U.S. patent application number 11/341225 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for contouring toothbrush head.
Invention is credited to Douglas J. Hohlbein.
Application Number | 20060117508 11/341225 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28041013 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060117508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hohlbein; Douglas J. |
June 8, 2006 |
Contouring toothbrush head
Abstract
The present invention discloses a toothbrush having a handle and
an articulated head coupled to the handle. The articulated head
includes two sections and each of the head sections has a bottom
surface and a side surface. Each of the head sections includes a
plurality of bristles extending from the bottom surface of that
head section and at least one of the head sections includes a
plurality of elastomeric fingers partially defining the side
surface of that head section and partially extending from the
bottom surface of the head section. The head section most remote
from the handle, in a normal configuration of the articulated head,
is angled with respect to the other head section.
Inventors: |
Hohlbein; Douglas J.;
(Pennington, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
909 RIVER ROAD
PISCATAWAY
NJ
08855
US
|
Family ID: |
28041013 |
Appl. No.: |
11/341225 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10109637 |
Apr 1, 2002 |
6996870 |
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11341225 |
Jan 26, 2006 |
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29148074 |
Sep 14, 2001 |
D456139 |
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10109637 |
Apr 1, 2002 |
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09897606 |
Jul 3, 2001 |
6442787 |
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10109637 |
Apr 1, 2002 |
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09422953 |
Oct 22, 1999 |
6314606 |
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09897606 |
Jul 3, 2001 |
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09351178 |
Jul 12, 1999 |
6073299 |
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09422953 |
Oct 22, 1999 |
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09090331 |
May 29, 1998 |
5991958 |
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09351178 |
Jul 12, 1999 |
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08762783 |
Dec 10, 1996 |
5758383 |
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09090331 |
May 29, 1998 |
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60008734 |
Dec 29, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/110 ;
15/167.1; 15/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29L 2031/425 20130101;
A46B 9/04 20130101; A46B 5/0025 20130101; A46B 7/06 20130101; A46B
2200/1066 20130101; A46B 15/0032 20130101; A46B 5/002 20130101;
A46B 9/026 20130101; A46B 9/028 20130101; A46B 15/0002 20130101;
A46B 9/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/110 ;
015/167.1; 015/201 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04; A46B 7/02 20060101 A46B007/02 |
Claims
1. A toothbrush comprising: a handle; and an articulated head
coupled to the handle, the articulated head including two sections,
each of the head sections having a bottom surface and a side
surface, each of the head sections including a plurality of
bristles extending from the respective bottom surface thereof, at
least one of the head sections including a plurality of elastomeric
fingers partially defining the side surface of that head section
and partially extending from the bottom surface of that head
section, wherein the head section most remote from the handle, in a
normal configuration of the articulated head, is angled with
respect to the other head section.
2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein at least some of the
elastomeric fingers are of different lengths.
3. The toothbrush of claim 2, wherein the plurality of tufts of
bristles have differing lengths such that free ends of the
plurality of tufts of bristles form a curved contour, and wherein
the lengths of at least some of the elastomeric fingers follow the
curved contour of the free ends of the plurality of tufts of
bristles.
4. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein at least some of the free
ends of the plurality of bristles extending from one of the head
sections forms a slant with respect to the bottom surface of the
head section.
5. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the Shore hardness value of
the elastomeric fingers is below 30.
6. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a side surface of each of the
plurality of elastomeric fingers facing the plurality of bristles
is substantially flat.
7. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein each of the elastomeric
fingers of the plurality of elastomeric fingers is substantially
D-shaped.
8. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein each of the elastomeric
fingers of the plurality of elastomeric fingers is substantially
C-shaped.
9. The toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising a flex area
between facing ends of the two head sections.
10. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the handle has an area that
is composed of an elastomeric material, and wherein the plurality
of elastomeric fingers are composed of the same elastomeric
material as the elastomeric area in the handle.
11. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the head section most remote
from the handle has a side surface partially defined by the
elastomeric fingers.
12. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the toothbrush has a
geometry such that if the toothbrush is in a resting position on a
flat surface and the bottom surface of the head is facing the flat
surface, the elastomeric fingers will not contact the flat surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation Application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/109,637, filed Apr. 1, 2002, which
is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/148,074, filed Sep. 14, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No. D456,139S) and
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/897,606, filed Jul. 3, 2001.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/897,606 is a Continuation
Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/422,953, filed
Oct. 22, 1999 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,606), which is a
Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/351,178, filed Jul. 12, 1999 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,299),
which is a Continuation Application of U.S. application Ser. No.
09/090,331, filed May 29, 1998 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,958), which
is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/762,783, filed Dec. 10, 1996 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,393),
which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/008,734, filed Dec. 29, 1995 (now
abandoned). All of the above applications are incorporated herein
in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a toothbrush and more particularly
to a toothbrush head construction wherein the head is designed and
configured to yield a brushing surface conforming to curved
sections of teeth and which is bendable to conform to straight
teeth sections.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Prior toothbrush constructions include toothbrush heads
having pivoted or articulated sections joined together in a variety
of constructions, such as a resilient strip of metal or the like,
and also include pivoted or hinged articulated sections to provide
a curved bristle configuration.
[0004] A curved/angled bristle surface configuration offers
improved access to hard-to-reach areas such as the lingual surfaces
of the front teeth and behind the rear molars, placing more
bristles in contact with the outer surfaces of the front teeth.
[0005] Many current brushes which have rigidly mounted bristles and
a rigid curved/angled bristle surface exhibit an inherent
disadvantage when brushing both flat as well as concave tooth
surfaces. Placing a curved/angled bristle surface on flat tooth
surfaces results in fewer bristles making contact with the teeth.
These fewer bristles must support the brushing forces applied
through the handle, which will result in premature splaying of the
bristles. Some current toothbrushes have a "power tip"
configuration (elongated rigidly mounted tip bristles) which are
claimed to have improved access benefits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to the invention, an articulated toothbrush head
is defined by two head sections joined by one or more thin bridges
of the same resin from which the toothbrush is formed, as by
molding, to produce an integral construction. These thin bridges
permit limited flexing between the two head sections, the two
sections normally being at a small angle with respect to each
other. That portion of the head between the two head sections may
be, in one embodiment, in the general form of a T shaped slot
running transversely of the top surface of the head, from one side
head side edge to another. The slot is filled, as by injection,
with an elastomer to control and enhance flexing. The construction
is such that the head section most remote from the handle is
normally tilted with respect to the head section nearest the
handle, the latter head section located at one end of the handle.
In a second embodiment, the head section may assume the form of a
narrow cylindrical portion, or in a third embodiment two thin
bridges may be employed, both having elastomer.
[0007] An advantage of the present flexible configuration is, in
addition to the above noted features of a curved configuration, its
inherent gentleness on the gums. When one brushes along the gumline
with a power tip configuration, one focuses much of the force
through the concentrated area at the raised tip. With the present
configuration, this force is more evenly distributed.
[0008] There are considerable manufacturing efficiencies with
having the elastomer material of this invention used in the flex
area being the same elastic material as that which may be used as a
grip material in the handle area. Therefore, a configuration which
allows flexing under the loads typically encountered during
brushing with materials which are suitable for use as a grip would
be desirable.
[0009] To achieve the flexibility described above, the cross
section of elastomer may be convoluted, with one or more
convolutes. To aid in fixing the elastomer to the toothbrush head
sections, the elastomer may be configured to fit into one or more
slots at both ends of the flexing area.
[0010] To minimize the gap between bristle tufts when the head is
flexed into a flat configuration, it is desirable to position the
plastic (resin) bridge between the tip and handle portions as near
the bristle tips as possible. This bridge is straightened during
flexing, and directly controls the gap between bristle tufts on
each side of the flex area.
[0011] The present invention also provides a toothbrush including a
handle and an articulated head coupled to the handle, the head
including two sections. Each of the head sections has a bottom
surface and a side surface and each of the head sections includes a
plurality of bristles extending from the bottom surface of that
head section. In one embodiment, at least one of the head sections
includes a plurality of elastomeric fingers partially defining the
side surface of that head section and partially extending from the
bottom surface of that head section. The head section most remote
from the handle, in a normal configuration of the head, may be
angled with respect to the other head section. The elastomeric
fingers are adapted, for example, to provide a massaging action
against the gums when the toothbrush is applied along the gumline
and the elastomeric fingers are contacted with the gums.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view illustrating the
toothbrush head of this invention according to a first
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the toothbrush head shown at
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an elevational view showing the head and tufts of
bristles as brushing the inside surfaces of the lower teeth.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 and slows an second
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 and shows a third
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a fourth
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a fifth embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a sixth embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a toothbrush in a normal
configuration according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side view of a toothbrush in a normal
configuration according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a toothbrush head in a
normal configuration according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a view of the bottom surface of a toothbrush in a
normal configuration according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a side view of a toothbrush in a normal
configuration according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a view of the bottom surface of a toothbrush in a
normal configuration according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a view of the top surface of a toothbrush
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a view of the bottom surface of a toothbrush head
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a view of the bottom surface a toothbrush head
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a toothbrush head in a
normal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a side view of a toothbrush head in a normal
configuration according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a side view of a toothbrush in a normal
configuration according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, a side elevational view of a
toothbrush embodying the features and construction of this
invention is shown in a vertical position, with a portion of the
handle designated as 12. While not completely shown, the reader
will understand that the handle extends downwardly and has a
longitudinal axis. That portion of the head nearest the handle is
designated as section 14 and is collinear with the handle, while
that portion of the head most remote from the handle is designated
as section 16. An elastomer section or joint between facing ends of
sections 14 and 16 is denoted generally as 18. A plurality of tufts
of bristles 20 extends at right angles to section 14, while a
similar plurality of tufts of bristles 22 extends at right angles
from section 16. Tufts of bristles 22 are thus at right angles to
lower surface 24 of head section 16, while tufts of bristles 20 are
perpendicular to lower or bottom surface 26 of head section 14.
[0033] A generally T-shaped groove, in longitudinal cross section,
extends transversely across the upper or top surface of the head
and is thus located between sections 14 and 16. The bottom of the
central or main part of the groove is spaced from the lower surface
of the composite head, leaving a thickness or bridge section
designated as 30 which joins the lower portions of the two head
sections. Bridge or zone 30 is typically of a thickness between 20
and 40 thousandths of an inch. The handle and head sections are
molded from a plastic or resin such as polypropylene. The generally
T shaped groove is filled with a resilient and soft thermoplastic
elastomer. The T groove has two symmetrical wing portions 32, each
terminating in an enlarged portion 34, the latter extending towards
respective groups of tufts of bristles. The middle of the T shaped
resin insert section 18 includes an integral ridge 36, while the
lower portion or base portion of the T section is designated as 38.
The thermoplastic elastomer which forms section 18 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 6725 (brand), a thermoplastic elastomer marketed by
GLS Corporation and which is made with KRATON (brand) polymer.
These and other suitable elastomers have, typically, a Shore A
hardness of from about 13 to 94, with 23 to 28 being a preferred
hardness. Grooves 40, on the top surface of the composite head,
extend on both sides of raised rib or ridge 36, and border sections
32. FIG. 2 further illustrates the construction. It is seen that
elastomer section 18 spans the width of the head sections.
[0034] In the normal configuration of the head, it is seen that
head section 16 is tilted with respect to head section 14 at an
angle, typically about 18.degree. Thus, a force exerted on the
brush during brushing is required to tilt section 16 if it is to be
more nearly or completely aligned with section 14. The two head
sections may be molded in their angled configuration as shown at
FIG. 1, with the elastomer then added. Alternatively, the two head
sections may be molded aligned with each other and then angled upon
locating or injecting the elastomer between them.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, it is seen that the effective
curvature of the two head sections 14 and 16 offers improved access
to inner and rear surfaces of the teeth. Thus, handle 12 need not
be inclined as much as otherwise in order for forward section 16
and its bristles 22 to engage interior surfaces of the lower front
teeth. In brushing a straight section of teeth, the deformability
of the elastomer section 18 permits section 16 to partially or
completely align itself with handle 12 and section 14.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention,
there shown as horizontally disposed, and similar to that of FIGS.
1 and 2 except for a different construction for angularly joining
the two head sections. The elastomer joint is again denoted as 18,
with the elastomer itself denoted as 50 and being of the same
composition as previously set out, and extends across the width of
the head, and is located between the facing ends of sections 14 and
16. A thin integral bridge connection centrally between the two
sections is designated as 52, typically being of cylindrical form
in transverse cross section. Each end is integral with a respective
head section. The elastomer is seen as completely surrounding
bridge 52. This bridge connection may be, in transverse cross
section, of any desired form. A top plan view of the head would be
similar to FIG. 2, except for the absence of grooves 40 and rib 36.
As seen at FIG. 4, the extent of the elastomer along the toothbrush
longitudinal axis is shorter than that of FIGS. 1 and 2. Integral
connection or bridge 52 performs the same function as bridge 30 of
FIG. 1, namely, integrally joining the two head sections.
[0037] FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment, again shown as horizontal.
There, the lower surfaces 24 and 26 of bristled head sections 14
and 16 are joined by an intermediate arcuate bottom surface 27
having tufts of bristles 23 extending orthogonally and downwardly
therefrom. An elastomer section 18 is generally C shaped and has a
bight part 60 and tips or ends 62, the latter located in respective
complementary double troughs or double grooves which extend
transversely across the head. The elastomer tips are separated by
head portion 64, with thin bridges 66, again formed from the molded
resin forming the toothbrush, joining the two head sections at the
lower surface of the whole head. The C shaped elastomer thus
surrounds portion 64 across the width of the head.
[0038] The second and third embodiments yield the same cleaning
action as shown at FIG. 3. The thickness of bridges 52 and 66 is
the same as that of bridge 30 of FIG. 1.
[0039] It is seen that the bridges 30, 52 and 66 of the respective
embodiments inhibit longitudinal separation of the two head
sections by resisting tensile or other forces which might result in
such separation, while the elastomer also controls the degree of
flexing when head section 16 is subject to brushing forces. The
function of the bridges is thus to tether the two head sections
together, as well as to set them at an initial angle. When the
sections move toward straightening or alignment, each elastomer
section is deformed. Such deformation is resisted by the elastomer
and to a lesser extent by the resin (polypropylene) bridges so that
the sections revert to their normal, angled relationship upon the
cessation of brushing force on forwardmost section 16.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth embodiment which differs from
that shown in FIG. 1 only in the absence of bridge 30, of FIG. 1.
Instead of bridge 30, the two head sections are coupled by T shaped
elastomer section 39, the latter being of the same form as that of
section 38 of FIG. 1, except that it extends all the way to the
lower surface of the head.
[0041] FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment, here the two head sections
14 and 16 being normally aligned. A generally T shaped elastomeric
section 41 forms a joint 18 which fills the spaces between the ends
of the two head sections 14 and 16, except for bridge 30, identical
with bridge 30 of FIG. 1, which integrally tethers the two head
sections together. Tufts of bristles 70 are slanted with respect to
lower head surface 24 of head section 16, the slanting being
towards handle 12. Tufts 70 are of successively different lengths,
with the longest being near the most remote free end or tip of the
head section 16. It is seen that the tips, of bristle tufts 70 and
20 form a generally concave brushing surface which is at times,
during brushing, flattened upon bending of joint 18.
[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates a sixth embodiment, similar to that of
FIG. 7, and differs therefrom only in that the head section 16
tufts, here denoted as 72, extend orthogonally from surface 24.
These latter tufts are, as tufts 70, of uniformly different
lengths. The longest are near the free end of head section 16.
[0043] Again, the free ends of tufts 72 and 20 form a generally
concave brushing surface which is at times, during brushing,
flattened upon bending of joint 18.
[0044] Many toothbrushes available in the marketplace today are
"dual component," by which is meant that an elastomeric material is
used to a greater or lesser extent, particularly in the finger
gripping portion of the brush. The method of manufacture of such
dual component brushes by injection molding is thus exceedingly
well known in the art today. The toothbrushes according to the
present invention may be made by use of such conventional dual
component technology. For example, in accordance with a first
method of manufacturing brushes according to the present invention,
the elastomeric material may be introduced into the head area from
the handgrip area via a molded-in channel (assuming a handgrip area
is required). Alternatively, the elastomer could be introduced into
the head area via a second injection point or gate located at the
head, thereby eliminating the need for a molded-in channel. The
head may then be tufted using conventional staple technology.
[0045] In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 9, the present
invention provides a toothbrush 80 having a handle 81 and an
articulated head 93 coupled to handle 81. Head 93 includes a bottom
surface 85, a first side surface 87, a second side surface 96 (not
shown), and a top surface 94. A plurality of bristles 86 extends
from the bottom surface 85. As illustrated in FIG. 10, head 93 may
include two sections 93 and 93. Head section 93a includes a bottom
surface 85a, a first side surface 87a, a second side surface 96a
(not shown), and a top surface 94a. Head section 93b includes a
bottom surface 85b, a first side surface 87b, a second side surface
96b (not shown), and a top surface 94b. Each of the head sections
93a/93b has a respective plurality of bristles 86a/86b extending
from the respective bottom surface 85a/85b thereof. In particular,
head section 93a has a plurality of bristles 86a extending from
bottom surface 85a and head section 93b has a plurality of bristles
86b extending from bottom surface 85b. As seen in FIG. 11, at least
one of the head sections has a plurality of elastomeric fingers 88
partially defining the first and/or second side surface of the head
section and partially extending from the bottom surface of the
first and/or second side surface. The plurality of elastomeric
fingers 88 is adapted to provide, for example, massaging action to
the gums when toothbrush 80 is applied along the gumline and the
elastomeric fingers 88 are contacted with the gum.
[0046] As seen in FIGS. 9-20, the plurality of elastomeric fingers
88 may extend in a direction generally orthogonal to the bottom
surface. As seen in FIGS. 9-20, the plurality of elastomeric
fingers 88 may also extend in a direction substantially parallel to
either the plurality of bristles 86a or the plurality of bristles
86b. In one embodiment, there is about a 15.degree. angle between
each of the fingers of the plurality of elastomeric fingers 88 and
each of the bristles of the plurality of bristles 86.
[0047] The plurality of elastomeric fingers 88 may partially define
a first and/or second side surface of one head section or both head
sections. FIG. 10 depicts a plurality of elastomeric fingers 88a
partially defining first side surface 87a of head section 93a. FIG.
12 depicts a plurality of elastomeric fingers 88a partially
defining second side surface 96a of head section 93a in addition to
first side surface 87a. FIG. 13 depicts a plurality of elastomeric
fingers 88 partially defining second side surface 96a of head
section 93a and second side surface 96b of head section 93b. FIG.
11 depicts a plurality of elastomeric fingers 88 partially defining
first side surface 87 (not shown) and second side surface 96 of
head 93 (elastomeric fingers as partially define both side surfaces
of both head sections). It will be understood that the present
invention contemplates any combination of arrangement of the
plurality of elastomeric fingers 88. By partially defining the side
surface of head section 93, the plurality of elastomeric fingers
does not sacrifice the amount of surface area of the plurality of
bristles 86.
[0048] The plurality of elastomeric fingers 88 may partially define
a first and/or second side surface of one head section or both head
sections. FIG. 10 depicts a plurality of elastomeric fingers 88a
partially defining first side surface 87a of head section 93a. FIG.
12 depicts a plurality of elastomeric fingers 88a partially
defining second side surface 96a of head section 93a in addition to
first side surface 87a. FIG. 13 depicts a plurality of elastomeric
fingers 88 partially defining second side surface 96a of head
section 93a and second side surface 96b of head section 93b. FIG.
11 depicts a plurality of elastomeric fingers 88 partially defining
first side surface 87 (not shown) and second side surface 96 of
head 93 (elastomeric fingers 88 partially define both side surfaces
of both head sections). It will be understood that the present
invention contemplates any combination of arrangement of the
plurality of elastomeric fingers 88. By partially defining the side
surface of head section 93, the plurality of elastomeric fingers
does not sacrifice the amount or surface area of the plurality of
bristles 86.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 14, head 93 may have a primary brushing
area 99, and the plurality of elastomeric fingers 88 may be outside
or outboard the primary brushing area 99 of head 93. Top surface 94
of head 93 may be defined by a periphery 100, and elastomeric
fingers 88 may extend outside of periphery 100 of top surface 94 as
illustrated in FIG. 15. In an embodiment, positioning the
elastomeric fingers 88 outside of the primary brushing area 99 may
allow the elastomeric fingers 88 to better hit the gumline of a
user. In addition, the elastomeric fingers 88 may not use any, or
as much of, the tooth-cleaning bristle area. In addition,
positioning the elastomeric fingers 88 outside of the primary
brushing area 99 may facilitate the stapling, trimming and end
rounding manufacturing process, especially where the tips of the
elastomeric fingers 88 are the same height as the tufts of bristle
behind each finger. As depicted in FIG. 10 and FIG. 13, head
section 93a, in a normal configuration of head 93, may be angled
with respect to head section 93b. The angled configuration of head
section 93a may allow toothbrush 80 greater access to hard-to-reach
areas, such as the lingual surfaces of the front teeth and behind
the rear molars, and place more bristle in contact with the outer
surface of the front teeth.
[0050] With respect to the dimensions of the elastomeric fingers
88, the plurality of elastomeric fingers may be of uniform length,
of uniformly different lengths, or of non-uniformly different
lengths. In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and
13, the lengths of the elastomeric fingers 88 approximately follow
the curved contour formed by the free ends of the plurality of
bristles 86. In particular, the elastomeric fingers 88a follow the
curved contour formed by the free ends of the plurality of bristles
86a and the elastomeric fingers 88b follow the curved contour
formed by the free ends of the plurality of bristles 86b. The
elastomeric fingers 88 may be configured in any shape. For example,
as illustrated in FIG. 16, each of the plurality of elastomeric
fingers 88a/88b is C-shaped. Due to this C-shape, a finger 88 may
partially encircle a tuft of bristles 86a/86b and may aid in a
flossing ability of the tuft of bristles by enabling the tuft of
bristles 86a/86b to remain substantially rigid or preventing the
bristles from substantially flexing. This flossing ability refers
to the ability of bristles 86a/86b to access areas between teeth.
The C-shape of each of the elastomeric fingers 88a/88b is only one
example of a configuration that may facilitate the flossing ability
of the bristles 86a/86b. If such a function is desired, the
elastomeric fingers 88a/88b may be configured in any shape suitable
to promote the flossing ability of the bristles 86a/86b. In an
alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 17, each of the
plurality of elastomeric fingers 88a/88b is D-shaped. In such a
configuration, a side surface 98 of the plurality of elastomeric
fingers 88a/88b facing the plurality of bristles 86a/86b is
substantially flat, to provide extra clearance between the bristles
and the elastomeric fingers.
[0051] Each of the plurality of elastomeric fingers 88 may be
discrete as illustrated in FIGS. 9-16, or the bottom ends of the
plurality of elastomeric fingers 88 may be attached or connected to
other elastomeric fingers 88 in some manner. By "bottom end," what
is meant is the portion of the elastomeric fingers 88 closest to
top surface 94. If each of the plurality of elastomeric fingers is
discrete, the bottom ends of the elastomeric fingers 88 may be at
varying distances from top surface 94. The top end of the plurality
of elastomeric fingers 88 may be substantially rounded or flat. By
"top end," what is meant is the portion of the elastomeric fingers
88 farthest from top surface 94. The top end may be configured in
any shape and may be suitable for the function of providing a
massaging action to the gums when toothbrush 90 is applied along
the gumline and the elastomeric fingers 88 are contacted with the
gums.
[0052] The plurality of elastomeric fingers 88 may be composed of
an elastomeric material, such as, for example, TPV and other
elastomeric materials previously mentioned and discussed.
Preferably, the shore hardness value of the elastomeric material is
less than 30. More preferably, the shore hardness value of the
elastomeric material is between about 23 and 28.
[0053] In an embodiment of present invention as illustrated in FIG.
18, toothbrush 80 includes a handle 81 (partially shown) and an
articulated head 93 coupled to the handle 81. Head 93 includes a
bottom surface 85, a first side surface 87, a second side surface
96 (not shown), and a top surface 94. Although not specifically
illustrated in FIG. 15, head 93 may include two sections 93a and
93b. Each of the head sections 93a/93b may have a plurality of
bristles 86 (not shown) extending from the respective bottom
surface thereof. At least one of the head sections has a plurality
of elastomeric fingers 88 partially defining ridges 90 of a
respective side surface thereof. The ridges 90 form a convoluted
side surface adapted to provide, for example, a massaging action to
gingival or oral tissue such as the inner cheeks and tongue when
toothbrush 80 is applied to teeth and ridges 90 are contacted with
the oral tissue. In one embodiment head section 93a, in a normal
configuration of head 93, is angled with respect to head section
93b. In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 19, the plurality
of elastomeric fingers 88 defines a smooth side surface 87.
[0054] In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13,
toothbrush 80 includes a flex area 91, which may include an
elastomeric material. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 13,
wherein head section 93a is angled with respect to head section
93b, the deformability of flex area 91 permits head section 93a to
partially or completely align itself with handle 81 and head
section 93b. In another embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, head
section 93a includes an elastomeric area 92, which for example
includes first side surface 87a, second side surface 96a (not
shown), and top surface 94a. Handle 81 may also include an
elastomeric section 97, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The elastomeric
fingers 88, the flex area 91, the elastomeric area 92 of head
section 93a, and the elastomeric section 97 of handle 81 may be
composed of the same elastomer or different elastomers. In an
embodiment, the elastomeric fingers 88 extend from the elastomeric
area 92 of head section 93a. This embodiment may provide improved
fit and control of the brush head when used to brush teeth. In an
embodiment, the elastomeric fingers 88 may generate more motion,
and may generate more movement along the gum line, when the head is
straightened.
[0055] With respect to bristles 86, in one embodiment, at least of
some of the bristles 86a/86b extending from bottom surface 85a/85b
of head section 93a/93b are of uniformly different lengths as
illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 13. As seen from these Figures, the
tips of bristles 86a/86b may form a generally concave brushing
surface, which is at times during brushing, flattened upon bending
of the head. In an alternative embodiment, at least some free ends
of the plurality of bristles 86 extending from one of the head
sections forms a slant with respect to the bottom surface of the
head section. For example, as seen in FIG. 10, at least some of the
free ends of the plurality of bristles 86a extending from bottom
surface 85a of head section 93a forms a slant with respect to
bottom surface 85a of head section 93a.
[0056] In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 13, the geometry of
toothbrush 80 is such that if toothbrush 80 is in a resting
position on a flat surface and bottom surface 85 of head 93 is
facing the flat surface, the plurality of elastomeric fingers 88 do
not contact the flat surface. By "resting position," what is meant
is a position such that no external pressure is applied to the
plurality of elastomeric fingers 88 other than the pressure applied
by the flat surface. According to one manufacturing method of
toothbrush 80, after toothbrush 80 has been molded via an injection
molding machine, the molded toothbrush 80 (without bristles) drops
from the molding machine onto a flat surface of a cooling conveyor.
Handle 81 then rolls either onto a table or in a bin. The plurality
of bristles 86 is then stapled into head 93. According to this
embodiment, the geometry of toothbrush 80 is such that handle 81
may lay in any position without resulting in the elastomeric
fingers 88 being bent by the pressure exerted on the elastomeric
fingers 88 by the flat surface of the conveyor.
[0057] In yet another embodiment of the present invention as
illustrated in FIG. 20, toothbrush 80 includes a handle 81
(partially shown) and an articulated head 93 joined to handle 81.
The articulated head 93 may include a first section 93a and a
second section 93b. At least part of the handle 81, the first
section 93a and the second section 93b is integrally molded of the
same material. The first section 93a includes a first plurality of
bristles 86a and the second section 93b includes a second plurality
of bristles 86b. The first plurality of bristles 86a extends
generally orthogonally from first section 93a and the second
plurality of bristles 86b extends generally orthogonally from
second section 93b. At least one of the first section 93a and the
second section 93b includes a plurality of elastomeric fingers
88a/88b defining a respective side surface thereof. The first
section 93a and the second section 93b are the only sections of the
articulated head 93 that include bristles. First section 93b is the
only one of the sections joined to handle 81. Second section 93a is
joined to first section 93b by at least one bridge 84. Second
section 93a, in a normal configuration of articulated head 93, is
angled with respect to first section 93b.
* * * * *