U.S. patent application number 12/636359 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-09 for novel device.
Invention is credited to Wolf-Dieter MUELLER.
Application Number | 20100223746 12/636359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40326148 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100223746 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MUELLER; Wolf-Dieter |
September 9, 2010 |
NOVEL DEVICE
Abstract
A toothbrush head with plural tufts of bristles comprising
tapered bristles and plural non-tapered bristles. Tufts containing
tapered bristles are arranged along the widthways opposite
outermost sides of the tuft pattern and are of a greater length
than inner tufts which contain non tapering bristles.
Inventors: |
MUELLER; Wolf-Dieter;
(Buehl, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLAXOSMITHKLINE;Corporate Intellectual Property -UW2220
P.O. Box 1539
King of Prussia
PA
19406-0939
US
|
Family ID: |
40326148 |
Appl. No.: |
12/636359 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 5/0029 20130101;
A46B 9/06 20130101; A46B 9/028 20130101; A46B 5/0025 20130101; A46D
1/0276 20130101; A46B 9/025 20130101; A46B 9/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 15, 2008 |
GB |
0822855.3 |
Claims
1. A toothbrush head connected to or connectable to a toothbrush
grip handle to thereby define a head--grip handle longitudinal
direction, the head being elongate in the longitudinal direction
and having a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction, the head having a bristle surface from which plural
tufts of bristles extend in a bristle direction, the bristles being
arranged in plural tufts each of which contains plural bristles,
the bristles comprising plural tapered bristles and plural
non-tapered bristles; characterised in that the plural bristle
tufts are arranged in a pattern on the bristle surface comprising
plural outer tufts containing tapered bristles and arranged along
the widthways opposite outermost sides of the tuft pattern and
being of a first greater length, and widthways between the plural
outer tufts being plural inner tufts containing non tapering
bristles and being of a second lesser length.
2. A toothbrush head according to claim 1, wherein all of the
plural outer tufts contain tapered bristles.
3. A toothbrush head according to claim 1, wherein all tufts which
contain tapered bristles are entirely composed of tapered
bristles.
4. A toothbrush head according to claim 1 wherein all of the outer
tufts are of the first greater length.
5. A toothbrush head according to claim 1 wherein all of the inner
tufts contain non-tapered bristles.
5. A toothbrush head according to any one of claims 1 wherein all
of the inner tufts are composed entirely of non-tapered
bristles.
6. A toothbrush head according to claim 1 wherein all of the inner
tufts are of the second lesser length.
7. A toothbrush head according to claim 1 wherein the outer tufts
are arranged in a line substantially equidistant from the widthways
edge of the bristle surface.
8. A toothbrush head according to claim 1 wherein tufts containing
tapered bristles of the first greater length are located adjacent
to the end of the bristle surface longitudinally remote from the
grip handle.
9. A toothbrush head according claim 1 wherein tufts containing
tapered bristles of the first greater length are located adjacent
to the position of the toothbrush head at which the head is to be
connected to the grip handle.
10. A toothbrush head according to claim 1 wherein the difference
between the first greater length and the second lesser length is in
the range 1-5 mm.
11. A toothbrush head according to claim 1 wherein the toothbrush
comprises a unitary block of a plastic material into which the
tufts are fastened.
12. A toothbrush head according to claim 1 wherein the toothbrush
head has a construction in which a section of the head which is
relatively closer to the end of the head remote from the grip
handle is resiliently and flexibly linked to a section of the
toothbrush head which is relatively closer to the grip handle.
13. A toothbrush head according to clam 1 wherein the toothbrush
head has a construction in the form of three or more longitudinally
elongate sections disposed widthways adjacent across the toothbrush
head, each section being flexibly linked to the handle, and being
in the form of two widthways oppositely disposed outer sections
with at least one middle section disposed widthways between said
outer sections, each section independently resiliently moveable
relative to a widthways adjacent section, the plural outer tufts
containing tapered bristles of the first greater length being
disposed on the two widthways oppositely disposed outer sections,
and the plural inner tufts containing non tapering bristles and
being of a second lesser length being disposed on the at least one
inner section.
14. A toothbrush comprising a grip handle connected to a toothbrush
head as claimed in claim 1.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to toothbrushes, in particular to the
bristle configuration of toothbrushes. Especially this invention
relates to improved toothbrush bristle configurations comprising
tapered bristle filaments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Toothbrushes are well known articles generally comprising a
head for insertion in the user's mouth and a grip handle to be held
during use, with a neck region in between, all arranged along a
toothbrush longitudinal direction (not necessarily a straight
line). The toothbrush head normally has a surface, termed herein
the "bristle surface" from which bristles extend from a lower end
of the bristles closest to the bristle surface to an upper end
distant from the bristle surface. The bristle surface is bounded at
its widthways opposite edges by side surfaces.
[0003] Toothbrush bristles are also well known articles, generally
comprising a filament of a stiff but flexible material, disposed in
tufts of plural filaments extending from the bristle surface. The
polyamide Nylon is very frequently used as a toothbrush bristle
material.
[0004] Toothbrush bristle filaments may be of two known types.
Non-tapered bristles have substantially the same cross-section,
typically cylindrical, along their entire length from their lower
to their upper end except for the extreme upper end, e.g. the
uppermost 5% or less, which is end-rounded, e.g. in an irregular
hemisphere or hemi-ellipsoidal shape. So called "tapered bristles"
are known, which taper for a substantial part of their length, e.g.
20% or more of their length, toward their end remote from the
bristle face, typically in a shallow pointed conical shape. Tapered
bristles, being thinner at their upper end, have different bending
and flexibility characteristics to non-tapered filaments. In
particular tapered bristles are known for efficacy in reaching into
the spaces between the teeth, the so called "interproximal" spaces.
For example such tapered bristles are disclosed in EP-A-1 234 525,
EP-A-1 415 572, U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,586, WO-A-97/42853,
WO-A-97/42854, WO-A-01/32053, WO-A-01-82741, EP-A-0 596 633 among
others.
[0005] Particular relative dispositions of the tapered bristles on
the bristle surface are also known. For example U.S. Pat. No.
6,546,586 discloses a toothbrush head in which each tuft comprises
plural bristles made of polybutylene terephthalate in the form of
shorter bristles of uniform cross section and longer tapered
bristles which taper toward their upper end. It is known to combine
tapering and non-tapering bristles on a toothbrush head, e.g. from
US-A-2006/0096053 which discloses a head for an electric
toothbrush. It is also known from other disclosures to combine long
and short bristle filaments in a tuft e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 3,103,679,
WO-A-96/16571 and DE-A-35 28 596. WO-A-2009/000903 discloses a
toothbrush head having an inner region of tapered bristles
surrounded by an outer ring of non-tapered bristles.
[0006] Other types of toothbrush bristles are known which narrow at
their ends remote from the bristle surface. For example there are
so called "feathered bristles" in which the ends remote from the
bristle surface are split into even finer filaments. For example
feathered bristles are disclosed in EP-A-1 173 081 and U.S. Pat.
No. 6,322,152.
[0007] It is an object of this invention to explore the
possibilities of toothbrush heads with combinations of tapered and
non-tapering bristles, especially with the intention of providing
an improved toothbrush head incorporating tapered bristle
filaments, e.g. providing tooth cleaning, particularly in the
interproximal spaces, at the gingival margin, and in subgingival
access. Other objects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a first aspect of this invention a toothbrush
head is provided, being connected to or connectable to a toothbrush
grip handle to thereby define a head--grip handle longitudinal
direction, the head being elongate in the longitudinal direction
and having a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction, the head having a bristle surface from which plural
tufts of bristles extend in a bristle direction, the bristles being
arranged in plural tufts each of which contains plural bristles,
the bristles comprising plural tapered bristles and plural
non-tapered bristles; [0009] characterised in that the plural
bristle tufts are arranged in a pattern on the bristle surface
comprising plural outer tufts containing tapered bristles and
arranged along the widthways opposite outermost sides of the tuft
pattern and being of a first greater length, [0010] and widthways
between the plural outer tufts being plural inner tufts containing
non tapering bristles and being of a second lesser length shorter
than the first greater length.
[0011] It is believed that this novel arrangement of tapered
bristles facilitate effective cleaning at the gum margin. Other
advantages of the toothbrush head of the invention will be apparent
from the following.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The toothbrush head of this invention may be realized in
various constructions.
[0013] For example all of the plural outer tufts may contain
tapered bristles. For example all tufts which contain tapered
bristles may be entirely composed of tapered bristles.
[0014] Alternatively the plural outer tufts may comprise tufts
which contain tapered bristles and tufts which do not contain
tapered bristles, and which may be of the first greater length or a
greater or lesser length than this first greater length. For
example the plural outer tufts may comprise tufts or groups of
tufts which contain tapered bristles alternating longitudinally
with tufts or groups of tufts which do not contain tapered
bristles.
[0015] For example all of the plural outer tufts may be of the
first greater length. For example all of the plural outer tufts may
be of the same first greater length. Alternatively the plural outer
tufts may comprise tufts of two or more first greater lengths
longer than the second lesser length. For example alternatively the
plural outer tufts may also comprise tufts of a length which is the
same as or less than the second lesser length.
[0016] For example all of the inner tufts may contain non-tapered
bristles.
[0017] For example all of the inner tufts may be composed entirely
of non-tapered bristles. Alternatively some of the inner tufts may
include tapered bristles.
[0018] For example all of the inner tufts may be of the second
lesser length, for example all of the inner tufts may be of the
same second lesser length. Alternatively the plural inner tufts may
comprise tufts of two or more second lesser lengths shorter than
the first greater length. For example alternatively the plural
inner tufts may also comprise tufts of a length which is the same
as or greater than the first greater length.
[0019] The plural outer tufts may be arranged in lines which
substantially follow the shape of the edge of the bristle surface
as viewed along the length of the bristles down toward the bristle
surface.
[0020] For example in this arrangement the outer tufts may be
arranged with each outer tuft substantially equidistant in the
widthways direction from the widthways edge of the bristle
surface.
[0021] For example the plural outer tufts may be arranged such that
each tuft is substantially widthways equidistant from the adjacent
edge of the bristle surface. Alternatively the plural outer tufts
may be arranged such that different tufts are at different
widthways distances from the adjacent edge of the bristle surface.
For example plural outer tufts may be arranged widthways adjacent
each other at two or more respective widthways distances from the
edge of the bristle surface.
[0022] Tufts containing tapered bristles, for example of the first
greater length, may also be also located adjacent to the end of the
bristle surface longitudinally remote from the grip handle. For
example such tufts may be the tufts most longitudinally remote from
the toothbrush grip handle. Such tufts may be composed entirely of
tapered bristles or may comprise tapered bristles in combination
with non-tapered bristles. For example such tufts may comprise
tufts which contain both tapered and non-tapered bristles, or may
comprise adjacent tufts composed respectively entirely of tapered
bristles and non-tapered bristles.
[0023] Additionally or alternatively, tufts, for example of the
first greater length, may also be also located adjacent to the end
of the bristle surface adjacent to the position of the toothbrush
head at which the head is connected or is to be connected to the
grip handle. For example such tufts may be the tufts most
longitudinally closest to the toothbrush grip handle. Such tufts
may be composed entirely of tapered bristles or may comprise
tapered bristles in combination with non-tapered bristles. For
example such tufts may comprise tufts which contain both tapered
and non-tapered bristles, or may comprise adjacent tufts composed
respectively entirely of tapered bristles and non-tapered
bristles.
[0024] For example the difference between the first greater length
and the second lesser length may be 1-5 mm, for example 2-4 mm.
Typically the first greater length may be 11-13 mm.
[0025] The tufts containing tapered bristles and tufts containing
non-tapered bristles may be positioned in otherwise conventional
layouts on the bristle face. For example tufts may be arranged in a
two-dimensional array with immediately adjacent tufts ca. 2-3 mm
apart, for example in a regular layout symmetrical about the
longitudinal direction. Such a layout may comprise rows of plural
bristle tufts oriented widthways across the bristle surface.
[0026] The bristle surface may be substantially planar.
Alternatively the bristle surface may be concave in the
longitudinal direction and/or the widthways direction. For example
the bristle surface may be concave curved or the surface may
comprise planar regions at an obtuse angle to each other. For
example the bristle surface may comprise a tip region adjacent to
the tip end of the head remotest from the handle, which is at an
obtuse angle to a region immediately longitudinally thereto. For
example the tip region may be angled up relative to the region
immediately longitudinally thereto.
[0027] The tufts containing tapered bristles and/or tufts
containing non-tapered bristles may be oriented perpendicular to
the bristle surface. Alternately they may be oriented to lean at a
non-perpendicular angle to the bristle surface, such as at
75-85.degree. to the bristle surface. Such leaning tufts preferably
lean in the longitudinal direction so that their end remote from
the bristle surface is either longitudinally closer or further from
the grip handle. In one form of such a construction, widthways
adjacent tufts may lean in opposite longitudinal directions. For
example as seen looking in the widthways direction such tufts may
appear to cross in an X arrangement.
[0028] The tufts of tapered and non tapered bristles may be
fastened into the bristle surface by conventional methods. Such
conventional methods include the well known use of small metal
"anchors" i.e. clips around the parts of the bristles which are to
be fixed into the bristle surface, which are then wedged into
socket holes in the bristle surface. Another conventional method is
the so-called "anchorless" method in which the ends of the bristles
to be fixed into the bristle surface by moulding the plastics
material of the head around them in the mould cavity in which the
head is made.
[0029] In a first construction the toothbrush head may comprise a
conventional unitary block of a plastic material such as
conventional polypropylene into which the tufts are fastened.
[0030] Alternatively in a second construction the toothbrush head
may have a construction in which a section of the head which is
relatively closer to the end of the head remote from the grip
handle is resiliently and flexibly linked to a section of the
toothbrush head which is relatively closer to the grip handle. Such
a link may be by means of a composite link region composed of one
or more flexible plastics material link and an elastomer material
such as a thermoplastic elastomer. Such a head construction is for
example disclosed in WO-A-97/07707 and WO-A-98/37788.
[0031] In such a second construction for example one of such
sections, i.e. either that closer to the end of the head remote
from the grip handle, or the section of the toothbrush head which
is closer to the grip handle, or both such sections may have
bristle tufts extending therefrom which are arranged in the pattern
on the bristle surface comprising plural outer tufts containing
tapered bristles and arranged along the widthways opposite
outermost sides of the tuft pattern and being of a first greater
length, and widthways between the plural outer tufts being plural
inner tufts containing non tapering bristles and being of a second
lesser length.
[0032] Alternatively in a third construction the toothbrush head
may have a construction in the form of three or more, but
preferably three, longitudinally elongate sections disposed
widthways adjacent across the toothbrush head, each section being
flexibly linked to the handle, and being in the form of two
widthways oppositely disposed outer sections with at least one, but
preferably one, middle section disposed widthways between said
outer sections, each section independently resiliently moveable
relative to a widthways adjacent section, the plural outer tufts
containing tapered bristles of the first greater length being
disposed on the two widthways oppositely disposed outer sections,
and the plural inner tufts containing non tapering bristles and
being of a second lesser length being disposed on the at least one
inner section. Each such section has its own respective bristle
surface which together form the bristle surface of the toothbrush
head.
[0033] An example of this latter construction is as disclosed in
WO-A-2004/041023.
[0034] For example such a head construction may comprise three
widthways adjacent, longitudinally extending sections from which
bristles extend, being a middle section and an outer section on
each widthways side of the middle section, one or more section
being resiliently flexibly connected or connectable to the grip
handle, and in which the end of the middle section adjacent to the
tip end of the head is integrally widthways enlarged relative to
the part of the middle section immediately longitudinally adjacent
nearer to the handle to provide a bristle-carrying pad adjacent to
the tip end of the head and which extends across the entire width
of the toothbrush head adjacent to the tip end, [0035] the middle
section comprises an intermediate bristle-carrying pad, being a
region of maximum width of the part of the middle section between
the tip pad and the base end of the head, [0036] with a first link
region of the section between the tip pad and the intermediate pad
being narrower in width than the adjacent part of the tip pad and
the intermediate pad, [0037] and a second link region of the
section between the intermediate pad and the handle being narrower
in width than the adjacent part of the intermediate pad closer to
the tip end.
[0038] Preferably the head comprises only three such sections, i.e.
a middle section and two outer sections.
[0039] For example the middle section may widen widthways at a
region 50% or less, e.g. 25% or less of the longitudinal length of
the middle section distanced from the tip end, relative to a region
immediately longitudinally adjacent thereto closer to the grip
handle.
[0040] The end of the middle section adjacent to the tip end of the
head may be integrally widthways enlarged relative to the part of
the middle section immediately longitudinally adjacent nearer to
the handle so as to form a concavity between the end of the middle
section and the part of the middle section immediately
longitudinally adjacent nearer to the handle, and the end of an
outer section may be shaped in a complementary shape to the
concavity so that this end may fit into the concavity.
[0041] Preferably two or more, preferably all of the sections are
resiliently flexibly connected to the grip handle so that the
section may be resiliently bent out of a plane parallel to the
longitudinal and width directions under the action of pressure on
the bristles. Preferably each section is resiliently linked to the
grip handle by means of a flexible neck region of the grip
handle.
[0042] For example the middle section and side sections may be in
sliding contact. WO-A-2005/039858 describes a process by which such
a head might be made.
[0043] In this third construction, for example, all of the plural
outer tufts on the two outer sections may be tapered bristles of
the first greater length, and all of the plural inner tufts on the
middle section(s) may be non tapering bristles of the second lesser
length.
[0044] In this third construction plural tufts comprising tapered
bristles may extend from the middle section adjacent to the tip end
of the middle section such that such tufts are the tufts most
longitudinally remote from the toothbrush grip handle.
[0045] The invention also provides a toothbrush comprising a grip
handle connected to a toothbrush head as disclosed herein. Such a
toothbrush may be a manual toothbrush intended to be moved only by
hand action around the teeth. Alternatively the toothbrush may be a
powered toothbrush provided with an internal motor to drive the
bristles relative to the handle. Such a toothbrush may be of
generally well-known conventional construction.
[0046] The bristles may be made of conventional bristle materials
for tapered and non-tapered bristles, for example Nylon or
polybutylene terephthalate. The bristles may be tapered or end
rounded by conventional methods such as mechanical abrasion or
chemical erosion. As cut across their bristle direction the tufts
of bristles, whether containing tapered bristles or not, may be
circular in section or other shapes. For example one or more tufts,
for example some or all of the outer tufts comprising tapered
bristles, may have a section which is elongated in the longitudinal
direction, e.g. oval or rounded cornered rectangular.
[0047] Other parts of the toothbrush head and grip handle may also
be made of conventional materials such as plastics materials for
example polypropylene, and the handle may also include conventional
grip-enhancing surface pad regions which may for example be made of
thermoplastic elastomer. Numerous conventional types of grip handle
are well known in the toothbrush art. One example of a suitable
grip handle construction is for example disclosed in EP-A-0 336
641. The grip handle and other parts of the toothbrush may be made
by entirely conventional techniques such as injection moulding, as
is commonplace in the toothbrush art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] The invention will now be described by way of example only
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0049] FIG. 1 shows side views of a non-tapered bristle and a
tapered bristle.
[0050] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a first construction of
toothbrush head of this invention.
[0051] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the toothbrush head of FIG.
2 cut across the line A-A of FIG. 2.
[0052] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a plan view and cross sectional view of
another construction of the toothbrush head of this invention.
[0053] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a plan and sectional view of another
construction of the toothbrush head of this invention.
[0054] FIGS. 8 and 9 show plan views of other constructions of
toothbrush heads of this invention.
[0055] FIG. 10 shows a side view of another construction of
toothbrush heads of this invention.
[0056] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a respective plan view and side view of
another construction of the toothbrush head of this invention.
[0057] FIGS. 13 and 14 show a respective plan view and side view of
an overall construction of a toothbrush of this invention provided
with a head of this invention.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional non-tapered bristle 10
is shown in a schematic sideways view, extending in bristle
direction "B" from the bristle surface 20 of a toothbrush head (not
shown). Bristle 10 has substantially the same uniform cylindrical
cross-section along its entire length from its lower end 10A
adjacent the bristle surface 20, to its upper end 10B remote from
bristle surface 20. The region 10C immediately adjacent the extreme
upper end, e.g. the uppermost 5% or less, is end-rounded in an
irregular hemi-ellipsoidal shape. FIG. 1 also shows a conventional
tapered bristle 30. The lower part 30A of this bristle 30,
extending upwards from bristle surface 20 has a substantially
uniform cylindrical cross section. The upper part 30B comprising
the uppermost 30% of the length of the bristle 30 tapers in a
shallow pointed conical shape.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, a toothbrush head 40 generally is shown
in a plan view, being connected at its end 40A to a toothbrush grip
handle via a neck region 41 of the grip handle to thereby define a
head 40--grip handle 41 longitudinal direction L-L, and having a
longitudinally opposite tip end 40B. The head 40 is elongate in the
longitudinal direction L-L and has a width direction W-W
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L-L. The head 40 has a
flat planar bristle surface 42 from which plural tufts of bristles
43 (generally) extend in their bristle direction "B" perpendicular
to the plane of the bristle surface 42, and to both the
longitudinal direction L-L and to the width direction W-W, the view
in FIG. 2 being downwards along the bristle direction "B". The
plural tufts 43 each contains plural bristles.
[0060] The plural bristle tufts 43 are arranged in a pattern on the
bristle surface 42 that comprises plural outer tufts 431 containing
only tapered bristles (i.e. as shown 30 in FIG. 1), tufts 431 being
arranged along the widthways opposite outermost sides of the
pattern of tufts 43. Tufts 431 are arranged sequentially in a line
(indicated by the dashed line linking them) substantially
equidistant from the widthways edge 44 of the bristle surface
42.Widthways between the plural outer tufts 431 are arranged plural
inner tufts 432 containing only non tapering bristles (i.e., as
shown 10 in FIG. 1)
[0061] The tufts 43 are positioned in a conventional
two-dimensional array on bristle surface 42 with the tufts 43 being
ca. 2-3 mm apart from each other. As shown in FIG. 2 this layout is
symmetrical about the longitudinal direction L-L and comprises rows
of bristle tufts 44 oriented widthways in the direction W-W across
the bristle surface 42.
[0062] FIG. 3 shows a cross section through toothbrush head 40, as
cut along the line A-A of FIG. 2, extending in the widthways
direction W-W across head 40. FIG. 3 shows that plural outer tufts
431 containing only tapered bristles are of a first greater length
from their lower end adjacent to the bristle surface 42 to their
upper end remote from bristle surface 42, and plural middle tufts
432 containing only non-tapered bristles are of a second lesser
length, less than the first greater length.
[0063] In the toothbrush head shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
difference between the first greater length of tufts 431 and the
second lesser length of tufts 432 is 1-5 mm, for example 2-4 mm.
Typically the first greater length of tufts 431 is 10-12 mm.
[0064] In the head 40 of FIGS. 2 and 3 the tufts of bristles 43 are
fastened into the bristle surface by conventional small metal
"anchors" (not shown).
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a second construction of
toothbrush head 50 generally is shown in a plan view in FIG. 4,
being connected at its end 50A to a toothbrush grip handle via a
neck region 51 of the grip handle to thereby define a head 50
towards grip handle 51 longitudinal direction L-L and having an
opposite tip end 50B. The head 50 is elongate in the longitudinal
direction L-L and has a width direction W-W perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction L-L. The head 50 has a bristle surface 52
from which plural tufts of bristles 53 (generally) extend in their
bristle directions "B" perpendicular to the plane of the respective
part of the bristle surface 52 from which they extend. FIG. 5 shows
a longitudinal section view.
[0066] The head 50 of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 has a known construction in
which a section 54 of the head which is relatively closer to the
end 50A of the head 50 attached to the grip handle 51 is
resiliently and flexibly linked at link 55 to a section 56 of the
toothbrush head 50 which is relatively remote from the grip handle
51. The link 55 comprises a composite link region, as shown in FIG.
5, composed of a flexible plastics material link 57 integrally
linking the sections 55,56 embedded in a surrounding flexible
elastomer material 58 such as a thermoplastic elastomer. Such a
head construction is for example disclosed in WO-A-97/07707 and
WO-A-98/37788, and is present in known toothbrushes e.g. as sold
under the present applicant's AQUAFRESH.TM. brand.
[0067] From the bristle surfaces 52 of both sections 55 and 56
extend bristle tufts 53 which are arranged in the pattern on the
bristle surface comprising plural outer tufts 531 containing only
tapered bristles and arranged along the widthways opposite
outermost sides of the tuft pattern and being of a first greater
length, with widthways between these plural outer tufts 531 being
plural inner tufts 532 containing only non tapering bristles and
being of a second lesser length.
[0068] The view in FIG. 4 is downwards along the bristle direction
"B" of the tufts 53 extending from section 54. The bristle surfaces
52 of the two sections 55 and 56 form an angle less than
180.degree. relative to each other, typically around
170.degree..
[0069] Although the link between the head 40, 50 and the neck
region 41,51 is shown as a rigid ling, it may alternatively be a
flexible link of known type, for example as disclosed in
WO-A-98/37788.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 this shows a toothbrush head 60
(overall). Head 60 is connected at its end 60A to a toothbrush grip
handle (not shown) via a neck region 61 of the grip handle to
thereby define a head 60--grip handle 61 longitudinal direction L-L
and having a longitudinal opposite tip end 60B. The head 60 is
elongate in the longitudinal direction L-L and has a width
direction W-W perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L-L. Head
60 comprises three longitudinally elongate sections 62,63,64 being
two widthways oppositely disposed outer sections 62,64 with a
middle section 63 disposed widthways between said outer sections
62,64 disposed widthways adjacent across the toothbrush head 60.
Each section 62, 63, 64 is flexibly linked to the handle by a
respective neck 611,612,613. Each of the sections 62, 63, 64 has a
respective bristle surface 65, 66, 67 FIG. 7 shows a cross-section
through the head 60 cut across the line A-A of FIG. 6.
[0071] Extending from the bristle surfaces 65, 67 of outer sections
62 and 64 are plural outer tufts 68 containing tapered bristles of
the first greater length, and plural inner tufts 69 containing only
non tapering bristles and being of a second lesser length.
Extending from the bristle surface of middle section 63 are plural
inner tufts 69 containing only non tapering bristles and being of a
second lesser length.
[0072] Middle section 63 is longitudinally extended beyond the ends
of the outer sections 62, 63 and is widened to form tip pad 610
having a bristle surface 611. Extending from bristle surface 611 of
tip pad 610 are plural outer tufts 681 containing only tapered
bristles and arranged along the widthways opposite outermost sides
of the tip pattern of tufts and around the end of the tip pad 610
remote from grip handle 61.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 8, a plan view of one widthways side of a
toothbrush head 80 is shown. The arrangement of outer bristles 81
(generally) on the bristle surface 82 is shown. The tufts 81
comprise tufts 81A which contain tapered bristles and tufts 81B
which do not contain tapered bristles. Tufts 81B may be of the
first greater length or a greater or lesser length than this first
greater length. The arrangement of the plural outer tufts 81
comprises tufts 81A which contain tapered bristles alternating
longitudinally with tufts 81B which do not contain tapered
bristles. Plural tufts 83 contain non-tapered bristles and are of
the second shorter length. The head 80 is connected to
longitudinally adjacent neck region 84.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 9, a plan view of one widthways side of a
toothbrush head 90 is shown. The arrangement of outer bristles 91
(generally) on the bristle surface 92 is shown. In this arrangement
plural outer tufts 91 containing tapered bristles are arranged such
that each tuft 91 is substantially widthways equidistant from the
adjacent edge 93 of the bristle surface. The plural outer tufts 91
are arranged such that different tufts 91A, 91B are widthways
adjacent each other at different widthways distances (as measured
to their centres) D1, D2, D1 being greater than D2, from the
adjacent edge 93 of the bristle surface. Plural tufts 94 contain
non-tapered bristles and are of the second shorter length. The head
90 is connected to longitudinally adjacent neck region 95.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 10 a side view of a toothbrush head 100
and the adjacent part of the neck region 101 is shown. FIG. 10 also
shows that the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush is not a
straight line, but the direction of the neck 101 is angled relative
to the direction of the head 100, as is commonplace in
toothbrushes. Overall the construction of the head 100 and neck 101
are identical to the corresponding head 90 and neck 91 of FIG. 9.
Two widthways adjacent outer tufts 102, 103 containing tapered
bristles are shown extending from bristle surface 104. The tufts
102, 103 are oriented to lean at a non-perpendicular angle to the
bristle surface, such as at 75-85.degree. to the bristle surface,
leaning in the longitudinal direction so that their respective ends
remote from the bristle surface are either longitudinally closer or
further from the grip handle. As seen in FIG. 10 looking in the
widthways direction the tufts 102,103 appear to cross in an X
arrangement. The neck 101 connects the head 100 to grip handle
105.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 these show a respective plan
view looking down the bristle direction, and a side view looking
widthways of a toothbrush head 110 of this invention. As can be
seen, the general arrangement is similar respectively to FIGS. 6
and 7, therefore only some distinctive features of this head 110
are described in detail. Note that for clarity only some of the
tufts of bristles are shown.
[0077] The toothbrush head 110 has a construction in the form of
three longitudinally elongate sections 111, 112, 113 disposed
widthways adjacent across the toothbrush head 110 in the form of
two widthways oppositely disposed generally crescent shaped outer
sections 111, 113 with a generally oval middle section 112 disposed
widthways between the outer sections 111, 113. Each section 111,
112, 113 is independently resiliently moveable relative to a
widthways adjacent section. Each section 111, 112, 113 is flexibly
linked to the toothbrush grip handle (not shown) by a respective
flexible neck 114, 115, 116 so that the sections 111, 112, 113 may
be resiliently bent out of a plane parallel to the longitudinal and
width directions under the action of pressure on the bristles.
[0078] Plural outer tufts 117 containing tapered bristles of the
first greater length are disposed on the two widthways oppositely
disposed outer sections 111, 113. These tufts 117 have a section
cut across their bristle direction which is elongate in the
longitudinal direction L-L being a rounded cornered rectangular
shape. Plural inner tufts 118 containing non tapering bristles and
being of a second lesser length are disposed on the middle section
112.
[0079] The middle section 112 widens widthways at a region 112A
close to the tip end 119 which is less than 50% or less of the
longitudinal length of the middle section 112 distanced from the
tip end 119, relative to a region immediately longitudinally
adjacent thereto closer to the grip handle. This widening at 112A
forms a concavity 120 between the end 112A of the middle section
112 and the part of the middle section immediately longitudinally
adjacent nearer to the handle. The end 11A of an outer section 111
is shaped in a complementary shape to the concavity 120 so that
this end 111A fits into the concavity.
[0080] The middle section 112 is in sliding contact with adjacent
outer sections 111, 113.
[0081] Plural tufts 121 comprising tapered bristles also extend
from the widened part 112A of the middle section 112 adjacent to
the tip end 119 of the middle section such that these tufts are the
tufts most longitudinally remote from the toothbrush grip
handle.
[0082] The bristle surface 122, comprised of the respective bristle
surfaces of the sections 111, 112, 113 is concave in the
longitudinal direction, with its upper surface as seen in FIG. 12
gently concave curved. This causes the tufts 121 on the widened
region 112A to be oriented so their ends remote from the bristle
surface is closer to the grip handle than their ends closer to the
bristle surface.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a respective plan view and
side view of an overall construction of a toothbrush of this
invention provided with a head of this invention are shown. The
toothbrush 130 overall comprises a head 131 which may be any of the
above-described heads 40, 50, 60, 80, 110. The head 131 is
connected to a grip handle 132 by a neck region 133 which may be
any of the above-described neck regions 41, 51, 61, 83, 95, 114,
115, 116. The head 131, grip handle 132 and neck region are all
arranged along a longitudinal direction L-L. The bristle surface
134 and the side surface 135 of the head 131 can be seen.
* * * * *