U.S. patent application number 11/559265 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for toothbrush for use with an orthodontic device.
Invention is credited to Heekyoung Jo.
Application Number | 20080109979 11/559265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39367754 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080109979 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jo; Heekyoung |
May 15, 2008 |
TOOTHBRUSH FOR USE WITH AN ORTHODONTIC DEVICE
Abstract
A toothbrush comprises an elongate handle member. A head member
is connected to one end of the handle member and at least one
primary cleaning element and at least one secondary cleaning
element extend from the head member. The secondary cleaning element
include a body portion that extends substantially parallel to a
plane of the head member, and first and second spaced legs fixedly
extend between the body portion and the head member.
Inventors: |
Jo; Heekyoung; (Deerfield,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEEKYOUNG JO
1146 OXFORD ROAD
DEERFIELD
IL
60015
US
|
Family ID: |
39367754 |
Appl. No.: |
11/559265 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/026 20130101;
A46B 9/04 20130101; A46B 9/06 20130101; A46B 2200/1066
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. A toothbrush, comprising: an elongate handle member; a head
member connected to one end of the handle member; and at least one
primary cleaning element and at least one secondary cleaning
element extending from the head member, wherein the secondary
cleaning element includes a body portion that extends substantially
parallel to a plane of the head member, and first and second spaced
legs that fixedly extend between the body portion and the head
member.
2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the body portion of the
secondary cleaning element is spaced a first distance from the head
member.
3. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a proximal end of the body
portion is spaced from the head member and a distal end of the body
portion is coextensive with a distal end of least one of the
primary cleaning elements.
4. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a multiplicity of bristles
extend radially from a centerline of the body portion.
5. The toothbrush of claim 4, wherein a multiplicity of bristles
extend radially form centerlines of the first and second spaced
legs.
6. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the first and second spaced
legs are connected to opposing ends of the body portion.
7. The toothbrush of claim 6, wherein the first and second spaced
legs extend between the body portion and the head member in a
direction substantially transverse to the plane of the head
member.
8. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a second secondary cleaning
element having a second body portion extending substantially
parallel to the plane of the head member is provided, and wherein
the second body portion is substantially parallel to the body
portion of the first cleaning element.
9. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the primary cleaning element
comprises at least one bristle extending from the head member in a
direction substantially transverse to the plane of the head
member.
10. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the primary cleaning element
comprises a plurality of bristles extending radially from a distal
end of a member.
11. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the secondary cleaning
element includes a third leg spaced between the first and second
spaced legs and wherein the third leg fixedly extends between the
body portion and the head member.
12. A toothbrush, comprising: an elongate portion extending between
first and second ends, the elongate portion having a head portion
on the first end thereof; a multiplicity of bristles extending from
a first surface of the head portion; and at least one
omnidirectional cleaning element extending from the first surface
of the head portion, wherein the omnidirectional cleaning element
includes a stem extending substantially transversely from the first
surface and a plurality of cleaning surfaces extending radially
from a distal end of the stem.
13. The toothbrush of claim 12, wherein the multiplicity of
bristles extend substantially transversely from the first surface
of the head portion.
14. The toothbrush of claim 12, wherein a distal end of the
omnidirectional cleaning element is coextensive with a distal end
of one of the multiplicity of bristles.
15. The toothbrush of claim 12, wherein a second plurality of
cleaning surfaces extend radially from a medial portion of the
stem.
16. The toothbrush of claim 12, wherein the omnidirectional
cleaning element is disposed proximate a second omnidirectional
cleaning element.
17. The toothbrush of claim 12, wherein the head portion includes a
longitudinal axis defining opposing sides of the first surface, and
wherein the omnidirectional cleaning element is spaced a first
distance from the longitudinal axis on a first side and a second
omnidirectional cleaning element is spaced a second distance on a
second side.
18. The toothbrush of claim 17, wherein the omnidirectional
cleaning element is disposed adjacent a distal end of the head
portion and the second omnidirectional cleaning element is disposed
adjacent a proximal end of the head portion.
19. The toothbrush of claim 17, wherein the first distance is equal
to the second distance.
20. A toothbrush, comprising: a brushing head including a brushing
surface and a handle extending from a proximal end thereof; a
plurality of tufts disposed on the brushing surface, each tuft
comprising a multiplicity of bristles extending substantially
transversely from the brushing surface; and at least two vertical
posts extending from the brushing surface in a direction
substantially transverse to same, wherein a plurality of bristles
extend radially from the two posts.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
SEQUENTIAL LISTING
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Background
[0005] The present invention generally relates to a toothbrush, and
more particularly, to an improved toothbrush for cleaning teeth,
gingiva, and an orthodontic device.
[0006] 2. Description of the Background
[0007] People without fixed orthodontic devices may find
conventional toothbrushes adequate in removing plaque. However,
orthodontic patients with fixed devices, such as braces, face
unique challenges in the removal of plaque around these devices and
the surrounding teeth and gingiva. It is not uncommon for the level
of plaque removal in these types of patients to be unacceptable, as
the presence of fixed orthodontic devices prevents conventional
toothbrushes from reaching areas around and under the devices where
plaque accumulates. A great deal of manual dexterity is therefore
required on the part of the patient to properly remove plaque using
a conventional toothbrush. The consequences of improper dental care
may include various forms of tooth decay. Therefore, there is a
need for a toothbrush that can remove plaque that is inaccessible
or difficult to reach with a conventional toothbrush in the home or
within a dental care practitioner's office.
[0008] Lupossello U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,708 disclosed one known
toothbrush for use in cleaning an orthodontic appliance that
includes a head having a plurality of upwardly extending brushes.
Two elongate brush members perpendicularly overlie the plurality of
bristles. Both of the elongate brush members include an unattached
end for insertion between orthodontic wires and an opposing end
that is connected to a handle of the toothbrush. Luposello does not
disclose any upwardly extending bristles that display
omnidirectional cleaning capabilities, nor are any of the upwardly
extending bristles combined with horizontally or vertically
extending omnidirectional cleaning members in the same cleaning
plane.
[0009] Massetti U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,463 discloses another known
toothbrush that comprises a handle with a cleaning portion on one
end thereof. The cleaning portion includes opposing side members
having one or more swabs extending transversely therebetween. The
swab members are rotatable and include a plurality of bristles
extending therefrom. Massetti does not contemplate utilizing
non-rotatable cleaning elements, which have been found better
suited to cleaning teeth, gingiva, and orthodontic appliances
because the cleaning elements do not slip on the surface to be
cleaned. Further, the rigid side members holding the swabs with
transversely extending bristles are not as effective in orienting
the bristles between the teeth, gingiva, and orthodontic
appliances, as toothbrushes with more resilient, i.e., elastically
deformable, holding elements are.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
toothbrush comprises an elongate handle member. A head member is
connected to one end of the handle member and at least one primary
cleaning element and at least one secondary cleaning element extend
from the head member. The secondary cleaning element includes a
body portion that extends substantially parallel to a plane of the
head member, and first and second spaced legs fixedly extend
between the body portion and the head member.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
toothbrush comprises an elongate portion extending between first
and second ends. The elongate portion has a head portion on the
first end thereof. A multiplicity of bristles extend from a first
surface of the head portion and at least one omnidirectional
cleaning element extends from the first surface of the head
portion. The omnidirectional cleaning element includes a stem
extending substantially transversely from the first surface and a
plurality of cleaning surfaces extending radially from a distal end
of the stem.
[0012] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a toothbrush comprises a brushing head that includes a
brushing surface and a handle extending from a proximal end
thereof. A plurality of tufts is disposed on the brushing surface.
Each tuft comprises a multiplicity of bristles extending
substantially transversely from the brushing surface. At least two
vertical posts extend from the brushing surface in a direction
substantially transverse to same, wherein a plurality of bristles
extends radially from the two posts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
upon reference to the drawings in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a toothbrush that includes a
head with a plurality of primary and secondary cleaning elements
extending therefrom, wherein one of the primary and the secondary
elements includes a cut-away portion;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the head of the
toothbrush of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the head of the toothbrush of FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the head of the toothbrush
taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the
toothbrush;
[0019] FIG. 5A is a side elevational view of a variation of the
toothbrush depicted in FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of the
toothbrush;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of the
toothbrush;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush of FIG.
7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a head of the toothbrush of FIG.
7;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a head of the toothbrush
taken substantially along the line 10-10 of FIG. 7;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a fifth embodiment of the
toothbrush; and
[0026] FIG. 11A is a side elevational view of a variation of the
toothbrush depicted in FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a toothbrush 20 with an improved
brushing head for removing plaque from teeth, gingiva, and
orthodontic devices is illustrated. The toothbrush 20 generally
includes an elongate handle member 22, a head member 24, and
several brushing elements, which will be described in greater
detail below. The handle member 22 and the head member 24 are
integral with one another and formed by conventional injection
molding techniques. However, it is also anticipated that the
brushing elements may be incorporated into toothbrushes fabricated
from multiple components (not shown) or included in an electric
toothbrush having a known attachment and drive means (not
shown).
[0028] With particular reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the head
member 24 is depicted to have a planar top surface 26 that extends
between first and second ends 28, 30, respectively, of the head
member 24. The first end 28 of the head member 24 is connected to
the handle member 22 by a neck 32, which has a narrower
cross-section than either the handle member 22 or the head member
24. A plurality of primary cleaning elements 34 is disposed on the
top surface 26 of the head member 24. In the present embodiment,
the plurality of primary cleaning elements 34 comprise a plurality
of tufts 36 that include a multiplicity of primary bristles 38. As
seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the primary bristles 38 have proximal ends
40 attached to the head member 24 and distal ends 42 extending
outwardly from the head member 24. In the present embodiment, the
primary bristles 38 extend substantially transversely from the top
surface 26 of the head member 24. However, it is anticipated that
the primary cleaning elements 34 may comprise any manner of bristle
or cleaning element known to those skilled in the art and may
similarly be provided with any manner of orientation.
[0029] With reference again to FIGS. 1-4, it may also be seen that
a plurality of secondary cleaning elements 44 is disposed on the
top surface 26 of the head member 24. Each of the secondary
cleaning elements 44 comprises a generally U-shaped member 46. As
seen in FIG. 1, the U-shaped member 46 includes first and second
leg portions 48, 50, respectively, that have proximal ends attached
to the head member 24 and distal ends extending outwardly from the
head member 24. The leg portions 48, 50 of the present embodiment
are depicted as extending substantially transversely from the
planar top surface 26 of the head member 24, however, it is
anticipated that other embodiments may utilize any combination of
angled or transversely oriented vertical posts that extend upwardly
and outwardly from the top surface 26. The U-shaped member 46
further includes a body portion 56 fixedly connected to the leg
portions 48, 50 and spaced a first distance from the top surface
26. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate that the leg portions 48, 50 are
connected to opposing ends of the body portion 56. However, the
present embodiment is not limited to such a construction, rather,
it is contemplated that one or more of the distal ends of the leg
portions 48, 50 may be disposed interiorly from the opposing ends
of the body portion 56.
[0030] The secondary cleaning elements 44 further include a
multiplicity of secondary bristles 58 that extend radially from the
body portion 56. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary bristles
58 extend substantially transversely from a centerline of the body
portion 56. In another preferred embodiment, the secondary bristles
58 extend radially from the body portion 56 at a number of
different angles from the centerline thereof. In the present
embodiment, the secondary cleaning elements 44 also include a
multiplicity of secondary bristles 58 extending from the leg
portions 48, 50. It is contemplated that the secondary bristles 58
will extend from the leg portion 48, 50, and from any transition
zone between the leg portions 48, 50 and the body portion 56, in a
similar manner as described above. Further, other embodiments of
the present invention may include secondary bristles 58 extending
the entire length of the leg portions 48, 50 or extending only
partially about the leg portions 48, 50 and/or the body portion
56.
[0031] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate that a cavity 60 is provided between
the secondary bristles 58 of the U-shaped member 46. During a
brushing stroke, the secondary bristles 58 will channel some of the
removed plaque or debris through the cavity 60 for ease of removal.
Further, the cavity 60 provides a user or dental professional an
easily accessible point to clean the secondary bristles 58 and
other portions of the secondary cleaning element 44. The size of
the cavity 60 is dependent on any number of modifiable factors,
including the height of the leg portions 48, 50, the width of the
body portion 56, the spacing of the leg portions 48, 50 on the body
portion 56, and the density, angle of projection, inclusion, and
length of the secondary bristles 58 on the leg portions 48, 50
and/or the body portion 56.
[0032] The secondary cleaning elements 44 are manufactured by any
one of several technologies currently known by those skilled in the
art. In the present embodiment, the secondary cleaning elements 44,
including the attendant leg portions 48, 50, the body portion 56,
and the secondary bristles 58, are formed by an injection molding
process. Therefore, the body portion 56 and the leg portions 48, 50
are formed integrally with the radially extending secondary
bristles 58. While any type of thermoplastic material may be used,
in a preferred embodiment a co-polymer or synthetic polymer, such
as nylon or polyester, is utilized. Injection molding processes
will also allow the secondary bristles 58 to be formed with other
bristles radiating about the length of any of the secondary
bristles 58. Indeed, any number of bristles may be provided that
radiate from any number of additional bristles. The addition of
such bristles will increase the extent to which the secondary
cleaning elements 44 can reach between wires, undercuts, or other
areas of orthodontic devices. The additional bristles may also
increase the abrasiveness of the secondary cleaning elements 44 to
aid in plaque removal.
[0033] It is also anticipated that the secondary cleaning elements
44 may be manufactured in a multitude of other ways. In one
embodiment the U-shaped member 46 of the secondary cleaning element
44 is formed by bending or otherwise deforming multiple wire
strands into the above described shape, such as depicted in
connection with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A that are
described in further detail below. The secondary bristles 58 are
comprised of portions of the wire strands that radiate from the
U-shaped member 46. In a third embodiment, the secondary bristles
58 comprise microfibers, such as nylon or polyester, which are
glued to portions of the U-shaped member 46. In the third
embodiment, it is contemplated that portions of the U-shaped member
46 may comprise either a similar or dissimilar material than used
to create the secondary bristles 58. In a fourth embodiment, the
secondary bristles 58 comprise a co-polymer or synthetic polymer
and are tied around the U-shaped member 46. Similar to the third
embodiment, the U-shaped member 46 of the fourth embodiment may be
comprised of a similar or dissimilar thermoplastic material than
the secondary bristles 58.
[0034] In any of the embodiments described herein, the primary and
secondary cleaning elements 34, 44 may be attached to the head
member 24 of the toothbrush 20 in any number of conventional
manners. For example, the present embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4
may be formed by a single or multiple step injection molding
process to fabricate the handle member 22, the head member 24, and
the primary and secondary cleaning elements 34, 44. In other
embodiments, the primary and secondary cleaning elements 34, 44 are
attached to the head member 24 by techniques such as thermoforming,
fushion, welding, and the like. Other conventional methods such as
the stapling of the primary and the secondary cleaning elements 34,
44 to the head member 24 may also be utilized.
[0035] With reference again to FIG. 3, a longitudinal axis 62 of
the handle member 22 separates the head member 24 into first and
second cleaning portions 64, 66, respectively. The primary cleaning
elements 34 of the present embodiment are the plurality of tufts
36, which are arranged into first, second, third, and fourth rows
68a-d, respectively. The first and second rows 68a, 68b are
disposed adjacent the first end 28 of the head member 24 on the
first cleaning portion 64 and are aligned in a parallel manner to
each other and the longitudinal axis 62. The third and fourth rows
68c, 68d are disposed adjacent the second end 30 of the head member
24 on the second cleaning portion 66 and are similarly aligned in a
parallel manner to each other and the longitudinal axis 62. The
secondary cleaning elements 44 of the present embodiment comprise a
first secondary cleaning element 70 and a second secondary cleaning
element 72. The cleaning element 70 is disposed adjacent the second
end 30 of the head member 24 on the first cleaning portion 64 and
the cleaning element 72 is disposed adjacent the first end 28 of
the head member 24 on the second cleaning portion 66. Both of the
cleaning elements 70, 72 are parallel with one another and the
longitudinal axis 62.
[0036] A second embodiment of a toothbrush 80 is depicted in FIG.
5. The second embodiment is similar to the previously described
first embodiment except that the second embodiment includes only
first and second rows 68a', 68b' of tufts 36, which are disposed
adjacent the second end 30 of the head member 24 in a manner
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 62. Further, the body
portions 56 of first and second secondary cleaning elements 70',
72' are disposed adjacent the first end 28 of the head member 24
and are aligned in a parallel manner with one another and the
longitudinal axis 62.
[0037] FIG. 5A depicts a variation of the head member 24 of the
toothbrush 80 shown in FIG. 5. A head member 24' is identical to
the head member 24 except for the inclusion of an angle in the top
surface 26. Specifically, a toe portion 82 of the head member 24'
disposed adjacent the second end 30 thereof is angled with respect
to a heel portion 84 of the head member 24' disposed adjacent the
first end 28 thereof. The toe portion 82 may be angled in any
manner from the heel portion 84, however, it is preferred that the
toe portion 82 be angled from the heel portion 84 from about
0.degree. to about 45.degree.. In the present embodiment, the first
and second secondary cleaning elements 70' and 72' extend
substantially parallel to a plane of the head member 24' on the
heel portion 84 and the first and second rows 68a', 68b' of tufts
36 extend substantially perpendicularly from a plane of the head
member 24' on the toe portion 82.
[0038] A third embodiment of a toothbrush 100 is depicted in FIG.
6. The present embodiment is similar to the previously described
embodiments, except that only first and second secondary cleaning
elements 70'', 72'' are provided on the head member 24. Both of the
cleaning elements 70'', 72'' are aligned in a parallel manner with
one another and the longitudinal axis 62. Further, both of the
cleaning elements 70'', 72'' include a third leg portion 102
disposed interiorly of the first and second leg portions 48, 50.
The body portion 56 of both of the cleaning elements 70'', 72''
angles downwardly from opposing ends thereof toward the third leg
portion 102. The angle between the first and second leg portions
48, 50 and the third leg portion 102 may be modified as desired,
but it is preferred that the body portion 56 be substantially
parallel to the planar top surface 26 of the head member 24. It is
also contemplated that in other embodiments one or more leg
portions may be spaced anywhere between the first and second leg
portions 48, 50. In yet another embodiment, the cleaning elements
70'', 72'' may include only the first and second leg portions 48,
50. In a different embodiment, only one of the cleaning elements
70'', 72'' is provided. Alternatively, any of the disclosed
embodiments may have upper portions of their leg portions 48, 50 or
their body portions 56 angled inwardly or outwardly uniformly or
non-uniformly from the longitudinal axis 62, e.g., the body portion
56 may be angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 62 to form a
v-shape that is not parallel with same or the entire upper portion
of one of the cleaning elements 70'', 72'' may be uniformly angled
toward the longitudinal axis 62 so that the body portion 56 is
parallel therewith.
[0039] A fourth embodiment of a toothbrush 120 is depicted in FIGS.
7-10. The present embodiment is similar to the embodiment described
in connection with FIGS. 1-4 except that the plurality of secondary
cleaning elements 44 has been replaced by a plurality of
omnidirectional cleaning elements 122. The present embodiment
includes first, second, third, and fourth omnidirectional cleaning
elements 124a-d, respectively. Each of the omnidirectional cleaning
elements 124a-d includes an elongate stem 126 having a proximal end
128 attached to the head member 24 and a distal end 130 extending
outwardly from the top surface 26 of the head member 24. The stem
126 of the present embodiment extends substantially transversely
from the top surface 26 of the head member 24. However, in other
embodiments the stem 126 or other member may be angled to any
degree as desired. A multiplicity of cleaning surfaces 132 extend
radially from the distal end 130 of the stem 126, thereby imparting
a somewhat spherical appearance to upper ends of the
omnidirectional cleaning elements 124a-d. A second multiplicity of
cleaning surfaces (not shown) may also be provided around a portion
of the stem 126. However, it is preferred that at least some
clearance between the top surface 26 of the head member 24 and the
multiplicity of cleaning surfaces 132 exist to impart a clearance
area similar to the cavity 60 described in connection with the
first embodiment.
[0040] The plurality of omnidirectional cleaning elements 122 may
comprise similar materials and structure as noted above in
connection with the plurality of secondary cleaning elements 44.
For example, any of the structural components, materials, or
designs employed in connection with the secondary bristles 58 or
leg portions 48, 50, may be likewise utilized in connection with
the cleaning surfaces 132 and the stem 126, respectively, of the
present embodiment. Further, any of the manufacturing or
fabrication techniques and modifications thereof discussed herein
may be employed to create the omnidirectional cleaning elements
122. While the plurality of omnidirectional cleaning elements 122
is provided with a substantially different configuration than the
plurality of secondary cleaning elements 44, the similar
utilization of radially extending bristles and/or cleaning surfaces
in conjunction with areas of clearance offer advantages presently
unknown to patients with orthodontic devices.
[0041] As noted above, the present embodiment has a similar layout
as the first embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4. However, the first
secondary cleaning element 70 is replaced by the omnidirectional
cleaning elements 124a, 124b, which are disposed in a row adjacent
the second end 30 of the head member 24 that is parallel with the
longitudinal axis 62 and spaced a first distance from same.
Similarly, the second secondary cleaning element 72 is replaced by
the omnidirectional cleaning elements 124c, 124d, which are
disposed in a row adjacent the first end 28 of the head member 24
that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 62 and spaced a second
distance from same. In the present embodiment, the first and second
distances are equal, however, other embodiments may provide for an
unequal spacing. It is contemplated that any of the embodiments
described above may utilize one or more omnidirectional cleaning
elements in lieu of, or in combination with, one or more primary or
secondary cleaning elements. For example, FIG. 11 depicts a fifth
embodiment of a toothbrush 140 that is similar to the toothbrush 80
depicted in FIG. 5, except that the primary cleaning elements are
omnidirectional cleaning elements 124a', 124b' that are disposed
adjacent the second end 30 of the head member 24 and in alignment
with the secondary cleaning elements 70', 72' about the
longitudinal axis 62. Further, FIG. 11A depicts a variation of the
toothbrush 140 depicted in FIG. 11 that includes a toe portion 142
of a head member 24'' angled with respect to a heel portion 144
thereof in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 5A.
[0042] As can be readily discerned from the present disclosure, any
number of primary, secondary, or omnidirectional cleaning elements
may be provided. It is anticipated that some embodiments may only
utilize one of the secondary or omnidirectional cleaning elements,
while other embodiments may be entirely comprised of secondary or
omnidirectional cleaning elements. Further, while the embodiments
described herein depict various cleaning elements having distal
ends substantially coextensive with one another, the heights of any
of the primary, secondary, or omnidirectional cleaning elements may
be varied as desired.
[0043] Numerous modifications will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this
description is to be construed as illustrative only and is
presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to
make and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying
out same. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come
within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.
* * * * *