U.S. patent application number 12/547627 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-03 for oral care implement having diverging cleaning elements.
This patent application is currently assigned to Colgate Palmolive. Invention is credited to Luca Cashini, Eduardo Jimenez, Robert Moskovich, Jacob Pringiers, Michael Rooney.
Application Number | 20110047736 12/547627 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43598475 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110047736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jimenez; Eduardo ; et
al. |
March 3, 2011 |
Oral Care Implement Having Diverging Cleaning Elements
Abstract
An oral care implement implementing a cleaning element
arrangement having diverging cleaning elements. In one aspect, the
invention is an oral care implement comprising a handle and a head.
A plurality of cleaning elements extend from the first surface of
the head so as to form a ring about an axis extending from the
first surface of the head. Each of the cleaning elements extend
from the first surface of the head at an inclined orientation so as
to radially diverge from the axis. In one embodiment, a cleaning
element wall also extends from the first surface of the head and
circumferentially surrounds the plurality of cleaning elements. In
another aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for incorporation
into an ansate oral care implement that utilizes the aforementioned
arrangement of cleaning elements.
Inventors: |
Jimenez; Eduardo;
(Manalapan, NJ) ; Rooney; Michael; (Millburn,
NJ) ; Moskovich; Robert; (East Brunswick, NJ)
; Cashini; Luca; (Milano, IT) ; Pringiers;
Jacob; (Colombo, LK) |
Assignee: |
Colgate Palmolive
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
43598475 |
Appl. No.: |
12/547627 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20130101; A46B
9/06 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A46B 9/025 20130101; A46B
15/0032 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.2 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. An oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to
the handle, the head comprising a first surface and a second
surface opposite the first surface, and an axis extending from the
first surface; and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from
the first surface of the head and arranged in a ring about the
axis, wherein each of the cleaning elements extends from the first
surface of the head at an inclined orientation so as to radially
diverge from the axis; a cleaning element wall extending from the
first surface of the head, the cleaning element wall
circumferentially surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements;
and the cleaning elements extending beyond a top surface of the
cleaning element wall.
2. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements are spaced-apart bristle tufts and the cleaning
element wall is an elastomeric wall.
3. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the cleaning elements
are spaced from a top inner edge of the cleaning element wall
during periods of non-use and wherein the cleaning elements are
forced into contact with the top inner edge of the cleaning element
wall during periods of use.
4. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the axis is
substantially normal to the first surface of the head.
5. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein one or more of the
cleaning elements abut a top inner edge of the cleaning element
wall during periods of non-use.
6. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the cleaning element
wall comprises one or more gaps located along a longitudinal axis
of the head, the cleaning element wall being free of gaps that are
not located along the longitudinal axis of the head.
7. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the cleaning element
wall comprises a plurality of arcuate sections that collectively
define a loop, each arcuate section separated from an adjacent
arcuate section by a gap.
8. The oral care implement of claim 7 wherein the cleaning element
wall comprises only two arcuate sections, and wherein the arcuate
sections are arranged so that the gaps are located along a
longitudinal axis of the head.
9. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements form a funnel shaped cavity and are
circumferentially spaced apart from one another along the ring.
10. The oral care implement of claim 9 further comprising a central
cleaning element extending from the first surface of the head along
the axis.
11. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements diverge from the axis at an angle in a range of 3
to 5 degrees.
12. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the axis extends
from the first surface of the head along a longitudinal axis of the
head; and wherein the head comprises a distal region, a middle
region and a proximal region; and wherein the axis is located
within the middle region of the head.
13. The oral care implement of claim 1 further comprising: the head
comprises a distal region, a middle region and a proximal region;
the distal region comprising a first set of cleaning elements
extending from the first surface of the head; the proximal region
comprising a second set of cleaning elements extending from the
first surface of the head; the cleaning element wall located within
the middle region; wherein the cleaning element wall forms a loop
comprising one or more gaps located along a longitudinal axis of
the head, wherein the cleaning element wall is free of gaps that
are not located along the longitudinal axis of the head; and
wherein the loop formed by the cleaning element wall extends a
substantial entirety of a width of the head.
14. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the cleaning element
wall extends from the first surface in a substantially normal
direction to the first surface.
15. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the cleaning element
wall forms a loop, and wherein the loop and the ring are
concentrically arranged about the axis.
16. The oral care implement of claim 1 further comprising: the
cleaning elements being at least six bristle tufts and the cleaning
element wall being an elastomeric wall; the axis extending
substantially normal to the first surface of the head; the cleaning
element wall forming a loop, and the loop and the ring
concentrically arranged about the axis; the bristle tufts forming a
funnel shaped cavity; a central cleaning element extending from the
first surface of the head along the axis; the head comprising a
distal region, a middle region and a proximal region, the distal
region comprising a first set of cleaning elements extending from
the first surface of the head, the proximal region comprising a
second set of cleaning elements extending from the first surface of
the head; and the elastomeric wall located within the middle
region; the elastomeric wall comprising one or more gaps located
along a longitudinal axis of the head, wherein the elastomeric wall
is free of gaps along lateral sides of the head; and wherein the
plurality of bristle tufts are taller than adjacent cleaning
elements of the first and second sets.
17. An oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected
to the handle, the head comprising a first surface and second
surface opposite the first surface; and a plurality of cleaning
elements extending from the first surface of the head and forming a
ring about an axis, wherein each of the cleaning elements extend
from the first surface of the head at an inclined orientation so as
to radially diverge from the axis.
18. The oral care implement of claim 17 further comprising a
cleaning element wall extending from the first surface of the head
and surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements so as to form a
loop that surrounds the ring, the cleaning element wall being
shorter than the plurality of cleaning elements.
19. The oral care implement of claim 17 wherein the plurality of
cleaning elements are bristle tufts and the cleaning element wall
is constructed of an elastomer.
20. The oral care implement of claim 17 wherein the cleaning
elements are spaced from a top inner edge of the cleaning element
wall during periods of non-use and wherein the cleaning elements
are forced into contact with the top inner edge of the cleaning
element wall during periods of use.
21. The oral care implement of claim 17 wherein the cleaning
element wall comprises a plurality of arcuate sections that
collectively define the substantially closed loop, each arcuate
section separated from an adjacent arcuate section by a gap; and
wherein the cleaning element wall comprises only two arcuate
sections, and wherein the arcuate sections are arranged so that the
gaps are located along a longitudinal axis of the head.
22. An oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected
to the handle, the head comprising a first surface and a second
surface opposite the second surface; a hollow cleaning element cone
extending from the first surface of the head, the hollow cleaning
element cone circumferentially surrounding an axis extending from
the first surface of the head, wherein the hollow cleaning element
cone extends from the first surface of the head so as to radially
diverge from the axis; and a cleaning element wall extending from
the first surface of the head and circumferentially surrounding the
hollow cleaning element cone.
23. The oral care implement of claim 22 further comprising: the
hollow cleaning element cone terminating in a cleaning end and the
cleaning element wall terminating in a top surface the cleaning end
of the hollow cleaning element cone being at a first height above
the first surface of the head; the top surface of the cleaning
element wall being at a second height above the first surface of
the head; and wherein the first height is greater than the second
height
24. The oral care implement of claim 22 wherein the hollow cleaning
element cone diverges from the axis at an angle in a range of 3 to
5 degrees.
25. The oral care implement of claim 22 wherein the hollow cleaning
element cone is formed by a plurality of circumferentially spaced
apart cleaning elements, wherein each of the cleaning, elements of
the hollow cleaning element cone extend from the first surface of
the head so as to radially diverge from the axis; and wherein the
plurality of circumferentially spaced apart cleaning elements are
bristle tufts.
26. The oral care implement of claim 22 wherein the cleaning
element wall is constructed of an elastomer; and wherein the hollow
cleaning element cone is formed by a plurality of circumferentially
spaced apart bristle tufts.
27. The oral care implement of claim 22 further comprising: wherein
the cleaning element wall forms a loop comprising one or more gaps
located along a longitudinal axis of the head, wherein the cleaning
element wall is free of gaps that are not located along the
longitudinal axis of the head; wherein the head comprises a distal
region, a middle region and a proximal region; and wherein the axis
is located within the middle region of the head; a first set of
cleaning elements extending from the first surface of the head in
the distal region and a second set of cleaning elements extending
from the first surface of the head in the proximate region; and
wherein the loop extends a substantial entirety of a width of the
head and is located entirely within the middle region.
28. An oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected
to the handle, the head comprising a first surface; a plurality of
circumferentially spaced-apart cleaning elements extending from the
first surface of the head and arranged equidistant from an axis
extending from the first surface of the head, wherein the cleaning
elements extend from the first surface of the head at an inclined
orientation so as to radially diverge from the axis; and a cleaning
element wall extending from the first surface of the head and
circumferentially surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to ansate oral care
implements, and specifically to toothbrushes, either manual or
powered, that have a handle and a head having cleaning elements for
oral cleaning.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A toothbrush is used to clean teeth by removing plaque and
debris from the surfaces. Conventional toothbrushes are provided
with a flat bristle trim that limit their ability to conform to the
curvature of the teeth, to penetrate into the interproximal areas
between the teeth, to sweep away the plaque and debris, and to
clean along the gum line. Additionally, such toothbrushes have a
limited ability to retain dentifrice for cleaning the teeth. During
the brushing process, the dentifrice typically slips through the
tufts of bristles and away from the contact between the bristles
and the teeth. As a result, the dentifrice often is spread around
the mouth, rather than being concentrated on the contact of the
bristles with the teeth. Therefore, the efficiency of the cleaning
process is reduced.
[0003] While substantial efforts have been made to modify the
cleaning elements of toothbrushes to improve the aforementioned
deficiencies, the industry continues to pursue arrangements of
cleaning elements that will improve upon the preceding
technology.
[0004] An example of an early attempt to improve the cleaning
elements of a toothbrush is disclosed in an existing oral care
implement having two or three circular brush sections which are
arranged within holders that may be screwed into mating receptacles
in the tooth brush handle so that they can be removed and replaced
as needed. Each brush section contains stiff cleaning elements and
is spaced from the other along the longitudinal axis of the handle
at a distance less than the thickness of a tooth so that the brush
operates on both the lingual (inside) and facial (outside) surfaces
of the teeth.
[0005] Another example is a toothbrush with a head containing a
flexible, rubber-like prophylaxis polishing cup or "prophy cup"
similar to that used by dental personnel to professionally clean
teeth. This prophy cup is loaded with toothpaste by the user and
applied to the teeth. According to this patent, the "soft
rubber-like prophy cup device follows the contours of teeth more
effectively than bristles." A ring of cleaning elements ("bristle
tufts") are placed about the periphery of the toothbrush head which
co-act with the prophy cups to clean the user's teeth and gums.
[0006] More recently, the strategic arrangement and combination of
cleaning elements in the form of elastomeric prophy cups and
bristle tufts has become more common as a way of improving cleaning
efficiency and maintaining the dentifrice in place during brushing.
One example of the combined use and strategic arrangement of
elastomeric prophy cups and bristle tufts is a toothbrush having a
head portion comprising a plurality of inner loops formed by
elastomeric walls. The central inner loop is surrounded by an outer
loops formed of bristles. A central cleaning element, formed as a
bristle tuft, is located within the elastomeric inner loops.
[0007] Another example of the combined use and strategic
arrangement of elastomeric prophy cups and bristle tufts can be
found in a toothbrush having a head portion comprising a plurality
of soft elastomer prophy cups surrounded by bristle rings. In
another embodiment, a toothbrush is disclosed wherein the
centralized prophy cups are formed by groups of densely packed
cleaning elements that are surrounded by bristle rings. The bristle
rings in this embodiment are also disclosed as having one or more
tufts at an inclination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement
comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head
comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first
surface, and an axis extending from the first surface; and a
plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first surface of
the head and arranged in a ring about the axis, wherein each of the
cleaning elements extends from the first surface of the head at an
inclined orientation so as to radially diverge from the axis; a
cleaning element wall extending from the first surface of the head,
the cleaning element wall circumferentially surrounding the
plurality of cleaning elements; and the cleaning elements extending
beyond a top surface of the cleaning element wall.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention can be an oral care
implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the
head comprising a first surface; and a plurality of cleaning
elements arranged on the first surface so as to form a ring about
an axis extending from the first surface of the head, wherein each
of the cleaning elements extend from the first surface of the head
at an inclined orientation so as to diverge from the axis.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the invention can be an oral care
implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the
head comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the
second surface; a hollow cleaning element cone extending from the
first surface of the head, the hollow cleaning element cone
circumferentially surrounding an axis extending from the first
surface of the head, wherein the hollow cleaning element cone
extends from the first surface of the head so as to radially
diverge from the axis; and a cleaning element wall extending from
the first surface of the head and circumferentially surrounding the
hollow cleaning element cone.
[0011] In still another aspect, the invention can be an apparatus
for incorporation into an ansate oral care implement comprising: a
base having a first surface; a hollow cleaning element cone
extending from the first surface of the head and arranged so as to
circumferentially surround an axis extending from the first surface
of the base, wherein the hollow cleaning element cone extends
upward from the first surface of the head so as to diverge from the
axis; and a cleaning element wall extending upward from the first
surface of the head and circumferentially surrounding the hollow
cleaning element cone.
[0012] In a further aspect, the invention can be an apparatus for
incorporation into an ansate oral care implement comprising: a base
having a first surface; a plurality of cleaning elements arranged
on the first surface so as to form a ring about an axis extending
from the first surface of the head, wherein each of the cleaning
elements extends upward from the first surface of the head at an
inclined orientation so as to diverge from the axis; and a cleaning
element wall extending upward from the first surface of the head
and surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements so as to form a
substantially closed loop.
[0013] In a yet further aspect, the invention can be an apparatus
for incorporation into an ansate oral care implement comprising: a
base having a first surface; a plurality of cleaning elements
arranged on the first surface so as to form a ring about an axis
extending from the first surface of the base, wherein each of the
cleaning elements extend upward from the first surface of the base
at an inclined orientation so as to diverge from the axis.
[0014] In a still further aspect, the invention can be an oral care
implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the
head comprising a first surface; a plurality of cleaning elements
arranged on the first surface so as to circumferentially surround
an axis extending from the first surface of the head, wherein each
of the cleaning elements extends upward from the first surface of
the head at an inclined orientation so as to diverge from the axis;
and a cleaning element wall extending upward from the first surface
of the head and circumferentially surrounding the plurality of
cleaning elements.
[0015] In an even further aspect, the invention can be an oral care
implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the
head comprising a first surface; a plurality of circumferentially
spaced-apart cleaning elements extending from the first surface of
the head and arranged equidistant from an axis extending from the
first surface of the head, wherein the cleaning elements extend
from the first surface of the head at an inclined orientation so as
to radially diverge from the axis; and a cleaning element wall
extending from the first surface of the head and circumferentially
surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] This invention is capable of use in a broad array of oral
care implements and hygiene products. The drawings illustrate one
use of the invention and are not to be construed as the only
embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ansate oral care
implement, in the form of a manual toothbrush, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a right-side view the toothbrush of FIG. 1, the
left-side view of which is a mirror image.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view of the head of the
toothbrush of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a front view of the head of the toothbrush of FIG.
5.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the
toothbrush of FIG. 5 along view VII-VII of FIG. 6.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the
toothbrush of FIG. 5 along view VIII-VIII of FIG. 6.
[0025] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an ansate oral care
implement, in the form of a manual toothbrush, according to a
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 9B is a close-up front view of the head of the
toothbrush of FIG. 9A.
[0027] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an ansate oral care
implement, in the form of a manual toothbrush, according to a third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 10B is a close-up front view of the head of the
toothbrush of FIG. 10A.
[0029] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an ansate oral care
implement, in the form of a manual toothbrush, according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11B is a close-up front view of the head of the
toothbrush of FIG. 11A.
[0031] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an ansate oral care
implement, in the form of a manual toothbrush, according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 12B is a close-up perspective view of the head of the
toothbrush of FIG. 12A.
[0033] FIG. 12C is a front view of the toothbrush of FIG. 12A.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cleaning element disc
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] In the following description, the invention is discussed in
terms of a manual toothbrush incorporating the novel arrangement of
cleaning elements. However, in other forms, the invention could be
in the form of other oral care implements including a soft-tissue
cleansing implement, a powered toothbrush, or other ansate
implement designed for oral care. Additionally, the invention can
take the form of disc-like plates that incorporate the novel
arrangement of cleaning elements for operable cooperation with a
manual or powered oral care implement, such as a toothbrush or
soft-tissue cleansing implement.
[0036] Referring first to FIGS. 1-4 concurrently, a toothbrush 100
is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The toothbrush 100 generally comprises a handle 110 and
a head 120. The handle 110 provides the user with a mechanism by
which he/she can readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 100.
The handle 110 is generically illustrated and may be formed of many
different shapes, sizes, materials and a variety of manufacturing
methods that are well-known to those skilled in the art. If
desired, the handle 110 may include a suitable textured grip (not
shown) made of elastomeric material or can be a multi-part
construction. Stated simply, the details of the handle 110 are not
limiting of the present invention and, thus, require no further
discussion for purposes of the present invention.
[0037] The toothbrush 100 extends from a proximal end 112 to a
distal end 113 along a longitudinal axis A-A (illustrated in FIG. 2
and as point A in FIG. 4). For purposes of simplicity, the
longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush 100 is considered to be
coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the head 120. However, it is
of course possible for the longitudinal axis of the head 120 and
the toothbrush 100 to not be coaxial with each other. The head 120
is operably connected to a distal end of the handle 110. The head
110 and handle 120 of the toothbrush are preferably formed as a
single unitary structure using a molding, milling, machining or
other suitable process. However, in other embodiments, the handle
110 and head 120 may be formed as separate components which are
operably connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process by
any suitable technique known in the art, including without
limitation thermal welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling
sleeve, adhesion, or fasteners. Whether the head 120 and handle 110
are of a unitary or multi-piece construction (including connection
techniques) is not limiting of the present invention.
[0038] It should be noted at this time that relative terms such as
distal, middle, proximal, upper, lower, top, bottom, left, right
etc. are merely used to delineate relative positions of the
components of the toothbrush 100 with respect to one anther and are
not intended to be in any further way limiting of the present
invention.
[0039] The head 120 generally comprises a front surface 121, a rear
surface 122 and a peripheral surface 123. The front surface 121 and
the rear surface 122 of the head 120 can take on a wide variety of
shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of the present
invention. For example, the front and rear surfaces 121, 122 can be
planar, contoured or combinations thereof. Moreover, if desired,
the rear surface 122 may also comprise additional structures for
oral cleaning, such as a soft tissue cleanser, such as the one
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,462, issued Dec. 5, 2006 to the
assignee of the present application, the entirety of which is
hereby incorporated by reference. Furthermore, while the head 120
is normally widened relative to the neck 111 of the handle 110, it
could in some constructions simply be a continuous extension or
narrowing of the handle 110.
[0040] The front surface 121 comprises a collection of cleaning
elements 130 extending therefrom for cleaning contact with an oral
surface. While the collection of cleaning elements 130 is
particularly suited for brushing teeth, the collection of cleaning
elements 130 can be also be used to clean oral soft tissue, such as
a tongue, gums, or cheeks instead of or in addition to teeth. As
used herein, the term "cleaning element" is used in a generic sense
to refer to any structure that can be used to clean or massage an
oral surface through relative surface contact. Common examples of
"cleaning elements" include, without limitation, filament bristles,
fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles,
elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, co-extruded
filaments, flag bristles, crimped bristles, anti-bacterial bristles
and combinations thereof and/or structures containing such
materials or combinations.
[0041] Generally, the collection of cleaning elements 130 comprises
a first set 131 of cleaning elements, a second set 132 of cleaning
elements and a third set 138 of cleaning elements. The third set
138 of cleaning elements generally comprise a prophylaxis polishing
cup 133 (a prophy cup) and a conical arrangement 134 of elongated
cleaning elements. The conical arrangement 134 is located within
and surrounded by the prophy cup 133.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 concurrently, the details of
the novel arrangement and orientation of the cleaning elements on
the head 120 of the toothbrush 100 will now be discussed according
to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood
that the concepts and arrangements of particular subsets of the
collection of cleaning elements will be described below in relation
to certain shapes, axes, and hypothetical regions or zones. It is
to be understood, however, that such concepts and arrangements can
be described in a wide variety of terms and manners.
[0043] Conceptually, the head 120 comprises a distal region 124, a
middle region 125 and a proximal region 126. The first set of
cleaning elements 131a-j extend from the distal region 124 of the
head 120. The second set of cleaning elements 132a-j extend from
the proximal region 126 of the head 120. The third set of cleaning
elements, which consists of the prophy cup 133a-b, a plurality of
angled cleaning elements 134a-f, and a central cleaning element
135, extend from the middle region 125 of the head.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning elements 131a-j,
132a-j of the first and second sets are tufts or arcuate walls of
densely packed fibrous bristles. However, one or more (or various
subsets) of the cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j of the first and
second sets can take on other forms, such as elastomeric walls or
fingers.
[0045] When bristle tufts are used as the desired cleaning
elements, the bristle tufts can be connected to the head 120 in any
manner known in the art. For example, anchor free tufting (AFT)
could be used to mount the cleaning elements. In AFT, a plate or
membrane is secured to the brush head such as by ultrasonic
welding. The bristles extend through the plate or membrane. The
free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or membrane
perform the cleaning function. The ends of the bristles on the
other side of the plate or membrane are melted together by heat to
be anchored in place. Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be
used in the broad practice of this invention. Alternatively, the
bristles could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending
through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of
the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block.
[0046] The particular arrangement and number of the cleaning
elements 131a-j, 132a-j of the first and second sets within the
distal and proximal regions 124, 126 can vary greatly as desired,
and should not be consider as a limitation of the present invention
unless specifically recited in the claims. In fact, in certain
embodiments of the present invention, the first and second sets of
the cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j may be omitted all together or
substantially altered. Nonetheless, a particularly useful and
effective arrangement of the first and second sets of the cleaning
elements 131a-j, 132a-j has been developed (discussed below in
relation to FIGS. 5-6) and is to be considered as part of the
invention in certain embodiments.
[0047] The middle region 125 of the head comprises an arrangement
of cleaning elements that is specifically designed to improve the
efficacy of cleaning oral surfaces, retain dentifrice on the head
120 of the toothbrush during brushing and/or massaging, and
distribute the dentifrice among the collection of cleaning elements
on the head 120. As mentioned above, the middle region 125
comprises a prophy cup 133 (which is formed by arcuate cleaning
element walls 133a-b, angled elongated cleaning elements 134a-f and
central elongated cleaning element 135. Preferably, the cleaning
element walls 133a-b are elastomeric walls while the elongated
cleaning elements 134a-f, 135 are tufts of densely packed fibrous
bristles. In other embodiments, however, the prophy cup 133 can be
formed by densely packed walls of fibrous bristles and/or the
elongated cleaning elements 134a-f can be elastomeric fingers.
[0048] Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible
resilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus.
To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the
elastomeric material preferably has a hardness property in the
range of A5 to A40 Shore hardness, and most preferably A25 Shore
hardness. One preferred elastomeric material is
styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS)
manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from
other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted
hardness range could be used.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 6-8 concurrently, the details and
structural cooperation of the prophy cup 133, the cleaning elements
134a-f, and the central cleaning element 135 will be described. The
cleaning elements 134a-f extend from the front surface 121 of the
head in an angled (i.e., inclined) manner (relative to a general
plane formed by the top surface 121). The cleaning elements 134a-f
are arranged in a spaced-apart manner that forms a ring that
circumferentially surrounds an axis B-B. The axis B-B extends from
the front surface 121 of the head 120 in a direction away from the
rear surface 122 of the head 120. In the preferred embodiment, the
axis B-B extends from the front surface 121 of the head 120 in a
substantially normal orientation. Of course, in other embodiments,
the axis B-B may be at an angle other than normal to the front
surface 121. Each of the cleaning elements 134a-f is inclined so as
to radially diverge from the axis B-B at an angle .THETA. as it
extends away from the front surface 121 of the head 120.
Preferably, for each cleaning element 134a-f, the angle .THETA. is
in a range of 1 to 15 degrees, more preferably 3 to 5 degrees, and
most preferably 4 degrees. While all of the cleaning elements
134a-f radially diverge from the axis B-B at the same angle .THETA.
in the illustrated embodiment, it is possible for the angles of
radial divergence to vary among the cleaning elements 134a-f.
Furthermore, while six cleaning elements 134a-f are illustrated as
forming the hollow cone, any number of cleaning elements can be
used in other embodiments.
[0050] Conceptually, the cleaning elements 134a-f collectively form
a hollow cone structure (which in the illustrated embodiment is a
truncated cone). As used herein, the term "cone" is not limited to
a circular cross-section and is intended to include truncated
cones. The hollow cone structure formed by cleaning, elements
134a-f forms a funnel-like internal cavity 136 for receiving a
dentifrice. The cleaning elements 134a-f are equidistantly
circumferentially spaced from one another so that a space exists
between adjacent cleaning elements 134a-f. While in the illustrated
embodiments, the hollow cone is formed by spaced apart cleaning
elements, in alternative embodiments the hollow cone can be formed
by an angled wall (or angled wall segments) formed by an elastomer
or densely packed bristles.
[0051] The hollow cone formed by the cleaning elements 134a-f is
concentrically arranged about the axis B-B and is congruent with
the conical axis. The elongated central cleaning element 135
extends from the front surface 121 of the head 120 along the axis
B-B within the funnel-like cavity 136. The central cleaning element
135 is preferably a tuft of densely packed fibrous bristles but can
also be an elastomer finger or other material or structure. Of
course, the central cleaning element 135 may even be omitted in
certain embodiments of the invention.
[0052] The hollow cone formed by the cleaning elements 134a-f is
circumferentially surrounded by a cleaning element wall (formed by
arcuate sections of cleaning element walls 133a-b). Collectively,
the cleaning element walls 133a-b form the prophy cup as a
substantially closed loop that concentrically surrounds the hollow
cone formed by the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f. While the
prophy cup is formed by two arcuate sections of cleaning element
walls 133a-b in the illustrated embodiment, the prophy cup (and the
substantially closed-loop) can be formed by a single wall section
or by more than two wall sections in other embodiments.
[0053] As a result of being circumferentially surrounded by the
prophy cup (which is formed by the arcuate cleaning element walls
133a-b), an annular channel 137 exists between the hollow cone
(formed by the cleaning elements 134a-f) and the cleaning element
wall (formed by arcuate cleaning element walls 133a-b). The arcuate
cleaning element walls 133a-b are circumferentially spaced from one
another so that gaps 139 exist along the longitudinal axis A-A of
the head 120.
[0054] Referring solely now to FIG. 7, each of the cleaning
elements 134a-f extends at an incline from the first surface 121 of
the head 120 and terminate in cleaning ends 144a-f respectively.
The prophy cup (which consists of arcuate cleaning element walls
133a-b) extends normally from the first surface 121 of the head 120
and terminates in top surfaces 143a-b. In other embodiments, the
prophy cup (which consists of arcuate cleaning element walls
133a-b) may extend from the first surface 121 of the head 120 at an
inclined orientation, either inclined toward or away from the axis
B-B.
[0055] The cleaning elements 134a-f (and thus the hollow cone) has
a height H.sub.1 while the prophy cup (and, thus, the arcuate
cleaning element walls 133a-b) has a height H.sub.2 (measured
relative to the front surface 121 of the head 120). The height
H.sub.1 is preferably greater than the height H.sub.2. In one
embodiment, the height H.sub.1 is preferably in the range of 7 to
13 millimeters, most preferably 10 millimeters, while the height
H.sub.2 is preferably in the range of 5 to 11 millimeters, most
preferably 6.5 millimeters. Thought of another way, cleaning
element walls 133a-b circumferentially surround only a base portion
of the cleaning elements 134a-f while a top portion of the cleaning
elements 134a-f extends beyond the top surfaces 143a-b of the
cleaning element walls 133a-b.
[0056] In a preferred construction, the cleaning elements 134a-f
are preferably located within a range of 3 to 6 millimeters from
the axis B-B, and most preferably 4 millimeters (measured from the
base of the cleaning elements 134a-1). The walls 133a-b of the
prophy cup are preferably located within a range of 6 to 12
millimeters from the axis B-B, and most preferably about 8
millimeters. As a result of the inclined/diverging orientation of
the cleaning elements 134a-f and their close proximity to the walls
133a-b of the prophy cup, the inner top top edge of the walls
133a-b of the prophy cup abut against one or more of the cleaning
elements 134a-f. In one preferred embodiment, the width of the
prophy cup 133 extends the substantial entirety of the width of the
head 120.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 5-8 concurrently, the mechanism of
action of the novel cleaning element arrangement of the toothbrush
100 will be described. The following discussion is set forth as an
explanation of the improved operation of the present invention. The
following discussion is not to be construed as limiting the scope
of the invention, unless specifically recited in the claims.
[0058] A dentifrice is initially applied to the head 120 of the
toothbrush 100 which fills the cavity 136 formed by the hollow
cleaning element cone (which is formed by the elongated cleaning
elements 134a-f). The funnel shape of the cavity 136 helps capture,
hold and direct the dentifrice into the toothbrush during
dentifrice application and subsequent brushing. The central
elongated cleaning element 135 may further assist with dentifrice
maintenance and dispersion. Once the dentifrice fills the cavity
136, it can flow through the spaces between adjacent elongated
cleaning elements 134a-f and into the annular channel 137 formed
between the hollow cleaning element cone (which is formed by the
elongated cleaning elements 134a-f) and the prophy cup (consisting
of arcuate walls 133a-b). The inclined orientation of the elongated
cleaning elements 134a-f results in the annular channel 137 having
a substantially closed roof (at least in certain sections), thereby
further helping to keep the dentifrice within the toothbrush 100.
The dentifrice then flows through the gaps 139 formed between the
arcuate sections 133a-b. Because the gaps 139 are located only
along the longitudinal axis A-A of the head, the dentifrice
escaping from the prophy cup via the gaps 139 is forced into the
first and second sets 131a-j, 132a-j where it is further
distributed during the brushing and/or massaging of oral
surfaces.
[0059] Finally, by surrounding the hollow cleaning element cone
(which is formed by the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f) with a
shorter prophy cup (formed by arcuate walls 133a-b), the prophy cup
can provide additional support and rigidity to the elongated
cleaning elements 134a-f during brushing. More specifically, when
the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f are not under the standard
forces imparted during brushing (i.e., in a non-use state), the
elongated cleaning elements 134a-f are either slightly spaced from
the arcuate walls 133a-b or abutted against the top inner edges of
the arcuate walls 133a-b in a non-forced state. However, when the
elongated cleaning elements 134a-f are subjected to standard forces
imparted during brushing, the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f
flex outwardly from the axis B-B and come into contact with the
arcuate walls 133a-b, which provide additional support for the
elongated cleaning elements 134a-f so tha more effective cleaning
can be achieved. In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning
elements 134a-f are also taller than any of the cleaning elements
of the first and second sets that are immediately adjacent the
prophy cup (not illustrated).
[0060] Additionally, when the arcuate walls 133a-b are constructed
of an elastomeric material, additional benefits are achieved.
Specifically, the arcuate shaped elastomeric elements 133a-b help
spread toothpaste onto the tubules of the teeth. This helps reduce
the sensitivity of the tooth because the tubules are thereby
reduced in size. This is also a benefit with whitening because the
toothpaste is spread onto the tubules. Moreover, elastomeric walls
are better than bristles at this wiping toothpaste into the tubules
of the teeth.
[0061] Referring back to FIGS. 5-6 and 8 concurrently, a preferred
arrangement of the cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j of the first
and second sets 131, 132 within the distal and proximal regions
124, 126 of the head 120 will be described according to one
embodiment of the present invention. All of the cleaning elements
131a-j, 132a-j extend from the front surface 121 of the head in a
substantially normal orientation.
[0062] The first set 131 comprises a first grouping consisting of
cleaning element walls 131c-e and elongated cleaning elements
131a-b, 131f-g. This first grouping of cleaning elements 131a-131g
is disposed in a par-elliptical arrangement along the distal
periphery of the head 120. The elongated cleaning elements 131a-b,
131f-g are preferably cylindrical bristle tufts whose free ends
taper to a point. The cleaning element walls 131c-e are preferably
walls of densely packed bristles. The height of the cleaning
element walls 131c-e increase toward the distal end of the head
120, thereby forming a tapered edge at the distal edge of the
cleaning element field.
[0063] Similarly, the second set 132 comprises a first grouping
consisting of cleaning element walls 132c-e and elongated cleaning
elements 132a-b, 132f-g. This first grouping of cleaning elements
132a-132g is disposed in a par-elliptical arrangement along the
distal periphery of the head 120. The elongated cleaning elements
132a-b, 132f-g are preferably cylindrical bristle tufts whose free
ends taper to a point. The cleaning element walls 132c-e are
preferably walls of densely packed bristles. The height of the
cleaning element walls 132c-e increase toward the distal end of the
head 120, thereby forming a tapered edge at the distal edge of the
cleaning element field.
[0064] The first set 131 also comprises a second grouping,
consisting of arcuate cleaning element walls 131h, 131j and central
cleaning element 131i. The arcuate cleaning element walls 131h,
131j are arranged so as to form a loop about a center point from
which the central cleaning element 131i extends. The arcuate
cleaning element walls 131h, 131j are preferably elastomeric walls
but can be densely packed bristles. This second grouping of
cleaning element 131h-j is located within the par-elliptical shape
formed by the first grouping of cleaning elements 131a-g. The
central cleaning element 131i extends a height that is greater than
the height of the arcuate cleaning element walls 131h, 131j. The
height of the central cleaning element 131j is less than the height
of the central cleaning element 135 of the third set 138. However,
the height of the arcuate cleaning element walls 131h, 131j is
grater than the height of the arcuate wall elements 133a-b of the
third set 38.
[0065] Similarly, the second set 132 also comprises a second
grouping, consisting of arcuate cleaning element walls 132h, 132j
and central cleaning element 132i. The arcuate cleaning element
walls 132h, 132j are arranged so as to form a loop about a center
point from which the central cleaning element 132i extends. The
arcuate cleaning element walls 132h, 132j are preferably
elastomeric walls but can be densely packed bristles. This second
grouping of cleaning element 132h-j is located within the
par-elliptical shape formed by the first grouping of cleaning
elements 132a-g. The central cleaning element 132i extends a height
that is greater than the height of the arcuate cleaning element
walls 132h, 132j. The height of the central cleaning element 132j
is less than the height of the central cleaning element 135 of the
third set 138. However, the height of the arcuate cleaning element
walls 132h, 132j is grater than the height of the arcuate wall
elements 133a-b of the third set 38.
[0066] Both of the loops formed by the arcuate cleaning element
walls 132h, 132j and 131h, 131j respectively are located so that
their center points are located along the longitudinal axis A-A of
the head 120.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9B concurrently, a manual
toothbrush 200 according to a second embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. The toothbrush 200 is identical to the
toothbrush 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8 except
that the central cleaning element 135 is omitted. In order to avoid
redundancy, a further detailed description of the toothbrush 200
and its functioning is omitted with the understanding that the
corresponding elements of toothbrush 200 are numbered the same as
the toothbrush 100 except that they are in the "200 series." The
above discussion with respect to toothbrush 100 is thus applicable
to the toothbrush 200.
[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10B concurrently, a manual
toothbrush 300 according to a third embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. The toothbrush 300 is identical to the
toothbrush 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8 except
that the hollow cone structure 334 is formed by eight elongated
cleaning elements rather than six. In order to avoid redundancy, a
further detailed description of the toothbrush 300 and its
functioning is omitted with the understanding that the
corresponding elements of toothbrush 300 are numbered the same as
the toothbrush 100 except that they are in the "300 series." The
above discussion with respect to toothbrush 100 is thus applicable
to the toothbrush 300.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11B concurrently, a manual
toothbrush 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. The toothbrush 400 is identical to the
toothbrush 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8 except
that the hollow cone structure 434 is formed by ten elongated
cleaning elements rather than six. In order to avoid redundancy, a
further detailed description of the toothbrush 400 and its
functioning is omitted with the understanding that the
corresponding elements of toothbrush 400 are numbered the same as
the toothbrush 100 except that they are in the "400 series." The
above discussion with respect to toothbrush 100 is thus applicable
to the toothbrush 400.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12C concurrently, a manual
toothbrush 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. The toothbrush 500 is identical to the
toothbrush 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8 except
that the central cleaning elements 135 is omitted and the elongated
cleaning elements 534a-f that form the hollow cone structure 534
converge upon the axis B-B, thereby forming a full cone rather than
a truncated cone. In order to avoid redundancy, a further detailed
description of the toothbrush 500 and its functioning is omitted
with the understanding that the corresponding elements of
toothbrush 500 are numbered the same as the toothbrush 100 except
that they are in the "500 series." The above discussion with
respect to toothbrush 100 is thus applicable to the toothbrush
400.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 13, a cleaning element disc 600 for
incorporation into an ansate oral care implement is illustrated
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning
element disc 600 is essentially a plate-like disc that incorporates
the third set 138 of cleaning elements described above with respect
to FIGS. 1-8. The apparatus 600 generally comprises a circular base
plate 601 and the third set 138 of cleaning elements described
above with respect to FIGS. 1-8. In order to avoid redundancy, a
further detailed description of the third set 138 of cleaning
elements is omitted. However, it is to be understood that the
cleaning element disc 600 can utilize any of the variations of the
cleaning element arrangement disclosed above with respect to FIGS.
9A-12C.
[0072] The cleaning element disc 600 is particularly suited for use
with powered toothbrushes wherein the cleaning element disc 600
will lock into place on the powered toothbrush and be operably
coupled to a rotary element. The cleaning element disc 600,
however, can also be used in manual toothbrushes wherein the
cleaning element disc 600 can snap lock/unlock into and out of the
head of the toothbrush for replacement. Such techniques are known
in the art.
[0073] Finally, it should be noted that in certain embodiments of
the invention, a plurality of the third sets 138 of cleaning
elements can be arranged on the head 120 of the toothbrush 100. In
such an embodiment, the third sets 138 of cleaning elements are
preferably aligned along the longitudinal axis A-A of the head 120.
Moreover, in such an embodiment, any of the embodiments of the
third sets can be used.
[0074] While a number of embodiments of the current invention have
been described and illustrated in detail, various alternatives and
modifications will become readily apparent to those skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
As various changes could be made in the above methods, compositions
and structures without departing from the scope of the invention,
it is intended that all matter contained in this application,
including all mechanisms and/or modes of interaction described
above, shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting
in any way the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *