U.S. patent application number 13/548139 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for flexibletoothbrush.
The applicant listed for this patent is Michael Liangco. Invention is credited to Michael Liangco.
Application Number | 20130067670 13/548139 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47879210 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130067670 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liangco; Michael |
March 21, 2013 |
FlexibleToothbrush
Abstract
A toothbrush comprises a handle portion and a head portion. The
head portion has a base member and first and second lateral walls
extending upwardly therefrom to define a space. The base member and
first and second lateral walls have bristles arranged thereon
extending into the space. At least one, and preferably both, of the
first and second lateral walls are pivotable relative to the base
member to permit the side walls to move into and out of the space
in response to forces.
Inventors: |
Liangco; Michael; (Granada
Hills, CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Liangco; Michael |
Granada Hills |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
47879210 |
Appl. No.: |
13/548139 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13435682 |
Mar 30, 2012 |
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13548139 |
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PCT/US2010/002612 |
Sep 24, 2010 |
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13435682 |
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12587036 |
Oct 1, 2009 |
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PCT/US2010/002612 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/06 20130101; A46B
5/0029 20130101; A46B 15/0081 20130101; A46B 9/028 20130101; A46B
2200/1066 20130101; A46B 9/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.2 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. A toothbrush comprising: a handle portion; and a head portion
having a base member and first and second lateral walls extending
upwardly therefrom to define a space, the base member and first and
second lateral walls having bristles arranged thereon extending
into the space, at least one of the first and second lateral walls
being pivotable relative to the base member to permit the side
walls to move into and out of the space in response to forces.
2. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base member and
first and second lateral walls define a generally U-shaped
structure, the space being formed thereby.
3. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the
first and second lateral walls are connected to the base member
such that the first and/or second lateral walls pivot into and out
of the space in response to the forces.
4. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 wherein 3 further comprising
a point of connection between the base member and the first and
second lateral walls.
5. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 4 wherein the point of
connection comprises a reduced size connection constituting a point
of weakness to allow the pivoting of the first and/or second
lateral walls relative to the base member.
6. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 wherein both the first and
the second lateral walls are pivotable relative to the base
member.
7. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 5 further comprising a rubber
ring formed about the point of connection.
8. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the
first and second lateral walls are comprised of two or more wall
portions, each of the wall portions being separately connected to
the base member so that each of the wall portions is pivotable
relative to the base member independently of other wall
portions.
9. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 8 wherein both the first and
second lateral walls are comprised of two or more wall
portions.
10. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 8 wherein first or second
lateral walls are comprised of three wall portions.
11. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and the
second lateral walls are each comprised of three wall portions.
12. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base member has
mounted thereon traditional nylon bristles selectively arranged
thereon to clean an occlusal surface of a tooth being brushed.
13. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the lateral
walls has a combination of traditional nylon bristles and rubber
bristles interspersedly mounted thereon and selectively arranged
thereon to clean and polish a smooth side surface of a tooth being
brushed.
14. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 13 wherein the traditional and
rubber bristles are mounted so as to extend into the space at an
angle which is approximately 45 degrees to the first and second
lateral walls respectively.
15. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 13 wherein the first and
second lateral walls have a set of top bristles and a set of lower
bristles, the top bristles being slightly longer than the lower
bristles, the top bristles being configured to clean the sulcus or
below the gum area.
16. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 12 wherein traditional
bristles mounted on the base member have a contoured upper surface
designed to reach and clean fissures and crevices in the tooth.
17. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 16 wherein the contoured upper
surface comprises a substantially central peak, a pair of median
valleys and a pair of end peaks.
18. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least
one opening formed between the first and second lateral walls and
the base member to facilitate flow of liquid and debris away from
the toothbrush.
19. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a tongue
cleaner formed on the head of the toothbrush.
20. A toothbrush comprising: a handle portion; and a head portion
having a base member and first and second lateral walls extending
upwardly therefrom to define a space, the base member and first and
second lateral walls having bristles arranged thereon extending
into the space, the bristles of the base member comprising nylon
traditional bristles, and the bristles of the first and second
lateral walls comprising a combination of traditional nylon
bristles and rubber bristles.
21. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 20 wherein the traditional and
rubber bristles on the first and second lateral walls are mounted
so as to extend into the space at an angle which is approximately
45 degrees to the first and second lateral walls respectively.
22. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 20 wherein bristles on the
first and second lateral walls comprise a set of top bristles and a
set of lower bristles, the top bristles being slightly longer than
the lower bristles, the top bristles being configured to clean the
sulcus or below the gum area.
23. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 20 wherein at least one of the
first and second lateral walls is pivotable relative to the base
member to permit the side walls to move into and out of the space
in response to forces.
24. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 23 wherein both of the first
and second lateral walls are pivotable relative to the base
member.
25. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 comprising a first bristle
for brushing the teeth and a second bristle for polishing the
teeth, the first and second bristles being differently configured
to achieve their purpose.
26. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 25 wherein the first resource
is generally circular in section, and the second bristle is
generally square in section.
27. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bristles on the
lateral walls comprise a lower set of bristles extending upwardly
at about 45.degree. relative to the sidewalk and a higher set of
bristles extending outwardly from the side wall at about 90.degree.
relative thereto.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/435,682 filed Mar. 30, 2012
which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/587,036 filed Oct. 1, 2009, and a
continuation-in-part application of PCT International Application
No. PCT/US2010/02612 filed Sep. 24, 2010, both of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a flexible toothbrush. More
particularly, the invention is for a flexible toothbrush with
differently oriented bristles for cleaning the sides and the
undersurface of the teeth in one motion.
[0003] The use of toothbrushes and the routine of brushing teeth on
a daily basis is a well established practice for the vast majority
of people. A common toothbrush will typically have a handle which
is grasped and held by the user, as well as a head portion. The
head portion comprises a base which may be extension of the handle,
and bristles mounted in the base and extending upwardly therefrom.
The bristles are most often oriented in one plane, although they
may have different lengths and mounting configurations in the base
in an effort to optimize the efficiency of the toothbrush.
[0004] As is well known, the user moves the bristles over the teeth
for the purpose of dislodging food particles or other debris in the
tooth crevices and spaces between the teeth, and also for
preventing the build up of plaque or at least the rate at which
plaque builds up on the teeth.
[0005] Different bristle configurations and toothbrush shapes have
been developed and marketed over the years with the express
objective of improving the effectiveness of the toothbrush, in
order to maximize the consequence of the sweeping motion of the
toothbrush to dislodge debris and reduce plaque buildup. The
literature is replete with many designs and variations of
toothbrushes. Different toothbrushes may work better with children
or with adults, or with people with special needs and requirements
in order to protect the teeth.
[0006] The teeth themselves vary from one person to another very
substantially. Some people may have straight teeth while others may
have teeth which are moderately or severely misaligned relative to
each other. Further, each tooth has different types of surface. For
example, the thickness of the enamel covering the teeth may vary
depending on the location on the tooth. In this regard, it should
be noted that the thickness of the enamel layer on the occlusal
area, or the chewing surface, will be greater than the thickness of
the enamel later on the sides of the teeth.
[0007] The present invention utilizes all or many of these factors
in the design and construction of the toothbrush of the invention,
which thus addresses physical aspects of the teeth in order to make
the brushing process more productive in cleaning and caring for the
teeth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provide a
toothbrush comprising: a handle portion; a head portion having a
base member and first and second lateral walls extending upwardly
therefrom to define a space, the base member and first and second
lateral walls having bristles arranged thereon extending into the
space, at least one of the first and second lateral walls being
pivotable relative to the base member to permit the side walls to
move into and out of the space in response to forces.
[0009] In one form, at least one of the first and second lateral
walls are connected to the base member such that the first and/or
second lateral walls pivot into and out of the space in response to
the forces. A point of connection between the base member and the
first and second lateral walls facilitate the pivoting.
[0010] Preferably, the point of connection comprises a reduced size
connection constituting a point of weakness to allow the pivoting
of the first and/or second lateral walls relative to the base
member. Both the first and the second lateral walls may be
pivotable relative to the base member.
[0011] Preferably, at least one of the first and second lateral
walls are comprised of two or more wall portions, each of the wall
portions being separately connected to the base member so that each
of the wall portions is pivotable relative to the base member
independently of other wall portions. In one embodiment, both the
first and second lateral walls are comprised of two or more wall
portions. The first or second lateral walls may be comprised of
three wall portions.
[0012] Preferably, the base member has mounted thereon traditional
nylon bristles selectively arranged thereon to clean an occlusal
surface of a tooth being brushed. Further, each of the lateral
walls may have a combination of traditional nylon bristles and
rubber bristles interspersedly mounted thereon and selectively
arranged thereon to clean and polish a smooth side surface of a
tooth being brushed. In one embodiment, the traditional and rubber
bristles are mounted so as to extend into the space at an angle
which is approximately 45 degrees to the first and second lateral
walls respectively. The first and second lateral walls may have a
set of top bristles and a set of lower bristles, the top bristles
being slightly longer than the lower bristles, the top bristles
being configured to clean the sulcus or below the gum area.
[0013] Preferably, the traditional bristles mounted on the base
member have a contoured upper surface designed to reach and clean
fissures and crevices in the tooth.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the toothbrush further comprises
at least one opening formed between the first and second lateral
walls and the base member to facilitate flow of liquid and debris
away from the toothbrush. A tongue cleaner may also be formed on
the head of the toothbrush.
[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a toothbrush comprising: a handle portion; a head portion
having a base member and first and second lateral walls extending
upwardly therefrom to define a space, the base member and first and
second lateral walls having bristles arranged thereon extending
into the space, the bristles of the base member comprising nylon
traditional bristles, and the bristles of the first and second
lateral walls comprising a combination of traditional nylon
bristles and rubber bristles.
[0016] Preferably, the traditional and rubber bristles on the first
and second lateral walls are mounted so as to extend into the space
at an angle which is approximately 45 degrees to the first and
second lateral walls respectively. The bristles on the first and
second lateral walls may comprise a set of top bristles and a set
of lower bristles, the top bristles being slightly longer than the
lower bristles, the top bristles being configured to clean the
sulcus or below the gum area. At least one, or both, of the first
and second lateral walls is pivotable relative to the base member
to permit the side walls to move into and out of the space in
response to forces.
[0017] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a flexible toothbrush comprising a handle and a head, the
head having a base member, a first lateral wall extending upwardly
therefrom and a second lateral wall extending upwardly therefrom
such that the first and second lateral walls are spaced from each
other, the base member and first and second lateral walls defining
a space and being generally U-shaped in cross section.
[0018] The head comprises a set of base bristles expending into the
space, while the first and second lateral walls have first and
second each have a set of first and second lateral bristles
respectively, also extending into the space. The set of base
bristles and the sets of first and second lateral bristles together
leave an open unbristled area in the space which in use
accommodates a tooth or teeth which are being brushed by the
toothbrush.
[0019] In a preferred form of the invention, the first and second
lateral walls are attached to the base member in a manner that
allows them some degree of flexibility. In this regard, the
flexible lateral walls are able to flex by being resilient and
capable of moving into and out of the space. A significant
advantage of such a construction is that the configuration of the
teeth of the user slightly push out the lateral walls when required
so that a set of teeth that are not perfectly aligned with respect
to each other will still be able to be thoroughly brushed, since
the head of the toothbrush and particularly and the lateral walls
will move and deform in response to the tooth configuration to
provide every tooth with the best possible exposure to the
toothbrush and hence the optimal cleaning.
[0020] In one embodiment, the flexibility of the lateral walls is
achieved by providing a point of connection between the lateral
walls and the base member which is thinner or weakened and thus
allows the lateral walls to shift slightly at the point of
connection in response to the alignment or misalignment of the
teeth.
[0021] Preferably, different types of bristles may be used in the
head of the toothbrush. The head may have the traditional nylon or
other material bristles as well as rubber bristles. There may be a
combination of traditional and rubber bristles on the lateral arms,
while the base member may have only the traditional bristles.
[0022] The combination of the traditional and the rubber bristles
may have enhanced effects in cleaning both the buccal and lingual
surfaces of the teeth. These may comprise the smooth surfaces. On
these surfaces and areas, the enamel may be thinner to that on the
occlusal surfaces which are used for chewing and are therefore
thicker and able to withstand more abrasion and contact with other
substances. The traditional bristles will have a better effect in
unclogging plaque and other debris, while the rubber bristle will
polish the enamel as it moves over the tooth surface. This design
will therefore lessen the opportunity for abrasion on the more
sensitive and thinner parts of the tooth where there is less enamel
if rubber is used partly or fully or in addition to the regular
traditional bristles alone.
[0023] This double treatment of the teeth using both traditional
bristles and rubber bristles will emulate more closely the type of
procedure encountered at a dentist since the teeth are both cleaned
and polished every time the teeth are brushed using the toothbrush
in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] Preferably, there may be openings or holes constructed
between the lateral walls and the base member of the head of the
toothbrush. This enhances the hygienic properties of the toothbrush
by providing outlets for plaque and debris removed by the
toothbrush during the brushing and ensuring that at least some of
this detritus does not remain in or on the toothbrush. The flow or
removal of the debris from the tooth into the mouth is thus
optimized so that it does not get captured by the toothbrush and
provide a platform which can result in bacterial colonization.
[0025] The length and orientation of the bristles may vary as well.
For those bristles on the base member of the head of the
toothbrush, some may be longer and some shorter to provide a
bristle surface designed to reach debris in crevices and creases
and for unclogging plaque. As noted above, the bristles on the base
member are entirely traditional type bristles in accordance with
one aspect of the invention, although other types of bristles could
be used. This is because occlusal enamel is much thicker than that
on the smooth side surfaces of the teeth.
[0026] On the base member, the traditional bristles may be shaped
like a crown and pointed in the middle to properly penetrate and
cleanse the fissural areas. Fissures and pits on the tooth are deep
openings or crevices that are highly adapted to entrapping plaque
and debris. Plaque which collects in these areas is very difficult
to dislodge and remove, and the traditional bristles on the base
member are most suitable since the base member will typically brush
over the chewing or occlusal surfaces of the tooth. Such bristles
will best debride the occlusal areas and help to reduce the chances
for the developments of caries or dental decay.
[0027] The bristles on the lateral walls are preferably a
combination of traditional bristles and rubber bristles selectively
arranged on the lateral wall for maximum effect. This combination
will be responsible for the cleaning of the buccal and lingual
surfaces of the tooth, which are the smooth surfaces with thinner
enamel when compared to the occlusal surface. In the combination of
bristles, the traditional bristles will unclog plaque and remove
debris, as generally described above, while the rubber bristle will
polish the enamel simultaneously. This combination will, therefore,
decrease the chances of abrasion when compared to the use of all
traditional bristles, and have the effect of both cleaning and
polishing the teeth at the same time, whenever the teeth are
brushed with a toothbrush in accordance with the invention.
[0028] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the bristles,
both traditional type and rubber bristles, may oriented at an
angle, preferably extending at an upward angle into the space.
Furthermore, bristles at the top of the lateral wall (or remote
from the base member) may be a little longer than the remaining
bristles, by about a millimeter or so in one embodiment of the
invention. These longer bristles are configured to reach the gums
of the user more effectively, and the benefits of massaging the
gums, or penetrating and cleaning the sulcus, are well known and
acknowledged as a prudent from of oral hygiene and care.
[0029] Each tooth may have a sulcus or pocket and free or
unattached gingiva that wraps around the tooth at the point where
the tooth emerges from the gum. In a healthy adult, the pocket
depth ranges from 1 to about 2 or more millimeters. For this
reason, the bristles in the lateral walls of the toothbrush of the
invention are about 1 or so millimeters longer than the others, so
that they can better penetrate, clean and massage the sulcus
without damaging the gingiva.
[0030] In one embodiment, the toothbrush head of the invention has
the base member and one lateral wall on each side thereof. However,
in other embodiments of the invention, there may be more than one
lateral wall on each side of the base member, or, alternatively,
each lateral wall may be comprised of two or more, preferably
three, portions. Each portion may move independently in the
flexible manner disclosed herein so as to best optimize the
cleaning effect of the toothbrush of the invention in cleaning and
polishing teeth which may not be perfectly aligned but which may be
crooked in one or more locations.
[0031] The toothbrush of the invention may also include a tongue
scraper, which may be formed on the outer surface of the head, for
scraping and cleaning the tongue, thus rendering the toothbrush
into an instrument which has multiple purposes and comprises an all
in one oral cleaning tool.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] In the drawings:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a top schematic view of a toothbrush in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 is an end view of a toothbrush in accordance with one
aspect of the invention;
[0035] FIGS. 3 and 4 show details of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 2
of the invention and relating to flexible lateral arms;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a view along Section A-A in FIG. 2 of the
drawings, showing the lateral wall and arrangement of the
bristles;
[0037] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the bristle arrangement on the
toothbrush in accordance with one aspect of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 7 shows a back schematic view of a toothbrush in
accordance with the invention;
[0039] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a toothbrush in
accordance with the invention;
[0040] FIG. 9 shows a section through the toothbrush, in side view,
showing the lateral walls;
[0041] FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) show alternative details of the lateral
wall in FIG. 9 of the drawings;
[0042] FIG. 10 shows a front view of the toothbrush in FIG. 8 of
the drawings;
[0043] FIG. 11 shows a partial top view of the toothbrush shown in
FIG. 8 of the drawings;
[0044] FIG. 12 shows a back view of the head of the toothbrush
shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings;
[0045] FIG. 13 shows a schematic plan view of a bristle arrangement
of the toothbrush in FIG. 8 of the drawings;
[0046] FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a toothbrush in accordance
with one aspect of the invention, having two lateral walls, and
their relationship to teeth;
[0047] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a toothbrush having
lateral walls, each having there portions flexible relative to each
other, and the relationship thereof with certain teeth
misaligned;
[0048] FIG. 16 is a front view a toothbrush in accordance with
another embodiment of the invention showing an alternative bristle
arrangement;
[0049] FIG. 17 shows the toothbrush illustrated in FIG. 16 from the
rear and surrounding a tooth;
[0050] FIG. 18 is a detail of FIG. 16 showing the configuration of
the base member bristles penetrating the fissures and crevices of a
tooth;
[0051] FIG. 19 is a detail of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 16
showing the bristles penetrating the sulcus;
[0052] FIG. 20 is a side view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 16 of
the drawings;
[0053] FIG. 20A is a detail of the wall portion shown in FIG. 20 of
the drawings;
[0054] FIG. 21 is another design of a toothbrush on accordance with
the invention;
[0055] FIGS. 22 to 28 show various embodiments of the toothbrush of
the present invention, with varying amounts of heads and bases;
[0056] FIG. 29 shows a detailed view of a toothbrush in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention with particularly
configured bristles;
[0057] FIG. 30 shows a back view of a toothbrush of the invention
and possible flexible movements;
[0058] FIG. 31 shows an end or front view of a toothbrush and
possible flexible movements thereof;
[0059] FIG. 32 shows an embodiment of the invention showing the
diversity of flexibility;
[0060] FIG. 33 shows the use of a toothbrush in accordance with the
invention on maxillary teeth;
[0061] FIG. 34 shows a toothbrush of the invention also on
maxillary permanent teeth, in a slightly different position;
[0062] FIG. 35 shows a view of a toothbrush when used on other
maxillary permanent teeth;
[0063] FIG. 36 is a view of posterior teeth and the use thereon by
a toothbrush;
[0064] FIGS. 37(a), 37(b), 37(c) and 37(d) are bottom, top, section
and plan views of a toothbrush in accordance with one aspect of the
invention which has both brushing and polishing bristles;
[0065] FIGS. 38(a), 38(b), 38(c) and 38(d) are bottom, top, section
and plan views of a toothbrush in accordance with one aspect of the
invention which has both brushing and polishing bristles, similar
to that shown in FIG. 37, but on a smaller scale;
[0066] FIGS. 39(a), 39(b), 39(c) and 39(d) are a series of top and
end views of a toothbrush in accordance with a further aspect of
the invention;
[0067] FIGS. 40(a), 40(b) and 40(c) illustrate top and section
views of a toothbrush in accordance with a further aspect of the
invention;
[0068] FIG. 41 shows a detail in construction of a toothbrush in
accordance with an aspect of the invention; and
[0069] FIG. 42 shows a detail of the bristles configuration in a
further embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0070] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 of the drawings which shows
a schematic view of a toothbrush 12 in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention and having a handle 14 and a head 16.
The head 16 comprises a base member 18, a first lateral wall 20,
and a second lateral wall 22. The base member 18 and first and
second lateral walls 20 and 22 define a generally U-shaped
structure, best seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings, as will be
described further below. Note that the base member 28 and first and
second lateral walls 20 and 22 define a space 24 in which the teeth
of the user are accommodated during the brushing procedure.
[0071] The first and second lateral walls 20 and 22 have
selectively arranged traditional bristles 26 and rubber bristles
28. The traditional bristles 26 and rubber bristles 28 collectively
operate to both clean and polish the teeth as the toothbrush moves
over them.
[0072] FIG. 2 of the drawings shows an end view of a toothbrush
head 16 as generally seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings. It will be
seen that each of the lateral walls 20 and 22 is connected to the
base member 18 at a connection point 30. The connection point 30 is
better seen in terms of its structure and layout in FIG. 3 of the
drawings. It will be seen that the point of connection 30 is in
fact an area of reduced size or diameter attachment, which slightly
weakens the rigidity of the connection between the lateral wall 20
and 22 and the base, thereby allowing the lateral wall 20 and 22 to
move back and forth in response to some applied force or pressure.
Further details relating thereto will be described below. A
flexible ring 32 surrounds the connection point 30.
[0073] Reverting to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it will be seen that
the base member 18 has an upwardly extending set of bristles 36,
which have a contoured upper surface 38, including a central peak
and lateral peaks. The contour of the upper surface 38 will
generally engage with the chewing surface or occlusal area of the
tooth, which largely has a thicker enamel, and will, by the stroke
of a toothbrush, help to remove debris and plaque therefrom.
[0074] It will also be seen that the bristles 26 and 28 on the
lateral walls 20 and 22 extend upwardly at an approximately
45.degree. angle. The bristles 26 and 28 are selectively
interspersed and placed in a pattern, to be described below, which
may best address the dual objectives of the bristles on the side
walls, namely, the cleaning and polishing of the tooth.
[0075] It will also be seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings that the top
set of bristles 40 are slightly longer than those below it. As
described, the purpose of these longer bristles is to enable their
reach into the sulcus, or the space between the tooth and the
gingiva or gum which surrounds the tooth, so as to brush and sweep
out any debris which has accumulated therein.
[0076] The rings 32 around the connection point 30 are comprised of
rubbers and help to achieve additional flexibility. The
configuration preferably helps to promote the application of only a
passive pressure to the tooth, thereby avoiding excessive forces on
the tooth which can lead to accelerated enamel abrasion.
[0077] The design of the toothbrush, and particularly the base and
lateral walls 20 and 22 with the configured bristles 26 and 28 will
seclude pressure and forces primarily on the occlusal area, which
is the chewing surfaces. These surfaces are harder and thicker
compared to the facial, buccal and lingual areas of the tooth,
which are the smooth surfaces. Therefore, the arrangement of the
bristles, the substrates on which they are mounted, the type of the
bristle used and the angles thereof are all selected and configured
to provide greater pressure and cleaning intensity on the chewing
surface of the tooth, while providing less pressure on the smoother
or side-surfaces of the tooth.
[0078] It is generally acknowledged that one of the leading causes
of enamel abrasion is the product of faulty brushing of the teeth,
and is an effect not only of using a toothbrush with hard bristles,
but also by using excessive force over a period of time on the
enamel when brushing the teeth.
[0079] In FIG. 5 of the drawings, a schematic side view of the
toothbrush 12 is shown, including the handle 14 and the head 16.
The first lateral wall 20 is shown, as is the connection point 30,
two of them, which allows the lateral wall 20 to rock or pivot
slightly thereon, so as to move back and forth into and out of the
space 24 in response to the position of teeth and the tooth
brushing action.
[0080] It will be seen from FIG. 5 that an opening 44 is provided
to allow flow of fluid, which may contain debris and plaque, so
that these will not become permanently embedded or attached to the
toothbrush. The opening 44 thus allows appropriate flow to preserve
hygienic conditions to the extent possible.
[0081] The layout of the various bristles 26 and 28 are shown
schematically in FIG. 5 of the drawings. The circular depictions
represent the traditional bristles, while the square depictions
represent the rubber bristles 28. The traditional bristles 26 and
rubber bristles 28 together effectively combine to provide both a
cleaning and polishing action respectively, as described above.
[0082] FIG. 6 of the drawings is a detailed view of the set of
bristles 36 shown on the base member 18. FIG. 6 shows one
particular configuration or arrangement of this set of bristles 36.
This set of bristles on the base 18, or middle area, are preferably
entirely of the traditional bristle type, and not combined with the
rubber bristles which will typically be mounted on the lateral
walls. Since enamel on the occlusal areas is much thicker than that
on the smooth surface of a tooth, these traditional bristles are
more appropriately located on the base member, and are shaped like
a crown and pointed in the middle to properly penetrate and cleanse
fissural areas on the tooth. Fissures are deep openings or crevices
where plaque and debris are highly likely to be trapped. Plaque
which collects in this area is very difficult to remove. The
traditional bristles are a good primary mechanism for unclogging
this plaque and debris, which is why the set of bristles 36 is
comprised almost entirely (but not necessarily) of these
traditional bristles. In this way, fissures, crevices and the like,
located on the occlusal area will be properly debrided and cleared
of debris to thereby facilitate the prevention of caries
development.
[0083] In FIG. 7 of the drawings, there is shown a back view of the
toothbrush in accordance with the invention, such as that seen in
FIG. 5. The back of the toothbrush includes a tongue scraper 50,
which may be comprised of rubber. This tongue scraper 50 is moved
over the tongue to remove or scrape off matter embedded therein and
to clean it. Further, FIG. 7 also shows the holes 44 on the side of
the toothbrush head 16, constructed into the toothbrush 12 to
facilitate good hygiene. Without these openings, plaque and debris
removed, as well as other debris in the mouth, may become encrusted
or attached to the toothbrush, and may also serve as a platform
that leads to bacterial colonization.
[0084] FIG. 8 of the drawing shows a toothbrush in accordance with
a further aspect of the invention. The toothbrush 60 has a handle
62 and a head 64. The head 64 is comprised of the base member 66, a
first lateral wall 68 and a second lateral wall 70.
[0085] In this embodiment shown in FIG. 8, each of the lateral
walls 68 and 70 is comprised of three independently movable wall
portions 72. The base member 66 has the upwardly extending set of
traditional bristles, while the first and second lateral walls 68
and 70 have the combination of the traditional bristles 76 and
rubber bristles 78. The fact that the first and second lateral
walls 68 and 70 each have three independently movable wall portions
72, each separately mounted to the base member 66, allows each wall
portion 72 to move back and forth independently of the other wall
portions 72, and in response to passive forces provided by the
configuration and position of the teeth.
[0086] It will be noted that each wall portion 72 is secured to the
base member through a connection point 80, which, in one embodiment
is generally comprised of a reduced size connection to the extent
that each wall portion 72 is able to possess somewhat resilient
properties and is capable of moving into and out of the space 84,
according to the position of the teeth as well as the brushing
action of the user. The connection point 80 for each of the wall
portions 72 will also have a ring 86 of generally similar type and
configuration to that described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4
of the drawings.
[0087] FIG. 8 thus shows a toothbrush which in effect has seven
individual heads having superior flexibility properties. This
embodiment particularly shows a toothbrush designed not just for
the perfectly aligned set of teeth, but one which may also be more
suitable for people with mild to moderate teeth malalignment.
[0088] FIG. 9 of the drawings shows a side view of one of the
lateral arms 68, showing each of the wall portions 72 mounted to
the base member 66. Each wall portion 72 is mounted through the
connection point 80 having the ring 86, as described. FIG. 9A shows
a detail of FIG. 9, where it can be seen that each wall portion 72
is spaced just slightly from its adjacent wall portion 72, thus
allowing each wall portion 72 to move forward and backward into and
out of the space 84 in response to the forces described above. In
FIG. 9A, the corners of adjacent wall portions are squared off.
FIG. 9B shows an alternative to the configuration in FIG. 9A where
the corners of adjacent wall portions 72 are rounded. This
structure may help to prevent the corners overlapping slightly when
the wall portions 72 may be bent toward each other by the force of
brushing or the alignment of the teeth.
[0089] FIG. 9 also clearly illustrates the position of the two
holes 90 and 92 through which fluids, debris and other material can
flow out of and away from the toothbrush to facilitate and maintain
hygienic conditions.
[0090] FIG. 10 shows an end view of the toothbrush seen in FIG. 8
of the drawings, while FIG. 11 shows a top view of one of the
lateral arms, illustrating the three wall portions 72 on each of
the lateral arms. FIG. 12 shows a back view, including the holes 90
and 92, and showing a tongue scraper. FIG. 13 shows a bristle
configuration on the base member in accordance with one aspect of
the invention. It will be appreciated that many different bristle
arrangements can be used within the scope and concept of the
invention.
[0091] FIG. 14 shows the schematic representation of a toothbrush
where the lateral wall is a solid or continuous piece, as seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. These lateral walls are therefore
also accorded numbers 20 and 22 for convenience. It will be seen
that each of the lateral walls 20 and 22, based on its pivoted
mounting on the base, is capable of moving back-and-forth in the
direction shown by arrows 100. This type of configuration would be
more suitable for a person with a generally well-aligned set of
teeth, although too, it would be completely adequate as well for
users whose teeth configuration may not be perfect.
[0092] In FIG. 15 of the drawings, there is shown a representation
of a set of teeth 104 which is moderately misaligned. In this
illustration, it will be seen that each of the lateral walls,
having reference numerals 68 and 70 for continuity and convenience,
has three wall portions 72, as also shown in FIG. 8 of the
drawings, and similar reference numerals have therefore been used
in FIG. 15 of the drawings to those in FIG. 8. It will be seen in
FIG. 15 that each of the wall portions 72 and its attached bristles
76 and 78 is capable of moving back-and-forth into the space 84,
occupied by the set of teeth 104, in both of the opposing
directions indicated by the various arrows 106. It is clearly seen
in this illustration that the sweep of the toothbrush along the
teeth is able to effectively reach all of the teeth in the most
optimal manner, due to the resilience of the wall portion 72, and
their ability to move back-and-forth in the space 84 in response to
the position of the teeth.
[0093] In FIG. 16 of the drawings, there is shown another
toothbrush 120 in accordance with the invention. The toothbrush 120
a base member 122 and lateral walls 124 and 126. The lateral arms
124 and 126 move about pivot points 128 as described above. The
base member 122 has a set of bristles 130 and the lateral walls
each have a set of bristles 132 and 134 respectively. The bristles
132 and 134 are configured in terms of length and shape so that all
they are capable of penetrating the sulcus. This is in fact
illustrated in FIG. 17 of the drawings which illustrates a tooth
138 and its sulcus 140. It will be seen that the longer end
bristles on the set of bristles 132 and 134 penetrate the sulcus.
FIG. 19 of the drawings is a detail of FIG. 17 showing the sulcus
140, tooth 138 and the bristles 132 and 134 penetrating the
sulcus.
[0094] FIG. 17 also shows how the lateral walls 124 and 126 can
move in response to pressure or force. These lateral walls 124 and
126 are shown in solid lines in resting position and in phantom
lines in an alternative position according to the location of teeth
and the force of the brushing action.
[0095] In FIG. 16 of the drawings, it will be seen that set of
bristles 130 on the base member 122 has a contour 144 on its upper
surface, and FIG. 18 is a detail which illustrates how this
specially designed contoured surface in practice penetrates the
fissures and the crevices of the tooth for optimal cleaning
effect.
[0096] FIG. 20 of the drawings illustrates a side view of one of
the lateral walls 126 which has three wall portions 154, 156 and
158 adjacent each other. Traditional and rubber bristles 160 and
162 respectively are arranged on the lateral wall 126 as described
above. In FIG. 20, the ends 166 of the wall portions 154, 156 and
158 are rounded or arc shaped. FIG. 20A shows a detail form FIG. 20
illustrating the space 170 between the wall portions.
[0097] In FIG. 21 of the drawings, there is shown another design of
the toothbrush of the invention which mimics the scallop contour of
the gingival margin for proper gingival adaptation that will
promote proper or optimal cleaning of the sulcus and gingival area
for each individual tooth.
[0098] FIGS. 22(a) to 22(c) show a side, top and end view of a
toothbrush in accordance with the invention having five heads,
namely, four on the sides and one on the base, which are able to
move relative to each other. FIGS. 23(a) to 23(d) show a side
section, back, top and an end or front view of a toothbrush in
accordance with another aspect of the invention, which has six
heads, namely four on the sides, that is two on each side, and two
on the base. The flexible sides, in this embodiment and others
illustrated herein, allow the various heads to move independently
so as to adapt more appropriately to the contour and shape of the
user's teeth.
[0099] FIGS. 24(a) to 24(d) show a side section, back, top and
front view of a toothbrush in accordance with the invention, this
one having nine heads comprising six side heads with three on each
side, and three on the base. FIGS. 25(a) to 25(d) of the invention
show yet another embodiment having a side section, back, top and
front view of a toothbrush, this one having nine heads, with six on
the sides and three on the base, somewhat similar to that shown in
FIG. 24 of the drawings, but with squared-off rather than rounded
edges.
[0100] FIGS. 26(a) to 26(c) show yet another embodiment of the
invention with a side section, top and front view of the toothbrush
having nine heads, comprising eight side heads with four on each
side, and one on the base. FIGS. 27(a) to 27(e) show yet another
embodiment of the invention with a side section, back, top, front
and plan view of the toothbrush, this one having eleven heads,
eight side heads comprising four on each side and three on the
base. FIGS. 28(a) to 28(e) show another toothbrush, generally
similar to that shown in FIG. 27 of the drawings, with rounded side
heads as opposed to squared-off side heads.
[0101] FIG. 32 of the drawings shows a side view of a toothbrush in
accordance with the invention with flexible plastic coils or
components which not only allow the base of the toothbrush to move
laterally in both directions, but will also allow lateral bristles
to have back-and-forth, and up-and-down movement in almost any
controlled direction. These movements will allow enhanced contact
of all bristles with individual tooth surfaces, and will mimic and
follow arch configurations with passive contact and without too
much force. These will therefore, assist in proper oral debridement
and hygiene.
[0102] FIG. 29 of the drawings shows a view of a toothbrush and it
is to be noted that the shape and number of the side bristles may
vary with toothbrush models for use by children and adults.
[0103] FIG. 30 of the drawings shows a back view of part of a
toothbrush, the arrows showing possible flexible movements. FIG. 31
shows an end view or front view of a toothbrush with a flexible
plastic coil and possible flexible movements, as indicated by the
arrows shown therein.
[0104] FIG. 33 show an occlusal view of maxillary teeth up to the
second premolar with, once again, the various arrows indicating the
flexibility of the toothbrush in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 34 shows a toothbrush in accordance with the invention in an
occlusal view of maxillary teeth, and the mechanism of the action
of the side bristles on the eleven-headed toothbrush with flexible
coil, shown from the posterior to anterior teeth. All of the
bristles are able to follow the arch properly with predictable
contact and adaptability to each individual tooth surface for most
optimum hygiene. FIG. 35 is a further similar view to those
immediately preceding, the toothbrush shown in an occlusal view of
maxillary permanent teeth. Once more, arrows show flexibility. FIG.
36 shows a view of the posterior teeth with a toothbrush including
the coils. Note that the elevation of one of the teeth is marked
with an asterisk and that the flexible action of the coil follows
this contour and elevation notwithstanding the difference with
respect to the configuration of the surrounding teeth. Again, the
arrows show the flexibility of movement of the base bristles with
the help of the flexible coil.
[0105] FIGS. 37(a), (b), (c) and (d) are bottom, top, section and
plan views of a toothbrush in accordance with one aspect of the
invention which has both brushing and polishing bristles. The
toothbrush in these figures has six sides, three on each
laterality, and a base, providing a total of seven heads. Two types
of bristle are shown in this embodiment. First, there is a smaller
diameter rubber bristle, designated generally by small circles.
This bristle may generally be of the type shown in previous
embodiments. Second, there is also formed a larger rubber bristle,
designated generally by small squares. These bristles may have
separate tasks. The smaller bristle, which may have a diameter of
about 1.2 mm, may address the issues of brushing the teeth, while
the larger bristle, which may have dimensions of about 2.times.2 mm
and an approximate square configuration in section, may be present
for the purposes of polishing the teeth. Therefore, the combination
of these two types of bristles, each addressing a different
function, will provide both cleaning and polishing of the teeth in
a single action.
[0106] FIGS. 38(a), (b), (c) and (d) show a similar type toothbrush
to that illustrated in FIG. 38 insofar as this toothbrush has the
dual bristles for both brushing and polishing of the teeth.
However, this toothbrush has a total of five heads, instead of
seven, with two side heads on each laterality and a base. The
toothbrush illustrated in FIG. 38 may be for younger people, as
opposed to adults. It should be noted that the size of the
toothbrush, including the number of sides, the number of bristles,
the configuration thereof, and the dimensions of the bristles, may
will be varied in accordance with the invention, such as to suit
the age or mouth of the user.
[0107] The various illustrations of a toothbrush in FIG. 39 show a
toothbrush with seven heads, including six sides and one base.
FIGS. 39(a) and 39(b) both show top views, the first illustrating
smaller bristles (1.2 diameter rubber bristle), and the second
illustrating the slightly larger bristles (2.times.2 rubber
bristles). FIGS. 39(c) and 39 (d) show front views illustrating the
respective bristles.
[0108] FIGS. 40(a), 40(b) and 40(c) show a top and two section
views respectively of another toothbrush in accordance with the
invention. These figures illustrate the presence of a scallop
shaped rubber component on the upper portion of the lateral heads,
integrated with a regular plastic base.
[0109] FIG. 41 illustrates a detail in construction of a toothbrush
in one aspect of the invention including a flexible rubber outer
frame component and an inner plastic component.
[0110] FIG. 42 illustrates a detail of a further embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, the bristles on the side of the
toothbrush may be in two different configurations or positions
relative to each other. First, a set of lower bristles is provided
and may be at an angle other than 90.degree. relative to the side
wall of the toothbrush. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 42, the
lower set of bristles are angled slightly upwardly. In one form of
the invention, these bristles may be upwardly angled at
approximately 45.degree. relative to the sidewall of the
toothbrush, but the invention is not limited to such an angle.
Second, a set of higher bristles are mounted such that they are at
substantially 90.degree. relative to the sidewall of the
toothbrush. Note that the set of higher bristles may not
necessarily be at precisely 90.degree. relative to the sidewall,
but may also be slightly angled to some degree, such as, as
examples only, at 5, 10, 15 or 20.degree.. These bristles, either
the upper or lower, may be comprised of rubber or regular bristles,
or a combination thereof. The differently mounted bristles as
illustrated in this figure may be useful to prevent abrasion,
polish the tooth, and stimulate or massage the gums.
[0111] The invention is not limited to the precise details
described herein. Many variations may be made, such as to the type,
size, length, design, material, orientation, hardness or softness
and configuration of the bristles, as well as the number of wall
portions.
* * * * *