U.S. patent application number 11/307746 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for double sided toothbrush for cleaning teeth.
Invention is credited to Stefanie Y. Cato, Kenneth E. Clark.
Application Number | 20060272113 11/307746 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37492651 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060272113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cato; Stefanie Y. ; et
al. |
December 7, 2006 |
DOUBLE SIDED TOOTHBRUSH FOR CLEANING TEETH
Abstract
A double-sided toothbrush includes bristles on opposite sides of
the brushing head. Primary bristles are provided for routine
brushing. Opposed secondary bristles are provided for additional or
specialty brushings. The double-sided toothbrush with bristles on
both sides may easily be positioned in the mouth for cleaning
plaque and food particles from teeth, tongue, gums, cheek, roof of
mouth, dental implants and braces.
Inventors: |
Cato; Stefanie Y.;
(Montgomery, AL) ; Clark; Kenneth E.;
(Jacksonville, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark James Young
12086 Fort Caroline Rd.
Unit 202
Jacksonville
FL
32225
US
|
Family ID: |
37492651 |
Appl. No.: |
11/307746 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60687064 |
Jun 3, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/106 ;
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1066 20130101;
A46B 5/0008 20130101; A46B 9/04 20130101; A46B 9/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/106 ;
015/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. A double-sided toothbrush comprising a handle, and a brush head
assembly operably coupled to the handle, said brush head having a
front side and a back side; and primary bristles attached to the
front side of the brush head assembly; and secondary bristles
attached to the back side of the brush head assembly.
2. The double sided toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein the average
length of the primary bristles is greater than the average length
of the secondary bristles.
3. The double sided toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein the average
length of the secondary bristles is 0.35 to 0.75 times the average
length of the primary bristles.
4. The double sided toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein the average
length of the primary bristles is 7.0 to 10.0 mm and the average
length of the secondary bristles is 0.35 to 0.75 times the average
length of the primary bristles.
5. The double sided toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein the secondary
bristles have a different firmness than that of the primary
bristles.
6. The double sided toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein the secondary
bristles have a different hardness than that of the primary
bristles.
7. The double sided toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein the secondary
bristles have a different configuration than that of the primary
bristles.
8. The double sided toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein the secondary
bristles include angled bristles.
9. The double sided toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein the secondary
bristles have a different surface area than that of the primary
bristles.
10. The double sided toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein the
secondary bristles have an active ingredient from the group
consisting of an antibiotic, flavorant, anti-bacterial agent,
medicant, coagulant, anti-inflammatory agent, fluoride compound,
anticalculus agent, desensitizing agent, local anaesthetic agent
and polishing agent.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/687,064 filed Jun. 3, 2005, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein and made a part
hereof.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to oral hygiene, and, more
particularly, to a new and improved double-sided toothbrush for
cleaning one's teeth.
BACKGROUND
[0003] While all of the aforementioned prior art constructions are
more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which
they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly deficient
with respect to their failure to provide a simple, efficient, and
practical double sided toothbrush that is specifically designed to
clean the upper teeth while cleaning the bottom teeth, and also
while cleaning the sides of the teeth will also clean the cheek,
and while brushing the tongue will at the same time clean the roof
of the mouth from food particles and bacteria buildup.
[0004] As most toothbrush users are all too well aware, a crucial
part of their dental hygiene regimen involves removing trapped food
particles and plaque that buildup in the mouth. It is extremely
difficult for many people to adequately and or properly clean their
teeth. The double-sided toothbrush has bristles on both sides of
the toothbrush increasing ones oral hygiene. Additionally, the
toothbrush disclosed in this application, is advancement for
cleaning teeth and maintaining superior oral hygiene. There exists
a longstanding need among all people for an improved method for
cleaning ones teeth. Any person able enough to brush their teeth
can use the double-sided toothbrush. This is a new and improved
toothbrush that facilitates engaging and cleaning not only the
teeth but also the tongue, cheek, and roof of the mouth to remove
food particles and plaque without causing damage. The invention is
directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth
above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] To overcome problems as set forth above, in one aspect of
the invention a double-sided toothbrush with cleaning bristles on
both sides of the toothbrush is provided. The exemplary
double-sided toothbrush according to principles of the invention
includes a handle and a brush head assembly operably coupled to the
handle. The brush head has a front side and a back side. Primary
bristles attached to the front side of the brush head assembly.
Secondary bristles are attached to the back side of the brush head
assembly. The average length of the primary bristles is greater
than the average length of the secondary bristles. Illustratively,
the average length of the secondary bristles may be 0.35 to 0.75
times the average length of the primary bristles, with the primary
bristles being about 7.0 to 10.0 mm in average length. The
secondary bristles may also have a different firmness than that of
the primary bristles, a different hardness than that of the primary
bristles, a different bristle density than that of the primary
bristles, a different configuration than that of the primary
bristles, and a different surface area than that of the primary
bristles. Additionally the secondary bristles have an active
ingredient such as an antibiotic, flavorant, anti-bacterial agent,
medicant, coagulant, anti-inflammatory agent, fluoride compound,
anticalculus agent, desensitizing agent, local anaesthetic agent
and polishing agent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and
advantages of the invention will become better understood with
reference to the following description, appended claims, and
accompanying drawings, where:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an exemplary double-sided
toothbrush according to principles of the invention; and
[0008] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an exemplary double-sided
toothbrush according to principles of the invention; and
[0009] FIG. 3 is a side plan view of another exemplary double-sided
toothbrush according to principles of the invention; and
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side plan view of another exemplary double-sided
toothbrush according to principles of the invention.
[0011] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures
are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale. The invention
is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures
or the shapes, relative sizes, proportions or materials shown in
the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, wherein
like numerals represent like features, an exemplary double-sided
toothbrush according to principles of the invention includes a
handle 100 (not fully shown) and a head assembly 130. The handle
100 may be any type of handle suitable for a toothbrush, including
but not limited to straight, angled, flexible, ergonomic,
ornamental or otherwise. The head assembly 130 includes a base 115
and bristles 110, 120 attached thereto. The bristles 110, 120 may
be seated in the form of tufts in holes in the base and fastened by
the ends inserted into the holes with anchors, adhesives or
chemical or thermal bonds.
[0013] Groups of adjacent bristles form a brushing surface.
Bristles comprising a brushing surface may be the same size, of
varying sizes, angled or straight relative to the base 115.
Additionally, the bristles may be comprised of any materials
suitable for toothbrush bristles. Furthermore, the brushing
surfaces may including scrubbing, cleansing or rubbing structures
in addition to bristles. Indeed, the brushing surfaces are intended
to represent a broad category of toothbrush brushing surfaces
suitable for use in cleaning teeth.
[0014] The head assembly of the present invention includes two
separate opposed brushing surfaces 125, 105--i.e., a primary
brushing surface 125 and a secondary brushing surface 105. The
primary brushing surface 125 includes primary bristles 120 used
when brushing teeth. For convenience of reference, the side of the
head assembly 130 having the primary bristles 120 is referred to
herein as the front of the toothbrush head assembly 130, and the
opposite side is referred to as the back. The opposite side (i.e.,
back) of the toothbrush head assembly 130, features secondary
bristles 110 comprising a secondary brushing surface 105.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the average height H2 of the
secondary bristles 110 is substantially less than the average
height H1 of the primary bristles 120. In a particular preferred
embodiment, the average height H2 of the secondary bristles 110 is
approximately 0.35 to 0.75 times the average height H1 of the
primary bristles 120. Illustratively, the primary bristles may be
approximately 7 to 10 mm in length, while the secondary bristles
may be approximately 3 to 7 mm in length. The length L of the
primary 125 and secondary 105 brushing surfaces may either be the
same or different.
[0016] The width W of the brushing surfaces may vary depending upon
the size of the toothbrush. A narrow brush may be provided for use
by children, while a wider brush may be provided for adult use.
Exemplary widths range from 5 to 20 mm.
[0017] Having a primary brushing surface 125 and a secondary
brushing surface 105 offers several advantages over conventional
toothbrushes. One advantage is that a single toothbrush in
accordance with principles of the invention may provide brushing
surfaces of different hardness, stiffness, configuration and/or
composition. By way of example and not limitation, the primary
brushing surface 125 may provide a straight soft or medium brushing
surface, while the secondary brushing surface 105 may provide a
firm or hard brushing surface, with straight or angled bristles. A
hard/firm brushing surface is particularly useful for cleaning
stubborn stains and removing plaque buildup and food particles. A
softer brushing surface or brushing surface with an alternative
configuration (e.g., size, shape, contour, bristle density,
arrangement or configuration) may be preferable for routine
brushing and caring of sensitive dental and oral surfaces. A lower
bristle density provides fewer bristles per unit area. Different
materials may be utilized to provide different scrubbing,
frictional and abrasive properties for the primary and secondary
bristles.
[0018] Another advantage of having both a primary brushing surface
125 and a secondary brushing surface 105 is an ability to clean
different oral surfaces simultaneously. The primary brushing
surface 125 may be used to scrub bottom teeth while the secondary
brushing surface 105 scrubs upper teeth, or vice versa. Thus, the
secondary brushing surface 105 provides a means for cleaning any
oral or dental surfaces that are opposite the primary brushing
surface 105 and within reach.
[0019] Yet another advantage of having both a primary brushing
surface 125 and a secondary brushing surface 105 is an ability to
provide various brushing surface configurations to facilitate
cleaning hard to reach areas. For example, inwardly angled
secondary brushing surfaces 305, 310, as shown in FIG. 3, may be
provided to facilitate reaching behind teeth. Alternatively,
outwardly angled brushing surfaces 405, 410, or small surface area
brushing surfaces 400 may be provided to clean hard to reach dental
and oral areas, as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, a user may effortlessly
switch from a conventional brushing surface to a specialized
brushing surface adapted for cleaning hard to reach areas, all
without removing the brush from his or her mouth.
[0020] An important aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is a manageable size. Specifically, the total height of
the brush, including the heights H1, H2 of both brushing surfaces
105, 125, plus the height of the base 115 is not too great to
comfortably fit in one's mouth. The reduced height H2 of the
secondary brushing surface 105 makes this possible. For many users,
a brush head with a pair of opposed full-height brushing surfaces
would be impossible or at least difficult to manage.
Advantageously, the relatively short secondary bristles 110 do not
create too great an obstacle for brushing.
[0021] In yet another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the double-sided toothbrush may include an active
substance functionally applied to the secondary (and/or primary)
bristles 110, 120. The bristles may be coated or impregnated with
the substance. The active substance may comprise an antibiotic,
flavorant, anti-bacterial agent, medicant, coagulant,
anti-inflammatory agent, fluoride compound, anticalculus agent,
desensitizing agent, local anaesthetic agent and/or polishing
agent. The side having the active ingredient may be used when
needed. Thus, for example, bristles having a desensitizing agent
may be used when a sensitive area is contacted. At other times the
other side may be used to avoid over-usage or unnecessary
treatment.
[0022] While the invention has been described in terms of various
embodiments, implementations and examples, those skilled in the art
will recognize that the invention can be practiced with
modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims
including equivalents thereof. The foregoing is considered as
illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Variations
and modifications may be affected within the scope and spirit of
the invention.
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