis;
and said head section including a second cleaning member provided
on a second head side thereof opposite to said first head side,
said second cleaning member including a plurality of grated
cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface which extend
outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally
perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
22. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said second cleaning member
is molded of a relatively soft elastomeric material.
23. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein each of said grated cleaning
elements includes a front cleaning face formed of a generally
concave cleaning surface.
24. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said grated cleaning
elements comprises a front cleaning face including a pair of
dispersion grooves having an inclined cleaning plane disposed
therebetween.
25. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said grated cleaning
elements include a front cleaning face formed of a generally
concave cleaning surface and a rear cleaning face including a pair
of dispersion grooves having an inclined cleaning plane disposed
therebetween.
26. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said grated cleaning
elements include a front cleaning face formed of a generally
concave cleaning surface with a portion thereof extending below a
base portion of the second cleaning member.
27. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said grated cleaning
elements include a front cleaning face having a cut-out grooved arc
segment having a bottom surface which is inclined so as to extend
below a base portion of the second cleaning member.
28. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein each of said grated cleaning
elements has a height which is less than 0.100".
29. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said second cleaning member
is made of an elastomeric material having a hardness which is
within the range of Shore A8 to Shore A25 hardness.
30. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said second cleaning member
is injection molded into a cavity provided in the head section.
31. A tongue cleaning member for a toothbrush including a plurality
of grated cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface.
32. A method for manufacturing a toothbrush having a brush head
section comprising the step of injection molding first cleaning
members on a first side of the brush section and second cleaning
members on a second side of the brush head opposite to the first
side by one shot of elastomeric material in the same operation.
33. The method of manufacturing a toothbrush of claim 32 wherein
said step of injection molding said first cleaning members includes
the step of forming bristle members on the front side of the brush
head section.
34. The method of manufacturing a toothbrush of claim 32 wherein
said step of injection molding said second cleaning member includes
the step of form a tongue cleaning member on the rear side of the
brush head section.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to oral hygiene products,
and more particularly, relates to a toothbrush having a tongue
cleaning member provided on the head section thereof.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0004] Tongue cleaners have been in use for many years, with
scraping type devices being one of the more popular solutions for
improved cleaning of the tongue and soft cheek tissues. Scrapers
exist as long, thin "blades" made of either plastic or metal which
are bent into a "U" shape and dragged across the tongue.
[0005] Tongue scraper configurations with linear wiping elements
have been combined with toothbrushes in the past, as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,818,856 and 6,119,296. Traditional tongue scrapers
are formed of a tall flat "blade" or ribbon of either plastic or
metal, which is dragged along the surface of the tongue. This type
of construction is not well-suited for the back of the toothbrush
head as it makes contact with surfaces other than the tongue. It
has therefore been found desirable to provide a tongue scraper
provided on a toothbrush which is soft for contact with soft
tissues and without deep edges that might get caught on tooth
surfaces.
[0006] Conventional tongue scrapers have also been inadequate with
respect to the cleaning capacity of the tongue and the soft
tissue-cleaning surface. The surface of the tongue is composed of
many papillae with recesses located between the papillae. Anaerobic
bacteria tends to collect in the recesses causing bad breath. Broad
flat scraping blades or wipers are not able to reach between the
papillae where the bacteria has collected. It has therefore been
found desirable to provide a tongue scraper for a toothbrush which
provides for maximum penetration between papillae. In order to
provide the same kind of access into the mouth afforded by current
toothbrushes, it has further been found desirable to keep the
height of the toothbrush head (from toothbrush bristle tips to
tongue cleaning tips) to a minimum.
[0007] The use of nylon bristles has been suggested for tongue
cleaning in WO 0145573. While nylon bristles with small diameters
are available, nylon is a very stiff material, particularly in
short lengths. The use of nylon in bristles also makes the
manufacturing processing complex. It has therefore been found
desirable to provide a tongue cleaner for a toothbrush which is
made of a relatively soft material for gentle cleaning, and
minimizes manufacturing complexities.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a tongue cleaner for a toothbrush which overcomes the
aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art.
[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
tongue scraper provided on a toothbrush which is soft for contact
with soft tissues and without deep edges that might get caught on
tooth surfaces.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
tongue scraper provided on a toothbrush which provides for maximum
penetration between papillae.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a tongue scraper for a toothbrush which keeps the height of the
toothbrush head (from toothbrush bristle tips to tongue cleaning
tips) to a minimum.
[0012] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a tongue scraper for a toothbrush which is made of a
relatively soft material for gentle cleaning and minimizes
manufacturing complexities.
[0013] Various other objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing
detailed description and the novel features will be particularly
pointed out in the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention relates to a toothbrush having a
handle portion formed with a neck at one end thereof and which
extends along a first longitudinal axis. A head section is coupled
to the neck. The head section includes a plurality of first
cleaning members provided on a first head side thereof and which
extends outwardly from the first head side generally perpendicular
to the first longitudinal axis. The head section further includes a
second cleaning member provided on a second head side thereof
opposite to the first head side. The second cleaning member
includes a plurality of flat tipped conical shaped cleaning
elements for cleaning the tongue surface which extend outwardly
from the second head side of the head section generally
perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the second cleaning element is
molded of a relatively soft elastomeric material. This elastomeric
material preferably has a hardness within the range of A8 to A25
Shore hardness.
[0016] In this toothbrush, the conical shaped cleaning elements of
the second cleaning member are in the shape of short thin whiskers,
and have tips at an end thereof which are less than 0.1 mm in
diameter for optimum tongue cleaning penetration. Each of the flat
tipped conical shaped cleaning elements has a height which is
within the range of preferably 0.020" to 0.100", and most
preferably 0.040" to 0.060".
[0017] In another embodiment, the toothbrush of the present
invention includes a handle portion being formed with a neck at one
end thereof and which extends along a first longitudinal axis. A
head section is coupled to the neck and includes a plurality of
first cleaning members provided on a first head side thereof and
which extends outwardly from the first head side generally
perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
[0018] The head section further includes a second cleaning member
provided on a second head side thereof opposite to the first head
side. The second cleaning member includes a plurality of grated
cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface which extend
outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally
perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
[0019] These grated cleaning elements can be shaped in a variety of
preferred configurations including: (1) a front cleaning face
formed of a generally concave cleaning surface; (2) a front
cleaning face having a pair of dispersion grooves having an
inclined cleaning plane disposed therebetween; (3) a front cleaning
face formed of a generally concave cleaning surface and a rear
cleaning face having a pair of dispersion grooves having an
inclined cleaning plane disposed therebetween; (4) a front cleaning
face formed of a generally concave cleaning surface with a portion
thereof extending below a base portion of the second cleaning
member; and (5) a front cleaning face having a cut-out grooved arc
segment having a bottom surface which is inclined so as to extend
below a base portion of the second cleaning member. In addition, to
allow for flexure of the grated cleaning elements for enhanced
cleaning and scraping capabilities, the second cleaning member is
molded of a relatively soft elastomeric material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0020] For a more complete understanding of the invention,
reference is made to the following description and accompanying
drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of a toothbrush in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the toothbrush of
FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front perspective view of the head
section of the toothbrush of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the head
section of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of each whisker of the
tongue cleaner of the toothbrush of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the whisker of FIG.
5 cleaning the tongue papillae;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the neck and head
section of another preferred embodiment of a toothbrush in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an enlarged rear elevation view of the tongue
cleaner provided on the rear side of the toothbrush of FIG. 7.
[0029] FIGS. 9 through 13 show alternate preferred embodiments for
the grated cleaning elements for the tongue cleaner of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary toothbrush according
to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated and generally
indicated at 100.
[0031] Toothbrush 100 includes a handle 102 at a proximal end
thereof and a brush section 104 that is defined by a neck 110 that
terminates in a head section 120 at a distal end of toothbrush 100.
Handle 102 has a free proximal end 108 and an opposite neck end 106
and extends along a first longitudinal axis a-a. Neck 110 generally
includes a first end 114 and a second end 116 with first end 114
being located at neck end 106 of handle 102 and the second end 116
being located at head 120. In other words, neck 110 is the portion
of toothbrush 100 that extends between handle 102 and head 120.
[0032] It will be further appreciated that the illustrated shapes
of handle 102 and neck 110 are merely exemplary in nature and
handle 102 and/or neck 110 can be formed to have any number of
shapes. Preferably, the shapes of handle 102 and neck 110 are
ergonomically pleasing to a user of toothbrush 100 and provide a
toothbrush that is easily gripped and held and easily manipulated
by a user. For example, handle 102 may include slightly recessed
finger sections which are formed on opposite sides of handle 102.
One recessed finger section is designed to receive the thumb of one
hand and the other recessed finger section is designed to receive
one or more other fingers of the same hand to thereby assist a user
in proper placement of toothbrush 100 in a user's hand. One or more
recessed finger sections 118 may include ribs or another type of
roughened surface to assist a user in gripping toothbrush 100 at
recessed finger section 118.
[0033] Although not shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the head section
104 includes a top cavity and a bottom cavity. A plurality of first
cleaning members 130 are provided on the front head side 132
generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis a-a of the
handle portion 102.
[0034] As best shown in FIG. 3, the first cleaning elements 130
include a variety of bristle members, which can be used for wiping,
cleaning and massaging, etc. the user's teeth and gums. These
include first bristle members 132a-o, which are preferably in the
form of upstanding cylindrical bristle members, second bristle
members 134a-d, which are preferably in the form of outer
peripheral arc bristle members, and third bristles members, such as
136a-f, which are preferably in the form of centrally located arc
members which form a circular pattern. Second bristle members 134a
and b respectively extend from the top and bottom ends 133 and 135
of the top face of the head section 120. Second bristle members
134c and d respectively extend from the central side portions of
the outer periphery of the top face of the head section 120. First
bristle members 132a-l extend outwardly from the outer peripheral
edge of the top face of the head section 120 and are each disposed
between one of the end second bristles members 134a and b and one
of the centrally disposed second bristle members 134c and d. A set
of four of the third bristle members, such as 136a-f, respectively
form a circular array which circumscribes first bristle members
132m-o and extend from the central portion of the top face of the
head section 120.
[0035] In accordance with a general object of the present
invention, a second cleaning member 140 is placed within the bottom
cavity of the head section 120 of the toothbrush 100 which, as will
be described in more detail below, is soft for contact with soft
tissues of the tongue and is without deep edges that might get
caught on tooth surfaces. This second cleaning member 140 is thus
provided on a head side which is opposite to the head side on which
the first cleaning member 130 is disposed. As such, the second
cleaning member 140 is able to take advantage of the presence of
dentifrice used during toothbrushing, the ingredients of which have
been commonly found to have beneficial effects in the treatment of
bad breath. In addition, this minimizes the need for extra steps in
one's oral care regiment with a single area of the brush to be
cleaned after use.
[0036] As is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second cleaning
member 140 includes a plurality of flat-tipped conical-shaped
cleaning elements, such as 142a-d, for cleaning the tongue surface
which extend outwardly from the bottom head side 143 of the head
section 120 generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis
a-a of the handle portion 102 of the toothbrush 100. These
flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements preferably are in the
shape of soft, thin whiskers which are injection molded as
described below and made of a flexibly resilient thermoplastic
material to achieve the softness desired for gentle cleaning and to
minimize manufacturing complexities.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates that for optimal penetration between
papillae 210 of the user's tongue 200, the tip 144 of each of the
plurality of conical-shaped cleaning elements 142a-d is preferably
no more than approximately 0.5 mm in diameter, and most preferably
no more than approximately 0.2 mm in diameter. In a preferred
embodiment, the tip 144 of each of the plurality of conical-shaped
members 142a-d is 0.13 mm in diameter. The tip 144 is preferably
generally flat to obtain superior scraping action on the tongue
surface. Moreover, the overall height of the toothbrush head
section 120 (from the brush bristle tip of first cleaning member
130 to the tips of the conical-shaped cleaning elements 142a-d) has
been kept to a minimum to provide the same kind of access in the
mouth provided by a conventional toothbrush. In order to achieve
this minimal height, the height H (see FIG. 5) of each of the
flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning member 142a-d is less than
approximately 0.100" as that height is sufficient to reach the
bottom 212 of the spaces 214 between the papillae. Most preferably,
each of the flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements has a
height H which is within the range of 0.020" to 0.100", and most
preferably between 0.040" to 0.060".
[0038] The second cleaning member 140 is made of a relatively soft
elastomeric material which is resiliently flexible. This material
allows a dense population of short "whisker" cleaning members
142a-d across the entire rear surface of the toothbrush head
section, and results in a more soft and desirable mouth feel. In
order to obtain this beneficial cleaning result, the second
cleaning member 140 is made of an elastomeric material having a
hardness which is within the range of Shore A8 to Shore A25
hardness.
[0039] The flat-tipped design of the conical-shaped members 142a-d
combined with the resilient and flexible nature of the elastomeric
material selected provides for improved inter-papillae scraping. As
the cleaning members 142a-d are made of a soft elastomer, they will
flex or bend sideways as pressure is applied causing the edge of
the flat tips 144 to scrape the debris trapped in the desired areas
of the tongue surface. Moreover, when in the angled or flexed
position, the edge of the flat tip 144 is in contact with the
tongue resulting in greater force per square inch, as the force is
distributed over less surface area.
[0040] In addition, the conical-shaped members 142a-d have been
disposed in a predetermined pattern on the bottom head side 143 of
the head section 120 so as to provide for a high density of the
conical shaped members 142a-d per square mm of the bottom head side
143. Each conical shaped member 142a-d is spaced apart from an
adjacent conical shaped member at a preferred spacing range of
approximately 0.020 m to 0.120", more preferably at a spacing of
approximately 0.030" to 0.100", and most preferably at a spacing of
approximately 0.040" to 0.080". In one preferred embodiment, each
conical shaped member, such as 142a-d, is spaced from an adjacent
conical-shaped member at a spacing of approximately 0.050".
Moreover, in order to provide the desired density for optimum
cleaning, the second cleaning member 140 includes preferably
approximately 100 to 600 conical-shaped members 142a-d per square
inch, and more approximately 200 to 500 conical shaped members per
square inch, and most preferably 300 to 450 conical-shaped members
per square inch. In a preferred embodiment, optimum cleaning is
provided by placing approximately 400 conical-shaped member per
square inch on the second cleaning member 140. This high density
feature coupled with the relatively small height of the conical
shaped members 142a-d permits the second cleaning member 140 to
tend to conform to the many papillae of the tongue surface to
provide better cleaning efficiently.
[0041] This toothbrush 100 can be manufactured by three methods;
namely, IMT, AFT and conventional staple technology. IMT and AFT
are generically known in the art as "anchor free tufting
technologies." In an AFT manufacturing process, the third bristle
members, such as 136a-f, of the first cleaning members 130 are
injection molded from a first shot of elastomeric material and then
a hot adhesive melt is applied within the top cavity to capture the
base of each of the third bristle members 136a-f so that they
extend outwardly from the front head side 132 as described above.
The second cleaning member 140 is then formed in the AFT process by
injection molding a separate second shot of elastomeric material,
and securing the second cleaning member 140 in the bottom cavity of
the brush head by a hot adhesive melt.
[0042] In the IMT and conventional staple technologies, the third
bristle members, such as 136a-f, of the first cleaning member 130
and the second cleaning member 140 are injection molded by the same
shot of elastomeric material flowing through the brush head.
Therefore, cleaning features are formed on opposite sides of the
brush head by injection molding by a single operation (i.e., one
shot of elastomeric material).
[0043] In each of the AFT, IMT or conventional staple technology
processes, the elastomer used may be an elastomer used elsewhere in
the handle, such as used for a grip material, or it can be
different therefrom.
[0044] An alternate preferred embodiment for a toothbrush having
cleaning elements on both sides of the head section is shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8. The construction of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 7
and 8 is the same as that shown and described in the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 through 6 except for the design of the second cleaning
element 310 provided on the rear surface 305 of the head section
310 of the toothbrush. Like reference numerals from FIGS. 1 through
6 have been used in FIGS. 7 through 8 to designate like features in
the embodiments.
[0045] Instead of employing flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning
elements as in the previously-described embodiment, the second
cleaning element 310 includes a plurality of randomly disposed
grated cleaning elements 320 for cleaning the tongue surface which
extend outwardly from the second head side 305 of the head section
310 general perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis a-a. The
second cleaning member 310 and the grated cleaning elements 320
associated therewith are made as well of a flexibly resilient
elastomeric material to achieve the softness desired for gentle
cleaning and to minimize manufacturing complexities. In order to
obtain beneficial cleaning results, the second cleaning member 310
is made of an elastomeric material having a hardness which is
within the range of Shore A8 and Shore A25 hardness.
[0046] FIGS. 9 through 13 show alternate preferred embodiment for
the grated cleaning elements 320 for the second cleaning member
310. In FIG. 9, the grated cleaning element 320a has a front
cleaning face 330 formed of a generally concave cleaning surface
332. The grated cleaning element 320b in FIG. 10 has a front
cleaning face 340 which includes a pair of dispersion grooves 342
and 344 having an inclined cleaning plane 346 therebetween. FIG. 11
illustrates that the grated cleaning element 320c can have a front
cleaning face 350 which is formed of a generally concave cleaning
surface 352 and a rear cleaning face 354 including a pair of
dispersion grooves 355 and 356 having an inclined cleaning plane
358 therebetween. In FIG. 12, the grated cleaning element 320d has
a front cleaning face 360 formed of a generally concave cleaning
surface 362 with a portion 364 thereof extending below a base
portion 366 of the second cleaning member 310. FIG. 13 illustrates
that the grated cleaning element 320e can have a front cleaning
face 370 including a cut-out grooved arc segment 372 which is
inclined so as to extend below a base portion 375 of the second
cleaning member 310. Each of these embodiments for the grated
cleaning element 320 provides for improved inter-papillae
scraping.
[0047] In addition, the overall height of the toothbrush head
section has been kept to a minimum in the toothbrush of FIGS. 7
through 13 to provide the same kind of access in the mouth provided
by a conventional toothbrush. Therefore, the height of each of the
grated cleaning elements 320 is less than approximately 1 mm as
that height is sufficient to reach the bottom of the spaces between
the papillae. Most preferably, each of the grated cleaning elements
320 has a height H which is within the range of 0.020" to 0.100",
and most preferably 0.040" to 0.060".
[0048] Accordingly, the toothbrush of the present invention
provides a second cleaning element opposite to the bristle side of
the toothbrush for cleaning the tongue surface which is soft for
contact with soft tissues and without deep edges that might get
caught on tooth surfaces. In addition, this toothbrush provides for
maximum penetration between papillae along the tongue surface.
Moreover, this toothbrush with tongue scraper maintains the height
of the toothbrush head to a minimum. Further, a cleaning member for
the tongue surface is provided for a toothbrush which is made of a
relatively soft material for gentle cleaning and minimization of
manufacturing complexities.
[0049] Although the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will
be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that
various changes and modifications may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is
intended that the appended claims be interpreted as including the
foregoing as well as various other such changes and
modifications.
* * * * *