U.S. patent application number 12/302976 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for oral hygiene device.
Invention is credited to Petra Ansari, Andreas Birk, Bjorn Kling, Soeren Wasow, Lucy Zimmermann.
Application Number | 20100043162 12/302976 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38480498 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100043162 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zimmermann; Lucy ; et
al. |
February 25, 2010 |
Oral Hygiene Device
Abstract
An oral hygiene device includes a handle, a head coupled to the
handle, a substantially planar base disposed on the head, and a
plurality of cleaning elements projecting from the base. The
plurality of cleaning elements are characterized by at least two
different geometries, and at least some of the plurality of
cleaning elements are generally oblong cleaning bars. Adjacent
cleaning elements define at least one channel that extends in a
direction generally transverse to a longitudinal direction of at
least some of the oblong cleaning bars.
Inventors: |
Zimmermann; Lucy;
(Kronberg/Taunus, GB) ; Ansari; Petra; (Eschborn,
DE) ; Kling; Bjorn; (Glashutten, DE) ; Birk;
Andreas; (Kronberg/Taunus, DE) ; Wasow; Soeren;
(Freigericht, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
P.O. BOX 1022
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55440-1022
US
|
Family ID: |
38480498 |
Appl. No.: |
12/302976 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
June 4, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP07/04921 |
371 Date: |
June 11, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/244 20130101;
A46B 15/0081 20130101; A46B 15/0055 20130101; A46B 2200/1066
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/111 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 2, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 025 825.8 |
Claims
1-55. (canceled)
56. An oral hygiene device, comprising: a handle; a head coupled to
the handle; a substantially planar base disposed on the head; and a
plurality of cleaning elements projecting from the base, the
plurality of cleaning elements being characterized by at least two
different geometries, wherein at least some of the plurality of
cleaning elements comprise generally oblong cleaning bars, and
wherein adjacent cleaning elements define at least one channel that
extends in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal
direction of at least some of the oblong cleaning bars.
57. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein at least some of
the plurality of cleaning elements are generally right circular
cylindrical projections extending from the base.
58. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the channel is
adjacent the oblong cleaning bars that the channel is generally
transverse to.
59. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein adjacent cleaning
elements define at least two channels at least a portion of which
are oblique to one another.
60. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the channel
generally extends along a straight line.
61. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the channel has a
width that increases along the channel.
62. The oral hygiene device of claim 61, wherein the channel
curves.
63. The oral hygiene device of claim 62, wherein a radius of
curvature of the channel decreases along the channel.
64. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein at least two
oblong cleaning bars are disposed on opposite sides of the channel
and have a longitudinal direction that is generally transverse to
the channel.
65. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein a longitudinal
dimension of the oblong cleaning bars increases along the
channel.
66. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements comprise a cleaning stud, and wherein the
cleaning stud is generally aligned with the longitudinal direction
of one of the oblong cleaning bars.
67. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements comprises a plurality of cleaning studs.
68. The oral hygiene device of claim 67, wherein the plurality of
cleaning studs are disposed in an outer region of the base and the
plurality of oblong cleaning bars are disposed in an inner region
of the base.
69. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
oblong cleaning bars are arranged in a herringbone pattern.
70. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
oblong cleaning bars extend from the edge of the head towards the
center of the head and towards a distal end of the head.
71. The oral hygiene device in claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements are radiused at their distal end and have a
distal surface that is substantially parallel to the base.
72. The oral hygiene device of claim 71, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements are radiused between an angle of 60 degrees and
120 degrees.
73. The oral hygiene device of claim 71, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements are radiused with a radius that is between 10%
and 50% of the smaller of a diameter or a width of the cleaning
elements.
74. The oral hygiene device of claim 71, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements are radiused with a radius that is between 15%
and 40% of a height of the cleaning elements.
75. The oral hygiene device of claim 71, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements are radiused with a radius that is generally
equal to the height of the cleaning elements.
76. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein at least some of
the plurality of cleaning elements have a generally circular or
generally elliptical cross-section in a plane parallel to the
base.
77. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein at least some of
the plurality of cleaning elements have a generally quadrangular
cross-section in the plane parallel to the base.
78. The oral hygiene device of claim 77, wherein the generally
quadrangular cross-section defines a diamond shape with diagonals
having a ratio between 0.2 and 5.
79. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein at least some of
the plurality of cleaning elements comprise lateral surfaces that
are at different angles to the normal of the base relative to one
another.
80. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein at least some of
the plurality of cleaning elements are a truncated cone with a
sidewall rising from the base.
81. The oral hygiene device in claim 56, wherein at least some of
the plurality of cleaning elements are a segment of a spherical cap
with a concave face.
82. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein each of the
plurality of cleaning elements has a width that is greater than or
equal to 0.5 millimeters.
83. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein each of the
plurality of cleaning elements has a height that is greater than or
equal to 0.6 millimeters.
84. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein at least some of
the plurality of cleaning elements have a base with a
cross-sectional area that is greater than or equal to 0.2 square
millimeters.
85. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements consume more than 75% of the area of the
base.
86. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein at least some of
the plurality of cleaning bars are angled relative to a
longitudinal axis of the handle.
87. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein at least some of
the plurality of cleaning elements are reflectively symmetric about
the longitudinal axis of the handle.
88. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements are arranged in point symmetry.
89. The oral hygiene device claim 56, wherein at least some of the
cleaning bars comprise cheek surfaces that are inclined at an angle
between -30 degrees and +60 degrees to the normal vector of the
base.
90. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning bars consume between 5% and 50% of the area of the
base.
91. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the minimum width
of the channel is 0.8 millimeters and the maximum width of the
channel is 1.5 millimeters.
92. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the channel is
longer than 5 millimeters.
93. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements comprise a plurality of bent cleaning bars each
defining two legs that are substantially perpendicular to one
another.
94. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements comprises a plurality of cleaning arches.
95. The oral hygiene device of claim 94, wherein the plurality of
cleaning arches decrease in height toward a center of the head.
96. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements comprise a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore
hardness between 30 and 70 A.
97. The oral hygiene device of claim 94, wherein the base is made
of the thermoplastic elastomer, and wherein the base merges
relatively seamlessly with at least a rear side of the head.
98. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the head and the
plurality of cleaning elements have a different hardness.
99. The oral hygiene device of claim 98, wherein the head is formed
from a harder material than the plurality of cleaning elements, and
wherein the base is secured to the head by a projection of the head
embedded in the base, the projection of the head being
substantially flush with the surface of the base.
100. The oral hygiene device of claim 99, wherein the projection
has a lighter color than the base or is more transparent than the
base.
101. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements define an open area near the center of the base
configured to receive a cleaning medium, and wherein the open area
is recessed within the base.
102. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements extend from a back side of the head and
toothbrush bristles extend from a first side of the head.
103. The oral hygiene device of claim 56, wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements consume between 50 and 200 square millimeters of
an exposed area of the base.
104. A tongue-scraper toothbrush, comprising: a toothbrush
comprising bristles on a front side of the toothbrush; and a
plurality of cleaning elements disposed on a back side of the
toothbrush, wherein the plurality of cleaning elements define one
or more channels between the cleaning elements, and wherein at
least some of the cleaning elements are cleaning bars that are
angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle of the
toothbrush.
105. An oral hygiene device, comprising: a handle; a head extending
from the handle; and a tongue scraper disposed on a side of the
head, wherein the tongue scraper comprises a plurality of cleaning
bars disposed on opposite sides of a channel defined by the
plurality of cleaning bars, wherein each of the plurality of
cleaning bars has a longitudinal axis that is generally
perpendicular to the channel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is the national stage of International
Application No. PCT/EP2007/004921, filed Jun. 4, 2007, which claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(a) to German Application No. 10
2006 025 825.8 filed Jun. 2, 2006.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to an oral hygiene device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Some oral hygiene devices include a toothbrush which is
configured to be combined with a tongue cleaner. A plurality of
projecting elements, such as, for example, longitudinally formed
tongue scraper elements and individual, discrete stud-shaped
protrusions, are arranged on a rear surface of the toothbrush head
on the side facing away from the toothbrush bristles.
[0004] In some instances, the tongue scraper elements extending in
a transverse direction across the rear side of the brush head are
manufactured from a relatively hard material, such as, for example,
polypropylene, whereas the discrete protrusions are preferably
formed from a relatively soft material, such as a thermoplastic
elastomer.
[0005] The longitudinally formed tongue scraper elements, which are
formed from a hard material, have sidewalls which may have
different inclinations relative to the base area, in order to thus
provide a relatively aggressive scraping action when the user moves
the head portion of the oral hygiene device along the surface of
the tongue.
[0006] The surface of a tongue typically has a diversity of
different elevations and depressions, such as filiform papillae,
fungiform papillae, foliate papillae and circumvallate papillae.
The differently formed papillae with different geometries are not
homogeneous, being instead arranged preferably in different surface
sections on the surface of the tongue.
[0007] The above-described cleaning structures generally do not
make sufficient allowance for this complex and irregular condition
of the tongue surface which is to be cleaned. Furthermore, the
structure and form of the cleaning elements are designed primarily
for the removal of tongue plaque and deposits from the surface
which is to be cleaned.
[0008] Such cleaning structures which produce a good cleaning
action usually have a high density of individual cleaning elements
and projections, which however can be cleaned only with great
difficulty and insufficiently following usage of the oral hygiene
device. The cleaning aspect of the oral hygiene device itself is
thus insufficiently taken into account. However, this is of great
importance, particularly if the device is used repeatedly, as
bacteria or other deposits can remain on the oral hygiene
device.
SUMMARY
[0009] One aspect of the invention features an oral hygiene device
that includes a handle, a head coupled to the handle, a
substantially planar base disposed on the head, and a plurality of
cleaning elements projecting from the base. In some
implementations, the plurality of cleaning elements are
characterized by at least two different geometries, and at least
some of the plurality of cleaning elements are generally oblong
cleaning bars. Adjacent cleaning elements may define at least one
channel that extends in a direction generally transverse to a
longitudinal direction of at least some of the oblong cleaning
bars.
[0010] Another aspect of the invention features a tongue-scraper
toothbrush that includes a toothbrush having bristles on a front
side of the toothbrush and a plurality of cleaning elements
disposed on a back side of the toothbrush. The plurality of
cleaning elements may define one or more channels between the
cleaning elements, and at least some of the cleaning elements may
be cleaning bars that are angled relative to a longitudinal axis of
the handle of the toothbrush.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention features an oral hygiene
device that includes a handle, a head extending from the handle,
and a tongue scraper disposed on a side of the head. The tongue
scraper may have a plurality of cleaning bars disposed on opposite
sides of a channel defined by the plurality of cleaning bars, and a
longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of cleaning bars may be
generally perpendicular to the channel.
[0012] The present invention relates, in some embodiments, to an
oral hygiene device having a handle portion and a head portion on
which a substantially plane base area is provided. A plurality of
cleaning elements which project substantially perpendicularly or at
least at an inclined angle to the base area is provided on this
base area, said cleaning elements having at least two different
geometries.
[0013] At least some of these cleaning elements are formed as
oblong cleaning bars which extend in a plane parallel to the base
area. Furthermore, at least one channel is provided which extends
in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of cleaning
bars and is formed from spaces between directly adjacent cleaning
elements. The channel serves to carry away deposits which have been
picked up by the oral hygiene device from the surface of the tissue
which is to be cleaned. At the same time, such a channel extending
transversely to the cleaning bars enables simple and more effective
cleaning of the oral hygiene device after use.
[0014] The formation of at least one channel which extends
transversely to the cleaning bars is advantageous in particular for
a uniform distribution of deposits over the base area of the oral
hygiene device and thus enables a more effective utilization of the
entire cleaning area. Because the cleaning bars are crossed in a
transverse direction by the at least one channel, the dirt
particles and deposits picked up by the oral hygiene device can be
distributed not only along but also transversely to the cleaning
bars.
[0015] This is advantageous particularly during application of the
oral hygiene device when the deposits and dirt particles which are
to be removed accumulate inhomogeneously and differently in
different surface sections of the base area, for example, due to
the complex condition of the surface of the tongue. For example,
during use some spaces between cleaning elements situated in a
particular surface section of the oral hygiene device may already
be completely clogged with deposits or dirt particles, which
degrades their cleaning performance. By contrast, the deposits on
cleaning elements situated in a different surface section may be
less pronounced.
[0016] Considering in particular that oral hygiene devices having
cleaning elements arranged on the rear side of a toothbrush head
are moved by the user preferably along a single direction of motion
over the surface of the tongue, the dirt particles picked up by the
tongue cleaner, for example, are preferably deposited in a surface
section of the head portion which directly adjoins the handle
portion.
[0017] By contrast, the channel of some embodiments of the
invention which extends at an inclination to the oblong cleaning
bars facilitates a uniform distribution of dirt particles over the
entire cleaning surface of the oral hygiene device, in addition to
facilitating rinsing and cleaning of the oral hygiene device after
use. In this manner, a more uniform possible degree of deposits can
be achieved over the entire base area, as a result of which the
functionality of individual cleaning elements is less impaired.
[0018] According to a first preferred embodiment, at least cleaning
bars of oblong construction and cleaning studs of knob-type
construction are provided as cleaning elements with different basic
geometries. While the cleaning bars extend in a substantially
straight longitudinal orientation along the base area, the cleaning
studs by comparison have a less extensive lateral spread in the
plane of the base area. This lateral spread of the studs in the
plane of the base area typically corresponds substantially to the
width of the cleaning bars.
[0019] Depending on their geometry, the cleaning bars and the
cleaning studs perform different functions during the cleaning of
the tongue surface. For example, particularly the cleaning studs
may tend to dislodge deposits and dirt particles adhering to the
tongue, such as bacteria, food residue or the like.
[0020] By contrast, the cleaning bars may tend to move and shift
along a cleaning direction the dirt particles and deposits
dislodged by the cleaning studs. They are therefore likely to carry
away dislodged dirt particles and deposits from the oral
cavity.
[0021] According to a further embodiment, the at least one channel
is configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular
to the longitudinal direction of those cleaning bars that are
adjacent to the channel. Such an arrangement is advantageous in
particular if the cleaning bars are arranged so that their
longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the direction of
movement of the oral hygiene device, so that the deposits and dirt
particles transported by the cleaning bars can be distributed via
the at least one channel over the base area. In this way the
complete clogging with dirt particles of the elevations formed by
the cleaning bars is effectively counteracted.
[0022] Furthermore, at least two channels are provided which extend
in spaces between directly adjacent cleaning elements and run
obliquely to each other at least in part. The provision of a
plurality of channels which run obliquely to each other in part is
advantageous in particular for a homogeneous distribution of dirt
particles over the entire base area. In the same way, this
facilitates the cleaning of contamination from the base area
following the intended usage.
[0023] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the at least one channel
is configured to extend along a substantially straight line. It is
also advantageous if the at least one channel has a diverging
profile, i.e., a widening or a narrowing profile. Due to the
varying channel width along the course of the channel, it is
possible to enhance the transport mechanism in a multitude of ways.
As such, a varying channel width is achieved by means of a
continuously varying distance between immediately adjacent cleaning
elements which form the channel.
[0024] Still further, the at least one channel is configured to
extend in a curved fashion. In particular a run in the shape of a
circular arc or a spiral run can be contemplated. In this way, the
transportation of deposits along the base area can also be
performed at an inclination to the brushing or cleaning direction
of the oral hygiene device.
[0025] The course and the configuration of the channel formed by
spaces between individual cleaning elements depend in some
embodiments on the basic geometry of the cleaning elements arranged
on the base area. The factors which are significant for the
material transport include the distance and the surface density of
the cleaning elements as well as the preferred direction of
movement of the oral hygiene device during the cleaning operation
and the concrete physical form of the surface which is to be
cleaned, such as the tongue surface.
[0026] According to a further embodiment, at least two cleaning
bars are configured to lie with their longitudinal end section on
opposing sides of the channel. In this way the channel can be
formed predominantly, if not completely, by such spaces which lie
in the longitudinal direction between cleaning bars.
[0027] Accordingly, at least some of the cleaning bars arranged on
the base area are arranged and aligned to each other in such a way
that the channel provided to carry deposits away is formed
substantially perpendicularly to the bars' longitudinal extension.
The cleaning bars, which with their longitudinal end section
directly adjoin the channel on opposing sides, are aligned
preferably parallel to each other.
[0028] Alternatively or in addition, the cleaning bars arranged to
the side of the channel can also be aligned and arranged in
relation to each other largely in mirror symmetry to the run of the
channel.
[0029] According to a further embodiment, the longitudinal
dimension of the cleaning bars increases along the course of the
channel. As a result, a material transport in angular relation to
the longitudinal direction of the cleaning bars can be improved and
optimized in an advantageous manner. The arrangement and
configuration of the individual cleaning elements, in particular
the cleaning bars, can be adapted to a distribution and adhesion of
deposits and dirt particles which is inherently inhomogeneous over
the base area of the oral hygiene device. In this way, particularly
in the regions of the base area in which the deposits dislodged by
the cleaning studs tend to accumulate, the cleaning bars can be
configured to have greater length and the channel to have
increasing width.
[0030] Depending on the physical form of the tissue surface to be
cleaned in the oral cavity, alternative and reversed configurations
and arrangements of individual cleaning elements may be
advantageous.
[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the
curvature radius of a curved channel decreases along the course of
the channel, which results in particular in a channel having a
spiral-type course.
[0032] According to a further preferred embodiment of the
invention, at least one cleaning stud is arranged in the extension
of the longitudinal dimension of cleaning bars.
[0033] According to a further aspect in particular, cleaning studs
are arranged in particular in an outer edge region and cleaning
bars are arranged in a central region of the base area. Such an
arrangement is particularly advantageous for the cleaning of the
differently formed papillae which are distributed inhomogeneously
over the tongue. Furthermore, such an arrangement may make it more
likely that the dirt particles and deposits dislodged by the
cleaning studs preferably accumulate on the centrally situated
cleaning bars during the cleaning operation. In addition, using an
angled scraping motion solely along the studs, it is possible to
boost the effect of the latter.
[0034] By virtue of this arrangement, it is possible to assist or
define a transport direction for the dirt particles and deposits
towards the center of the base area. This is advantageous in
particular for the cleaning of tongue edge regions, because the
outward-lying regions of the base area of the oral hygiene device
may primarily dislodge contamination and deposits, rather than
carry them away. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent
the particles dislodged in an edge region of the tongue from being
pushed down sideways from the surface which is to be cleaned. The
central arrangement of the cleaning bars thus contributes to an
improved pick-up of dislodged dirt particles and deposits.
[0035] According to a further embodiment, cleaning bars are
configured to be aligned in the style of a herringbone pattern in
an alternating layout at preferably approximately equal angles but
in reverse directions in relation to the transverse direction of
the head portion. Alternatively, the angles included between the
legs may vary. Furthermore, in this embodiment, cleaning bars which
lie adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction are
spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis of the head
portion and are arranged in a partly overlapping relationship in
the transverse direction of the head portion.
[0036] The inclined and different arrangement of individual
cleaning bars in relation to the longitudinal axis of the head
portion is advantageous for a multi-directional cleaning effect
using the oral hygiene device in a uni-directional direction of
motion. By virtue of the partially overlapping arrangement of the
cleaning bars in the transverse direction of the head portion, in
some embodiments, deposits can be guided in particular towards the
center of the base area.
[0037] According to a further embodiment, the cleaning bars are
aligned from the edge of the head portion towards the center and
towards the free end of the head portion, with the free end of the
head portion being understood to mean the end situated on the side
opposite the handle portion or remote from the handle portion. In
view of a uni-directional direction of motion of the oral hygiene
device during tongue cleaning, during which the oral hygiene device
is preferably moved starting from a posterior part of the tongue
deep in the oral cavity towards an anterior part of the tongue, a
transport of material takes place in the direction towards the free
end of the head portion of the oral hygiene device.
[0038] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the
invention, the cleaning elements are radiused at their free end
section remote from the base area and are configured to be
flattened substantially parallel to the base area. The flattened
end of the cleaning elements may serve as a contact surface which,
during the cleaning process, makes substantially full engagement
with the surface of the tongue which is to be cleaned.
[0039] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the radiused free end is
formed in the shape of a circular arc between a lateral cheek
surface and a frontally flattened contact surface. These radiused
edges of the cleaning bars and cleaning studs facilitate a smooth
sliding motion of the oral hygiene device across the surface to be
cleaned, as a result of which abrupt and jerky movements caused by
tissue in the inner mouth being scraped by sharp corners on the
cleaning device can be avoided. Consequently, in some of these
embodiments, the oral hygiene device displays no aggressive
scraping behavior, instead enabling a gentle and at the same time
highly efficient cleaning of the tongue surface by virtue of the
functionally appropriate configuration of the different cleaning
elements, cleaning bars and cleaning studs.
[0040] For the radiused free end of cleaning elements, in
particular a circular arc covering an angular range of between
60.degree. and 120.degree. is provided in certain
implementations.
[0041] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the radius of the circular
arc amounts to between 10% and 50%, in particular between 25% and
40%, of the diameter or the width of the respective cleaning
element.
[0042] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the height of the radiused
end region of cleaning elements accounts for between 15% and 40% of
the overall height of the respective cleaning element. The radius
of the circular arc of the radiused region is between 0.2 mm and
0.5 mm. Such radiused and flattened configurations of the cleaning
elements are particularly designed to provide a smooth and gentle
sliding motion of the oral hygiene device across the surface to be
cleaned.
[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least
some of the cleaning studs have a circular or elliptical area of
cross-section in the plane parallel to the base area. The diameter
of cylindrically formed cleaning studs or the ellipticity of the
area of cross-section of the cleaning studs may be matched to the
orientation and size of the papillae to be cleaned.
[0044] Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least some of the
cleaning elements have a quadrangular area of cross-section in the
plane perpendicular to the base area. For example, a square-shaped
base area is provided for the cleaning studs and a rectangular
cross-sectional area is provided for the cleaning bars.
[0045] According to a further embodiment, cleaning studs have a
diamond-type area of cross-section in the plane parallel to the
base area, with the aspect ratio of the diagonals of the diamond
being between 0.2 and 5, in particular between 1 and 3.5.
[0046] Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least one of the
lateral surfaces or cheek surfaces of cleaning studs and/or
cleaning bars can be configured to be arched in a convex and/or
concave shape.
[0047] Furthermore, lateral boundaries or side edges of the
cleaning elements can be configured to be radiused over almost the
entire height of the cleaning elements. This is advantageous
particularly for rectangular or triangular basic geometries of
cleaning elements, because in this case not only the free end of
the cleaning elements, but also all the edges and corners of the
cleaning elements which extend substantially parallel to the normal
to the surface of the base area, are radiused.
[0048] According to a further embodiment, at least some of the
cleaning elements have lateral surfaces which are arranged at
different inclinations to the normal to the surface of the base
area. For this purpose, cleaning elements are configured to be in
particular of the type having a substantially triangular
cross-sectional profile in the plane perpendicular to the base
area. In this arrangement, an end region of the cleaning element on
the side remote from the base area and tapering into a point is
preferably also radiused.
[0049] Furthermore, in some implementations, at least some of the
cleaning elements, in particular cleaning studs, are configured to
be in the form of a truncated cone. In a particularly advantageous
manner, the cleaning studs which have the form of a truncated cone
are formed as a truncated cone which is cut along its longitudinal
direction and lies along this cut surface on the base area. This
results in a cleaning element having a semi-circular lateral
surface and a semi-conical surface which tapers into a point. The
area of transition between the semi-conical envelope surface and
the semi-circular lateral surface may also be radiused.
[0050] Furthermore, in some embodiments, cleaning studs are
configured to have a basic geometry of the spherical or
hemispherical type with a concavely arched lateral surface which
extends substantially at an inclination to the base area and
adjoins the base area directly. Again, the area of transition
between the concavely arched lateral surface and the surface of the
sphere may be radiused. In this configuration, the concave arch can
be variously formed, including, for example, as an arch having the
normal to the surface of the base area as its center point, or also
being perpendicular thereto, for example.
[0051] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the width or the diameter of the cleaning elements is less than or
equal to their height. A height-to-width ratio greater than 1 is
believed to facilitate the use of a relatively soft plastic
material for the cleaning elements, which is beneficial for gentle
and relatively unstressful cleaning of the tongue surface.
[0052] In this embodiment in particular, the width of the cleaning
elements may amount to at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 0.6
mm.
[0053] According to a further embodiment, the height of the
cleaning elements amounts to at least 0.6 mm, preferably at least
0.7 mm.
[0054] According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention,
in some embodiments, the base area of the cleaning studs amounts to
at least 0.2 mm.sup.2, preferably however not less than 0.25
mm.sup.2. The base area of the cleaning studs describes the area of
cross-section of the cleaning studs which lies on the base area of
the head portion.
[0055] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the maximum area of
cross-section of the cleaning studs of circular cross-section is
0.8 mm.sup.2. All the other cleaning elements/studs may have a
maximum area of cross-section of 4 mm.sup.2, in particular 3
mm.sup.2.
[0056] According to a further embodiment, in the surface segment of
the base area in which the cleaning studs are arranged, the sum
total of the base areas (bounded by the outermost lying cleaning
studs) of all the cleaning studs is up to 75%, in particular
10-50%, of the area of this surface segment. As a result, the
individual cleaning studs are arranged relatively densely and at a
correspondingly short distance of, for example, 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm
from each other.
[0057] This provides a cleaning effect irrespectively of the
cleaning direction.
[0058] According to a further embodiment, at least some of the
cleaning elements are aligned and/or arranged in mirror symmetry to
the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.
[0059] Furthermore, the cleaning elements, including in particular
the cleaning bars and/or the cleaning studs, can be configured to
be arranged in point symmetry to the center point of the base area
or to the center point of the surface area of the head portion. The
mirror-symmetric and/or point-symmetric arrangement of cleaning
elements not only relates to their position, but also in particular
to the orientation of the cleaning elements in relation to the
longitudinal axis of the handle or head portion.
[0060] According to a further embodiment, at least in some regions
the cleaning bars have a cheek surface or lateral surface which is
inclined in an angular range from -30.degree., in particular
10.degree. to +60.degree. (undercut), in particular 45.degree., to
the normal to the surface of the base area. As a result, the
cleaning bars can be configured not only as rectangular and right
parallelepipedal rods, but also as structures having a
cross-sectional profile of the parallelogram or trapezoidal
type.
[0061] In this arrangement, the lateral surfaces can be configured
to narrow or, alternatively, to widen toward the free end of the
bars. Given the latter configuration, the cheek surfaces or lateral
surfaces of the cleaning bars form at least an undercut which can
be beneficial for accommodating deposits and dirt particles from
the tongue surface. A widening is the preferred option. An undercut
may be desirable in conjunction with a soft plastic material.
[0062] According to a further aspect of the invention, in the
surface segment of the base area in which the cleaning bars are
arranged, the sum total of the areas of cross-section of all the
cleaning bars measured parallel to the base area is between 5
percent and 50 percent of the area of this surface segment. In
comparison to the arrangement of the cleaning studs, the cleaning
bars are preferably arranged at a greater distance to each other on
the base area of the oral hygiene device. On the one hand, this
increases the spaces which are provided between the cleaning bars
to accommodate contaminated particles. On the other hand, this
facilitates a better distribution and a better transportation of
dirt particles over the base area. In the same way, this also
improves and facilitates the cleaning of the base area following
completion of the cleaning operation in the oral cavity.
[0063] According to a further embodiment, the minimum width of the
at least one channel is configured to be 0.5 mm, in particular 0.8
mm, and the maximum mean width of the at least one channel 2 mm, in
particular 1.5 mm.
[0064] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the longitudinal dimension
of the at least one channel is configured to be at least 5 mm. In
this way a transport of material by means of the at least one
channel can take place substantially perpendicularly to the
longitudinal extension of the cleaning bars over a length of at
least 5 mm.
[0065] According to a further aspect of the invention, in the
section of the base area remote from the handle portion, at least
one bent cleaning bar is arranged, forming two legs which are
aligned in a substantially perpendicular relationship to each
other. Each of the legs is configured in the type of a straight
cleaning bar having a substantially rectangular basic geometry. The
two legs arranged at right angles to each other are preferably
connected to each other on the longitudinal axis of the head
portion in one integral piece. As such, each of the two legs
extends obliquely outwardly and in the direction towards the handle
portion from the longitudinal axis which runs centrally along the
head portion.
[0066] According to another advantageous aspect of the invention,
cleaning arches extending in a curved configuration in the plane
parallel to the base area are provided as cleaning elements. Such
cleaning arches, which preferably are equally radiused at their
free end section, have the function of tongue scraper elements
situated in particular in the region of the free end of the head
portion. These cleaning arches, which in some cases have a
wall-like form, extend with their lateral surfaces or cheek
surfaces predominantly at an inclination to the normal to the
surface of the base area.
[0067] In this arrangement in particular, the cheek surface of
cleaning arches on the side close to the handle portion may extend
at an angle of 85.degree. to 100.degree. to the base area, so that
the cleaning arch forms an undercut, if appropriate, in which
deposits and dirt particles can be accumulated during the cleaning
operation.
[0068] Furthermore, at least two cleaning arches spaced from each
other along the longitudinal axis of the handle portion and/or at
least two bent cleaning bars are arranged on the base area of the
oral hygiene device.
[0069] In this arrangement in some implementations, the height of
the arch-type or bent cleaning elements varies and increases in
particular towards the center of the head portion. Such cleaning
elements, which are formed at varying heights and perform a
scraping function, take into account that the tongue surface which
is to be cleaned is formed as a surface which is curved in some
areas and not a straight surface. Due to the different heights of
the cleaning elements, it is further possible to achieve cleaning
which is matched to the tongue structure and is particularly
gentle.
[0070] According to a further aspect of the invention, all the
cleaning elements are made of a thermoplastic elastomer which has a
Shore hardness of between 30 and 70 A, for example, between 40 and
60 A. Such a flexible plastic material enables comfortable cleaning
of the tongue or gum in a manner which is agreeable for the user.
With regard to the elastic plastic material, reference is made at
this point to the geometric dimensions and the dimensioning of the
individual cleaning elements. The combination of a height-to-width
ratio greater than 1 with dimensions in the sub-millimeter range
and a Shore hardness of 40 to 60 A is more gentle and, particularly
by virtue of the implementation of cleaning elements having varying
geometries and sizes, provides at the same time an effective
cleaning effect for soft body tissue in the oral cavity.
[0071] According to another advantageous embodiment of the
invention, the cleaning elements which are made from a
thermoplastic elastomer are connected to the base area provided on
the head portion in one integral piece. Another advantage in this
connection is that the base area formed from a thermoplastic
elastomer merges seamlessly and in one integral piece with at least
the rear side of the handle portion.
[0072] According to another advantageous aspect, the head portion
includes at least two different plastic materials of preferably
different elasticity. In addition to the base area formed
preferably from a thermoplastic elastomer, the core of the head
portion may be made preferably of a harder plastic material, such
as polypropylene. The core element made of polypropylene of the
oral hygiene device therefore provides, on account of its
relatively inflexible and stiff condition, immediate and direct
control of the oral hygiene device during the cleaning operation.
In this way, pressure exerted by the user is substantially
transferred directly and in an unadulterated manner to the surface
in the oral cavity which is to be cleaned.
[0073] According to a further embodiment, the plastic material
which forms the base area nearly completely embraces the head
portion on its undersurface and on the lateral surfaces.
Considering that the undersurface of the head portion of the oral
hygiene device is preferably intended for cleaning of the tongue, a
substantially closed surface which is furnished with cleaning
elements comes into contact with the surface of the tongue.
[0074] This embodiment is advantageous because the rear side and
the lateral surfaces of the toothbrush head can be moved in the
oral cavity with enhanced handling comfort.
[0075] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the relatively hard
plastic material in the region of the head portion includes at
least one projection which is embedded in the base area formed from
the relatively soft plastic material so as to be flush with the
surface. The projection may extend substantially perpendicularly to
the base area and projects into it.
[0076] Furthermore, the projection which extends into the base area
may have a lighter coloration and/or a lower degree of optical
absorption than the base area itself. In this way, the degree of
contamination of the base area of the head portion can be visually
observed and noticed without greater difficulty directly by the
user even during the cleaning operation.
[0077] According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention,
at least one surface section is provided in the center of the base
area which is configured to accommodate a cleaning medium. The
surface section provided for the cleaning medium may be
substantially planar and formed without having any protruding
cleaning elements.
[0078] In addition, the surface section provided to accommodate the
cleaning medium can be configured to include a depression for the
cleaning medium, or to be wholly formed as a depressed section in
relation to the base area. The arrangement of a surface section in
the center of the base area for accommodating a cleaning medium is
particularly well suited to a uniform distribution of the cleaning
medium on the surface of the tongue to be cleaned.
[0079] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates
to an oral hygiene device in which the front side of the head
portion, which is opposite the base area, is configured as a
toothbrush head which is set with toothbrush bristles. In this
respect, the oral hygiene device of the invention which is designed
particularly for cleaning of the tongue can be combined with a
toothbrush or be formed as an integral part of a toothbrush.
[0080] Certain aspects of the invention provide an oral hygiene
device designed particularly for tongue cleaning, which is improved
both in terms of a gentle and effective pick-up of dirt particles
on the one hand and a simple and fast cleaning of removed dirt
particles and deposits on the other hand.
[0081] Some aspects provide a tongue cleaner which can be cleaned
more easily itself from picked up dirt particles, bacteria, germs
and the like after use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0082] Further objects, features and advantageous application
possibilities of the present invention will become apparent from
the subsequent description of embodiments with reference to the
accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that any feature
described and/or represented by illustration, when used singularly
or in any meaningful combination, forms the subject matter of the
present invention, also independently of the claims or their
back-reference.
[0083] In the drawings,
[0084] FIG. 1 is a schematic top plan view of an embodiment of an
oral hygiene device;
[0085] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene device of
FIG. 1;
[0086] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the oral hygiene
device of FIG. 1;
[0087] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cleaning bar according to
the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0088] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning bar of FIG.
4;
[0089] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the cleaning bar of
FIG. 4;
[0090] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning bar
of FIG. 4;
[0091] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cleaning stud according to
the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0092] FIG. 9 is a side view of the cleaning stud of FIG. 8;
[0093] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning stud of
FIG. 8;
[0094] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment
including cleaning elements of a trapezoidal configuration;
[0095] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the cleaning
element of FIG. 11;
[0096] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cleaning stud shaped in
the manner of a halved cone;
[0097] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cleaning stud shaped in
the manner of a hemisphere;
[0098] FIG. 15 is a side view of the hemispherical cleaning stud of
FIG. 14;
[0099] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a cleaning stud of
heart-shaped cross-section;
[0100] FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the cleaning stud of
FIG. 16 as seen looking obliquely from above;
[0101] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an elliptically shaped
cleaning element;
[0102] FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the cleaning element
of FIG. 18 with an elliptical area of cross-section;
[0103] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a diamond-shaped cleaning
element;
[0104] FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the cleaning element
of FIG. 20;
[0105] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a cleaning element of
square cross-section with radiused edges;
[0106] FIG. 23 is a view of another embodiment of a tongue cleaner
including a total of three differently configured cleaning
elements;
[0107] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the cleaning element of
FIG. 23 as seen looking obliquely from above;
[0108] FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the tongue cleaner of
FIG. 23 as seen looking obliquely from the side;
[0109] FIG. 26 is a schematic and perspective view of three bent
and angularly extending cleaning bars;
[0110] FIG. 27 is a view of another embodiment of a tongue cleaner
including tongue scraper elements;
[0111] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
27;
[0112] FIG. 29 is another perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 27 as seen looking obliquely from the side;
[0113] FIG. 30 is a view of another embodiment of a tongue-cleaning
structure;
[0114] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the tongue cleaner of FIG.
30;
[0115] FIG. 32 is a top plan view of another configuration of
cleaning bars and cleaning studs on a base area;
[0116] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the structure of FIG.
32;
[0117] FIG. 34 is another perspective view of the structure of FIG.
32 as seen looking obliquely from the side;
[0118] FIG. 35 is a top plan view of another cleaning structure in
spiral-type arrangement including cleaning bars and cleaning
studs;
[0119] FIG. 36 is a view of a tongue cleaner configuration
including cleaning bars arranged in the manner of a herringbone
pattern;
[0120] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the tongue cleaner of FIG.
36;
[0121] FIG. 38 is another perspective view of the tongue cleaner of
FIG. 36 as seen looking obliquely from the side;
[0122] FIG. 39 is a top plan view of another cleaning bar
configuration; and
[0123] FIG. 40 is a view of the configuration of FIG. 39 as seen
looking obliquely from above.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0124] FIGS. 1 to 3 show, as a first embodiment, an oral hygiene
device 10 in the form of a tongue cleaner having a head portion 12
and a handle portion 14 adjoining the head portion. The head
portion 12 includes a substantially planar base area 18 on which at
least two different types or kinds of projecting cleaning elements
20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28 are arranged.
[0125] In this embodiment, cylindrically formed cleaning studs 20
on the one hand and oblong and straight cleaning bars 22, 24, 25,
26, 28 of varying lengths on the other hand can be considered to
act as cleaning elements.
[0126] Depending on their respective geometric configurations, the
individual cleaning elements 22, 24, 25, 26 may be arranged on the
base area 18 in such a way that at least one channel is formed
which extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal
direction of cleaning bars 22, 24, 25, 26 and is formed from spaces
between directly adjacent cleaning elements 22, 24, 25, 26. The
channel is provided in particular for a homogeneous distribution
and for the transportation of deposits and dirt particles, which
are picked up by the tongue cleaner 10 during the cleaning
operation.
[0127] The embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3 includes a plurality of
channels which extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of
cleaning bars 22, 24, 25, 26. For example, a first channel, which
follows a curved path down to the right in FIG. 1, starts at the
height of the cleaning bar 26. The channel then continues between
the cleaning bars 24 and 25, finally ending at the height of the
cleaning bar 22 arranged close to the handle.
[0128] A further cleaning channel runs in similar fashion on the
right above the centrally arranged projection 30, equally at the
height of the bar 26, and continues, under widening of its channel
width, along a curved path toward the top left.
[0129] The individual cleaning bars adjoining the channel sides
have an increasing longitudinal dimension with increasing progress
along the channel. In addition, the orientation of adjacent
cleaning bars 22, 24, 26, 28 which adjoin the channel successively
changes by a predetermined variable angle, so that ultimately the
first cleaning bar 26 and the last cleaning bar 22 of the cleaning
channel are turned 30.degree. to 80.degree. from each other. Larger
angular ranges, about greater than 90.degree. or even 180.degree.,
are readily conceivable.
[0130] Due to the different orientation of the individual cleaning
bars 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, it is possible to also achieve a cleaning
effect in a direction transverse to the direction of motion of the
oral hygiene device 10 using even a uni-directional cleaning
movement, such as a straight forward-and-backward movement.
[0131] The arrangement of cleaning elements 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28
shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is further substantially in point symmetry to
the center point of the centrally arranged projection 30. The
projection 30, which is embedded in the base area 18, is connected
to the core material 13 of the head portion 12 in one integral
piece. By contrast, the entire rear side of the head portion 12
shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be coated with a layer of a soft plastic
material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, which encloses in
particular also the lateral edge 15 of the head portion 12.
[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the elastomer layer which
forms the base area 18 also merges seamlessly with the rear side of
the handle portion 14. In the region of the neck portion 13 the
elastomer layer 18 which encloses the head portion 12 exposes the
relatively hard core area of the head portion and the handle
portion 14, which is manufactured from a hard plastic material such
as polypropylene. The projection 30 which is connected with the
core material 13 in one integral piece penetrates through the base
area 18 and terminates flush with its surface. The projection 30
is, so-to-speak, embedded in the base area 18 and is laterally
surrounded by individual cleaning elements 28.
[0133] The lateral overlap of the head portion 12 with the
elastomer layer and the embedding of the projection 30 which may be
configured to project from the core material for penetration into
the base area 18 are advantageous for the joining and holding
together of the different plastic materials, in particular with
regard to the formation of a positive engagement between the base
area 18 and the projection.
[0134] The front side of the head portion 12, which front side is
not shown explicitly in FIGS. 1 to 3, can be configured in
particular to attach a multiplicity of toothbrush bristles 16, so
that the oral hygiene device can fulfill a dual role as toothbrush
and tongue cleaner.
[0135] FIGS. 4 to 6 show various views of a cleaning bar 25 by way
of example. The cleaning bar 25 has, at its free end section remote
from the base area 18, a flattened contact surface 36 which extends
substantially parallel to the base area, and radiused edge areas.
Furthermore, the ratio of height 31 to width 32 of all the cleaning
bars 22, 24, 25, 26, 28 may be greater than or equal to 1.
[0136] In some embodiments, the height of the cleaning bars is
configured to amount to at least 0.6 mm, preferably however at
least 0.7 mm, while the width of the cleaning bars 22, 24, 25, 26,
28 is at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 0.6 mm. The radiused
area which forms a transition between the lateral surface and the
frontal contact surface 36 serves for easy and smooth gliding of
the oral hygiene device along the surface to be cleaned.
[0137] The cleaning bars, which may be radiused in virtually every
direction, serve primarily to transport deposits and dirt particles
which have already been dislodged from the surface of the tongue.
In this way it is possible to facilitate the transport of deposits
away from the oral cavity.
[0138] FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate, by way of example, a cylindrically
formed cleaning stud. The cleaning studs are also radiused in their
end section remote from the base area 18 and have a flattened
contact surface 38 which adjoins the radius.
[0139] In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature radius 40 of
the cleaning studs 20 and the curvature radius 33 of the cleaning
bars 22, 24, 25, 26, 28 are in a range from 10% to 50%, in
particular from 25% to 40%, of the width 32 of a cleaning bar 22,
24, 25, 26, 28 and, respectively, from 10% to 50%, in particular
from 25% to 40%, of the diameter 41 of a cylindrically formed
cleaning stud.20.
[0140] The ratio of the height 39 to the diameter 41 of the
cleaning studs 20 may correspond substantially to the
height-to-width ratio of the cleaning bars 22, 24, 25, 26, 28.
[0141] In contrast to the function of the cleaning bars 22, 24, 25,
26, 28, the cleaning studs 20 are designed to dip into surface
depressions or spaces in the tongue, in order to dislodge dirt
particles or other deposits there. The differently formed cleaning
elements, i.e., cleaning studs 20 and cleaning bars 22, 24, 25, 26,
28, are thus designed for different functions and display
correspondingly different geometries.
[0142] In this embodiment, the height of cleaning bars 22, 24, 25,
26, 28 and cleaning studs 20 is approximately the same, and the
other features are different. In other embodiments, at least the
studs 20 do not project beyond the cleaning bars 22, 24, 25, 26,
28.
[0143] FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment having a fan-shaped
arrangement of cleaning elements 42, which have an approximately
triangular area of cross-section parallel to the base area 18. The
cleaning elements 42, which substantially taper to a point and are
radiused at their free ends and are shown in a detailed perspective
view in FIG. 12, have in particular differently inclined cheek
surfaces or lateral surfaces 50, 48.
[0144] The illustrated lateral surfaces or cheek surfaces 50, 48
which taper towards each other in particular at an acute angle, are
connected to each other via radiuses 51, 52.
[0145] In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the longitudinal dimension of
the individual cleaning elements 42 increases with increasing
distance from the handle portion 14. In addition, three cleaning
bars 44, 45, 46 which extend in a bent and angled fashion are
arranged in the area of the free end section of the head portion
12, at the end remote from the handle portion 14. The bars are
further furnished with two legs which are aligned substantially
perpendicular to each other. The bent cleaning bars serve for the
collection of residue, deposits and dirt particles which have
previously been dislodged by the individual cleaning elements 42
from the surface of the tongue during the cleaning operation.
[0146] FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of a cleaning stud 54
which is formed in the manner of a halved truncated cone. A
semi-circular cheek or end surface 60 is arranged substantially
perpendicular to the base area 18, while a conical envelope surface
56 adjoining a radius 58 merges with the base area 18 with
decreasing height. This cleaning stud 54 which is formed in the
manner of a halved, truncated cone lying on its side proves to be
advantageous if a cleaning effect is to be exercised on the tongue
using only one direction of motion of the oral hygiene device
10.
[0147] If, for example, the cheek or end surface 60 leads the
envelope surface 56 during a cleaning movement, dislodged material
is at least pushed further along or dislodged by the end surface
60. However, in the case of a reverse direction of motion of the
cleaning stud 54, barely any cleaning effect can be expected on
account of the continuous rise of the cleaning stud up to the
radius 58. An arrangement of the cleaning elements at varying
angles relative to the longitudinal axis permits a number of
different effective cleaning surfaces particularly when the element
is shaped in the manner of a halved truncated cone or truncated
pyramid lying on its side.
[0148] A further embodiment of a spherical cleaning stud 64 is
shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The cleaning stud 64 formed in the shape
of a hemisphere lies on the base area 18 close to its maximum
cross-section, as a result of which, in this embodiment, only the
hemisphere extending upward with a decreasing cross-section
projects from the base area 18.
[0149] Furthermore, the illustrated hemispherical cleaning stud 64
is provided with an inwardly arched cheek surface 68 which extends
from the base of the cleaning stud 64 to almost its highest
elevation above the base area 18. In this respect, the spherical
cleaning stud 64 can also be described approximately as a
quarter-sphere, the plane side of which, i.e., the non-spherical
side, has a concavely arched portion. The area of transition
between the concavely arched portion 68 and the convex surface of
the sphere is again formed as a radius 66.
[0150] Similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the
hemispherically formed cleaning stud also provides a substantially
uni-directional cleaning effect.
[0151] A further embodiment of a cleaning stud 70 is shown in FIGS.
16 and 17 in different perspective views. The base area of the
cleaning stud 70 resembles a heart form, which can be described in
a first approximation as a triangle with radiused corners, two
outwardly arched sidewalls, and one inwardly arched sidewall.
[0152] The concave, inwardly arched cheek surface or lateral
surface 72 and the two convex, outwardly arched cheek surfaces or
lateral surfaces 76 of the cleaning stud 70 extend substantially
perpendicularly to the plane of the base area 18. The area of
transition between the lateral surfaces 72, 76 and the contact
surface 75 which extends substantially parallel to the base area 18
is again implemented in the form of a radius 74 and not, in this
embodiment, as an edge.
[0153] FIGS. 18 and 19 show a further cleaning element 78 which can
be described both as an elliptical cleaning stud and as a cleaning
bar which is symmetrically domed along the longitudinal axis in the
sense of this invention. Here again, the lateral surfaces extend
similarly to the triangular form of FIGS. 16 and 17 substantially
perpendicularly to the base area 18. The upper region which extends
up to the contact surface 80 is once again formed as a radius
between the contact surface and the lateral surfaces, extending
circumferentially around the upper edge region.
[0154] FIGS. 20 and 21 further show a cleaning stud 84 in different
perspective views, said cleaning stud having a base area of a
generally diamond-shaped configuration. Such cleaning studs 84 can
be implemented in a variety of embodiments and geometries. The
aspect ratio of the two diagonals 90, 92 can be between 0.2 and 5,
in this embodiment.
[0155] FIG. 22 shows further a perspective view of a cuboid
cleaning stud 94 having a flattened contact surface 96 at its free
end remote from the base area 18. In addition, all corners and
adjoining sides may be formed as radiuses 98, 99.
[0156] FIGS. 23 to 25 show a further embodiment of the oral hygiene
device in which three different types of cleaning elements, namely
cleaning studs 20, cleaning bars 24, 26 and three bent cleaning
bars 100, 102, 104, of varying heights are arranged. The overall
arrangement of the cleaning elements 20, 24, 26, 100, 102, 104 is
configured to be in mirror symmetry to the longitudinal axis 105 of
the handle portion or the head portion.
[0157] The cleaning studs 20 are arranged along the longitudinal
sides in two rows in an offset relation to each other, while the
cleaning bars 24, 26 which extend obliquely to the transverse axis
of the head portion are arranged in pairs at the same height and
extend inwardly and towards the free end of the head. The
longitudinal dimension of the individual cleaning bars 26, 24
increases toward the free end of the head portion 12.
[0158] In the upper end section of the head portion 12 the three
bent cleaning bars 100, 102, 104 are arranged in an offset relation
to each other along the longitudinal axis 105 of the head portion
12. Each of the bent cleaning bars 100, 102, 104 includes two side
legs which are formed in a rod-like shape, are turned by around
90.degree. from each other and are connected to each other at the
height of the longitudinal axis 105 of the head portion 12 in a
one-piece construction. Each of the individual bent cleaning bars
100, 102, 104 has an approximately constant height profile.
[0159] The three bent cleaning bars 100, 102, 104 are of different
heights. The cleaning bar 100 has a lower height than the directly
adjacent cleaning bar 102, which in turn has a lower height than
the innermost lying bent cleaning bar 104. Between the legs of the
bent cleaning bar 104 and the straight cleaning bars 24, 26 the
projection 106 which is connected to the core material 108 of the
head portion in one integral piece terminates flush with the
surface of the base area 18.
[0160] Apart from the advantageous fastening options for the
different plastic materials of the head portion, the projection 106
embedded in the base area 18 provides the opportunity in
conjunction with the use of, for example, a white or yellow plastic
material, to visually monitor in a simple and reliable fashion the
degree of soiling of the tongue cleaner during application of the
cleaner.
[0161] In addition, the section in which the projection 106 is
disposed forms a central region within the base area 18 which may
be devoid of cleaning elements, being instead surrounded by such.
For this reason, the surface section arranged around the projection
is suitable for accommodating a cleaning medium.
[0162] FIG. 26 shows again in an enlarged representation and in a
perspective view from the side the different heights of the bent or
angled cleaning bars 100, 102, 104 according to the embodiment of
FIGS. 23 to 25.
[0163] FIGS. 27 and 28 show a top plan view and a perspective view
of a further embodiment of the tongue cleaner. Here again, a total
of three differently structured cleaning elements 20, 22, 26, 110,
112, 114 are used. Each cleaning bar 22, 26 is paired with two
cleaning studs 20, with each one cleaning stud 20 being arranged at
a distance from its associated cleaning bar 22, 26 in the
longitudinal extension thereof.
[0164] The individual cleaning bars 22, 26 are arranged in the
manner of a spiral, in which the distance between adjacent bars 22,
26 and their orientation successively grows as the spiral
progresses. In similar fashion, the space between the cleaning bars
26, 22 and the cleaning studs 20 associated with them in
longitudinal direction increases nearly throughout. The channel
provided in order to transport away dirt particles accumulating at
the cleaning bars 22, 26 extends between the longitudinal ends of
the cleaning bars 22, 26 and the cleaning studs 20 arranged in
spaced relation to them in longitudinal direction.
[0165] The overall arrangement of cleaning studs 20 and cleaning
bars 22, 26 is substantially in point symmetry to the center point
of the projection 30 embedded in the base area 18. While the spiral
starting at the left above the projection 30 curves from the top
left to the bottom right, the other spiral-shaped arrangement
formed from cleaning bars 22, 26 and cleaning studs 20 curves from
the bottom right to the top left around the projection 30, which is
elliptically formed in the plane.
[0166] At the free end of the head portion 12, three further
cleaning bars 110, 112, 114 are arranged which extend in a bent
configuration as scrapers or collecting elements. They have an
asymmetrical cross-sectional profile with sidewalls of varying
steepness. The side of the cleaning bars 114, 112, 110 close to the
cleaning studs 20 and close to the straight cleaning bars 22, 26
extends nearly perpendicularly to the base area 18, while the
lateral surface or cheek surface close to the free end of the head
portion 12 ends on the base area 18 at a relatively flat angle.
[0167] These cleaning elements 110, 112, 114, which extend
substantially transversely across the entire head portion 12, are
designed in particular for scraping and collecting dislodged
particles.
[0168] FIGS. 30 and 31 show a further embodiment which, in
comparison to the embodiment of FIGS. 27 to 29, is configured
without the cleaning bars 110, 112, 114 at the free end of the head
portion 12. Instead, the spiral-shaped arrangement of pairs of
cleaning bars 24, 22 and cleaning studs 20 is longitudinally
stretched in the longitudinal direction of the head portion 12.
[0169] FIGS. 32 to 34 show a further point-symmetrical arrangement
of cleaning bars 24, 26 and cleaning studs 20 in a variety of
perspective views. In this arrangement, almost every cleaning bar
24, 26 is associated with one outward lying cleaning stud 20. Here
again, the cleaning bars are arranged along a spiral, with channels
being provided either between cleaning studs 20 and cleaning bars
24, 26 or purely between cleaning bars 24, 26 set apart at a
distance in longitudinal direction.
[0170] A further example of point-symmetrically and spirally
arranged cleaning bars 26, 22 and cleaning studs 20 is shown in a
top plan view in FIG. 35.
[0171] FIGS. 36 to 38 show another embodiment of the head portion
12 including three differently formed cleaning elements 20, 116,
118 and 124, 126, 128. The cleaning studs 20 are arranged at the
edge and with an offset to each other in the lower region close to
the handle portion 14.
[0172] Lying in between, a total of six cleaning bars 116, 118 is
provided, which are arranged in a herringbone-style pattern,
starting from the lower head portion on alternating sides,
extending from the outside inward and towards the free end of the
head portion.
[0173] In this arrangement, the cleaning bars 118, 116, which in
terms of their orientation extend in mirror symmetry to one
another, do not converge at the same height on the head portion 12,
but are in an offset position to each other in the longitudinal
direction. The cleaning bars 116, which slope inwardly and upwardly
on the right-hand side of the head portion 12, have their
inward-lying ends in partial overlap in longitudinal direction with
the cleaning bars 118, the latter being arranged
mirror-symmetrically and at an offset on the left-hand side of the
head portion.
[0174] In the region of the free end of the head portion, three
lamella or wall-type, slightly curved or ogival cleaning bars 128,
126, 124 are provided. They are inclined toward the middle of the
head portion, so that the respective cheek or lateral surfaces
facing toward the center of the head portion 12 can be advantageous
for the accumulation of deposits and dirt particles.
[0175] Furthermore, as becomes apparent particularly from the
perspective view of FIG. 37, the cleaning elements 20, 116, 118 and
also the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 124, 126, 128 have a
greater height in the middle of the head portion 12 than on the
edges at the left and right-hand sides. Such an arrangement takes
into account that the base area 18 which lies underneath is not
exactly planar, but that it extends under a slight downward
inclination towards the lateral edges of the head portion 12.
[0176] FIGS. 39 and 40 show a further arrangement of cleaning
elements 20, 116, 118 on the basis of the embodiment of FIGS. 36 to
38. In this arrangement, the cleaning studs form an edge extending
circumferentially around the entire base area, whereas the cleaning
bars 116, 118 arranged in a herringbone pattern lie within this
edge formed by the cleaning studs 20.
[0177] In the embodiments of FIGS. 36 to 40, the channel adjoining
the cleaning bars 116, 118 winds in an S or serpentine shape
between the inward-lying end sections of the individual cleaning
bars 118, 116.
[0178] Preferably, the embodiments include cleaning elements whose
lateral surface areas, which are approximately at right angles to
the base area, add up over all elements to between 50 mm.sup.2 and
200 mm.sup.2, in particular between 60 mm.sup.2 and 180 mm.sup.2
and above all between 60 mm.sup.2 and 120 mm.sup.2, wherein the
lower and upper limits can also be swapped. It has shown that if
the sum total of all vertical (active) cleaning surfaces is in this
range, optimum cleaning results are accomplishable in comparison to
what otherwise might only amount to a massaging effect or a
relatively poor cleaning performance.
[0179] In a further embodiment of an oral hygiene device in the
form of a toothbrush (not shown), a tongue cleaner is provided in
the manner shown in FIG. 1 on the rear side 201 of the toothbrush
head. Alternatively, the toothbrush can be equipped with one of the
other previously described tongue cleaners or elements thereof. The
front side of the toothbrush head has a bristle zone including a
plurality of filament tufts and, in particular, gum massaging bars
on each side of the bristle zone. The gum massaging bars or
massaging extensions are preferably formed from a TPE
(thermoplastic elastomer) plastic material and are thus
injection-molded, preferably from the same material as the tongue
cleaner, onto the PP (polypropylene) basic body of the toothbrush.
The toothbrush head is therefore manufactured in a 2-component
injection molding process, wherein a TPE soft component in the
handle region may be introduced as a third component or the same
soft component as for the head. Advantageously, the tongue cleaner
10 and the gum massaging bars can thus be manufactured in a single
injection-molding step. In this embodiment, a plurality of recesses
is optionally provided on the side cheeks of the brush head and/or
on the rear side of the brush head. The recesses are arranged
underneath or adjacent to the oblong gum massaging bars.
Consequently, the TPE plastic shrinkage during cool down after
injection molding is reduced in the region of the recess by virtue
of the lower TPE material thickness, so that the massaging
extensions remain better in the intended (upright) position after
injection molding than would be the case without the recesses. This
design with recesses adjacent to the massaging extensions can also
be provided independently of a tongue cleaner, i.e., without the
latter and on all types of toothbrush.
* * * * *