CA2566410C - Toothbrush comprising an oral care material dispenser - Google Patents
Toothbrush comprising an oral care material dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2566410C CA2566410C CA2566410A CA2566410A CA2566410C CA 2566410 C CA2566410 C CA 2566410C CA 2566410 A CA2566410 A CA 2566410A CA 2566410 A CA2566410 A CA 2566410A CA 2566410 C CA2566410 C CA 2566410C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- toothbrush
- oral care
- head
- handle
- cleaning
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/0003—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water containing only one dose of substance, e.g. single-use toothbrushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
- A46B11/002—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means
- A46B11/0041—Flexible or deformable reservoirs, e.g. resilient bulbs, compressible tubes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0055—Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0055—Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
- A46B15/0069—Brushes fitted with a interdental devices, e.g. toothpick
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/005—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body where the brushing material is not made of bristles, e.g. sponge, rubber or paper
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C15/00—Devices for cleaning between the teeth
- A61C15/02—Toothpicks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/01—Disposable brush
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/02—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication
Abstract
An oral care toothbrush includes a head mounted to one end of the handle containing a plurality of oral care elements. An oral care accessory is mounted to the opposite end of the handle. An oral care material dispenser is mounted in the head within the cleaning field defined by the oral care elements. The toothbrush is preferably made of small size and of lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home.
Description
TOOTHBRUSH COMPRISING AN ORAL CARE roonramL DISPENSER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to toothbrushes, and, more particularly, to a toothbrush which may have an oral care dispenser, such as a breath freshening, teeth cleaning gel capsule, and an oral care accessory, such as a toothpick.
B. Description of the Related Art The advantages of good dental hygiene are well known.
Often, however, toothbrushes are forgotten when one is traveling or away from home. Hotels, health care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, daycare facilities, schools, airlines, etc. have a need for single use disposable or limited multiple use toothbrushes that may be economically supplied to and discarded by individuals without a toothbrush and/or a water supply. Such toothbrushes could be used in vending machines, or distributed in large quantities for simple, portable use from anywhere.
Various types of disposable, limited use, or portable toothbrushes are known in the art. For example, some toothbrush systems have attempted to meet some of these needs by providing toothpaste within the toothbrush itself, through an integrated channel, for distribution through the toothbrush and around the bristles. This approach can be less economical due to the added manufacturing costs of toothbrushes with integrated channels. In addition, the toothpaste in some of these integrated channel toothbrushes, not being properly sealed, has a tendency to become dry, hard and stale.
U.S. Patent No. 6,135,274 shows an apparatus for brushing teeth that includes an outer bag, a toothbrush sealed within the outer bag, and a dispenser sealed within the outer bag and containing a mouth care solution. In use, the rupturable dispenser is squeezed or otherwise subjected to pressure while the toothbrush remains sealed within the outer bag. Unfortunately, the apparatus for brushing teeth requires an outer bag, increasing the cost of the apparatus, and fails to provide the rupturable dispenser and toothbrush as one complete, connected unit.
The reference also fails to provide a toothpick mechanism for cleaning in between teeth, and which is also connected to the toothbrush.
U.S. Patent No. 6,397,860 discloses a disposable, waterless tooth brushing assembly that includes a toothbrush, a non-foaming, saliva-activated, teeth-cleaning agent pre-applied to the bristles of the toothbrush, a small moistened disposable towel for user after teeth cleaning, and a compact, lightweight, two-layer heat-sealed packaging container for pre-use sanitary storage of the toothbrush and towel. Like U.S. Patent No.
6,135,274, the assembly of U.S. Patent No. 6,397,860 requires a packaging container, increasing the cost of the assembly, and fails to provide a rupturable dispenser and toothbrush as one complete, connected unit. The reference also fails to provide a toothpick mechanism for cleaning in between teeth, and which is also connected to the toothbrush.
Published U.S. application 2002/0106234 discloses a chewable toothbrush made of a flexible shell with bristles coupled to the shell and a chewable centerpiece disposed within the shell interior. A
burstable capsule is disposed adjacent to the chewable centerpiece within the shell interior and maintains a digestible fluid.
None of the toothbrush assemblies of the related art includes a rupturable dispenser containing a dentifrice, a toothpick, and a toothbrush as one complete, connected unit or the various other combination of oral care members and materials, later described. Thus, there is a need in the art for a waterless, toothbrush having a toothpick connected thereto to enable cleaning in between teeth or other accessory, and a dispenser containing a dentifrice or other oral care material and being connected in the bristle or cleaning element portion of the toothbrush for dispensing the dentifrice to the teeth to provide teeth cleaning and breath freshening or other oral care benefits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Some aspects of the present invention may sohretheproblems of the related art by providing in one embodiment a waterless toothbrush having a toothpick connected thereto to enable cleaning in between teeth, and a rupturable dispenser containing a dentifrice and being connected in the bristle portion of the toothbrush for dispensing the dentifrice to the teeth to provide teeth cleaning and breath freshening, all of which deliver a cleaning, polishing, whitening, between teeth cleaning, and breath freshening action in addition to enhancing the cleaning efficiency of a typical disposable or limited use toothbrush. The toothbrush of the present invention in this embodiment combines three benefits into one toothbrush: (1) tooth surface cleaning provided by the toothbrush bristles or other cleaning elements and the dentifrice in the rupturable dispenser;
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to toothbrushes, and, more particularly, to a toothbrush which may have an oral care dispenser, such as a breath freshening, teeth cleaning gel capsule, and an oral care accessory, such as a toothpick.
B. Description of the Related Art The advantages of good dental hygiene are well known.
Often, however, toothbrushes are forgotten when one is traveling or away from home. Hotels, health care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, daycare facilities, schools, airlines, etc. have a need for single use disposable or limited multiple use toothbrushes that may be economically supplied to and discarded by individuals without a toothbrush and/or a water supply. Such toothbrushes could be used in vending machines, or distributed in large quantities for simple, portable use from anywhere.
Various types of disposable, limited use, or portable toothbrushes are known in the art. For example, some toothbrush systems have attempted to meet some of these needs by providing toothpaste within the toothbrush itself, through an integrated channel, for distribution through the toothbrush and around the bristles. This approach can be less economical due to the added manufacturing costs of toothbrushes with integrated channels. In addition, the toothpaste in some of these integrated channel toothbrushes, not being properly sealed, has a tendency to become dry, hard and stale.
U.S. Patent No. 6,135,274 shows an apparatus for brushing teeth that includes an outer bag, a toothbrush sealed within the outer bag, and a dispenser sealed within the outer bag and containing a mouth care solution. In use, the rupturable dispenser is squeezed or otherwise subjected to pressure while the toothbrush remains sealed within the outer bag. Unfortunately, the apparatus for brushing teeth requires an outer bag, increasing the cost of the apparatus, and fails to provide the rupturable dispenser and toothbrush as one complete, connected unit.
The reference also fails to provide a toothpick mechanism for cleaning in between teeth, and which is also connected to the toothbrush.
U.S. Patent No. 6,397,860 discloses a disposable, waterless tooth brushing assembly that includes a toothbrush, a non-foaming, saliva-activated, teeth-cleaning agent pre-applied to the bristles of the toothbrush, a small moistened disposable towel for user after teeth cleaning, and a compact, lightweight, two-layer heat-sealed packaging container for pre-use sanitary storage of the toothbrush and towel. Like U.S. Patent No.
6,135,274, the assembly of U.S. Patent No. 6,397,860 requires a packaging container, increasing the cost of the assembly, and fails to provide a rupturable dispenser and toothbrush as one complete, connected unit. The reference also fails to provide a toothpick mechanism for cleaning in between teeth, and which is also connected to the toothbrush.
Published U.S. application 2002/0106234 discloses a chewable toothbrush made of a flexible shell with bristles coupled to the shell and a chewable centerpiece disposed within the shell interior. A
burstable capsule is disposed adjacent to the chewable centerpiece within the shell interior and maintains a digestible fluid.
None of the toothbrush assemblies of the related art includes a rupturable dispenser containing a dentifrice, a toothpick, and a toothbrush as one complete, connected unit or the various other combination of oral care members and materials, later described. Thus, there is a need in the art for a waterless, toothbrush having a toothpick connected thereto to enable cleaning in between teeth or other accessory, and a dispenser containing a dentifrice or other oral care material and being connected in the bristle or cleaning element portion of the toothbrush for dispensing the dentifrice to the teeth to provide teeth cleaning and breath freshening or other oral care benefits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Some aspects of the present invention may sohretheproblems of the related art by providing in one embodiment a waterless toothbrush having a toothpick connected thereto to enable cleaning in between teeth, and a rupturable dispenser containing a dentifrice and being connected in the bristle portion of the toothbrush for dispensing the dentifrice to the teeth to provide teeth cleaning and breath freshening, all of which deliver a cleaning, polishing, whitening, between teeth cleaning, and breath freshening action in addition to enhancing the cleaning efficiency of a typical disposable or limited use toothbrush. The toothbrush of the present invention in this embodiment combines three benefits into one toothbrush: (1) tooth surface cleaning provided by the toothbrush bristles or other cleaning elements and the dentifrice in the rupturable dispenser;
(2) between teeth cleaning provided by the toothpick; and (3) breath freshening provided by the dentifrice in the rupturable dispenser.
As embodied and broadly described herein, some aspects of the present invention are broadly drawn to an oral care toothbrush, preferably comprising: a handle having an oral care head mounted to one end of the handle with an oral care accessory mounted to an opposite end of the handle. A
plurality of oral care elements such as cleaning/massage elements, which could be bristles, extend outwardly from the outer surface of the head. The head also includes structure for dispensing oral care material in the oral care field of the head.
In a preferred practice of some embodiments of the invention the oral care toothbrush is characterized by its small size and light weight so that it is readily adaptable for travel use. The oral care toothbrush is preferably capable of having multiple functions by including an accessory as part of the toothbrush such as a toothpick, dental floss or tongue cleaner.
In one practice of some embodiments of this invention the oral care toothbrush includes a toothpick formed at one end of the handle; and a head connected at another end of said handle, said head having a bristle block that includes a plurality of bristles and retains a gel capsule therein, the gel capsule containing a mouth care solution. In further embodiments, the gel capsule can be replaced by a quantity of toothpowder, toothpaste or a tooth cleaning gel dentifrice, to provide the cleaning benefits of the dentifrice within the rupturable dispenser.
Further scope of applicability of some embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the , following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
Among the advantages of various practices of some embodiments of the invention are that the size and configuration off the toothbrush allows discreet hygienic use, such as no fingers in the mouth, adapting it to be readily used in public areas. Such uses could be done without the need for a sink or fountain or other source of water.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an oral care toothbrush comprising a handle, a head mounted to one end of said handle, said head having an outer surface, a plurality of oral care elements in an oral care field extending outwardly from said outer surface, and said head having one or more depressions therein to accommodate an oral care material, wherein at least some of the oral care elements comprise bristles, each bristle being injection-molded and extending integrally outwardly from the outer surface of the head and being made of a combination of a resilient and a more rigid material, wherein the resilient material is a thermoplastic elastomer and the more rigid material is selected from the group consisting of linear low density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, and polypropylene.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising a handle, a head attached to one end of said handle, and at least one oral care cleaning element extending outwardly from said head, said at least one oral care cleaning element including an oral care material, and said at least one oral care cleaning element being integrally molded with said head, wherein the at least one oral care element further comprises a single mass of absorbent material.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis and a reservoir disposed therein, a head disposed at a distal end of the handle; an oral care material in the reservoir; the head comprising an oral care element extending from a surface of the head, the handle being radially compressible for dispensing the oral care material from the reservoir via the head; the head oriented so that the surface of the head is at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis; and wherein the acute angle is formed between a reference line that is substantially coextensive with the surface of the head and terminating at a point of intersection with the longitudinal axis and a portion of the longitudinal axis that extends from the point toward a proximal end of the handle.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis and an oral care material disposed therein, a head disposed at a distal end of the handle:
an oral care element extending from surface of the head; a means for dispensing the oral care material to the head; the head oriented so that the surface of the head is at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis; and wherein the acute angle is formed between a reference line that is substantially coextensive with the surface of the head and terminating at a point of intersection with the longitudinal axis and a portion of the longitudinal axis that extends from the point toward a proximal end of the handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of an oral care toothbrush with a toothpick and a breath freshening, teeth cleaning gel capsule connected thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the toothbrush shown in Figs. 1-2;
- 5a -Fig. 4 is a fragmental, cross-sectional view of the head of an oral care toothbrush shown in accordance with this invention;
Figs. 5-6 are side elevational views of other forms of heads for an oral care toothbrush in accordance with this invention;
Fig. 7 is a fragmental side elevational view showing a head detachably mounted to the handle in accordance with a further practice of this invention;
Fig. 8 is a fragmental cross-sectional elevational view showing a vibrating toothbrush head in accordance with this invention;
Figs. 9-10 are fragmental front elevational views partly broken away of portions of a handle in accordance with yet another practice of this invention;
Fig. 11 is a side elevational view partly in section of yet another toothbrush in accordance with this invention;
and Figs. 12-13 are front elevational views showing various forms of toothbrushes in accordance with this invention in the packaged or display condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different figures identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention.
Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
Figs. 1-4 illustrate one practice of the present invention wherein an oral care toothbrush 10 includes a head 12 and a handle 14. Head 12 may be a refill head and thus be removably connected to handle 14, or head 12 may be permanently connected to head 12 within the practice of the present invention.
The majority of handle 14 and a portion of head 12 may be molded from a variety of rigid materials, including plastics, resins, etc., such as, for example, polypropylene. An end portion of handle 14, opposite the end head 12 is attached to an accessory, preferably a toothpick 16 formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer.
Toothpick 16 may be a refill and thus be removably connected to handle 14, or toothpick 16 may be permanently connected to handle 14 within the practice of the present invention. Toothpick 16 provides a mechanism for spot cleaning between teeth. Forming toothpick 16 of a soft elastomer provides more comfortable interproximal cleaning between teeth. Toothpick 16 could, however, be made of a stiff rigid material similar to the main portion of handle 14, or could simply be a rubber or elastomeric pick adhered or otherwise mounted to the end of handle 14.
Portions 18 of handle 14 may also be formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer which forms toothpick 16 and handle portions 18 may be a thermoplastic vulcanate (TPV) consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and EPDM
(ethylene propylene diene monomers) which is available as SANTOPRENE (brand), described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,796, or VYRAM (brand), another TPV consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and natural rubber. Both SANTOPRENE and VYRAM (brands) are elastomers marketed by Advanced Elastomer Systems. Other suitable elastomers include KRATON, a brand of styrene block copolymer (SEC) marketed by Shell, and DYNAFLEX G 2706 (brand), a thermoplastic elastomer marketed by GLS Corporation and which is made with KRATON (brand) polymer.
As embodied and broadly described herein, some aspects of the present invention are broadly drawn to an oral care toothbrush, preferably comprising: a handle having an oral care head mounted to one end of the handle with an oral care accessory mounted to an opposite end of the handle. A
plurality of oral care elements such as cleaning/massage elements, which could be bristles, extend outwardly from the outer surface of the head. The head also includes structure for dispensing oral care material in the oral care field of the head.
In a preferred practice of some embodiments of the invention the oral care toothbrush is characterized by its small size and light weight so that it is readily adaptable for travel use. The oral care toothbrush is preferably capable of having multiple functions by including an accessory as part of the toothbrush such as a toothpick, dental floss or tongue cleaner.
In one practice of some embodiments of this invention the oral care toothbrush includes a toothpick formed at one end of the handle; and a head connected at another end of said handle, said head having a bristle block that includes a plurality of bristles and retains a gel capsule therein, the gel capsule containing a mouth care solution. In further embodiments, the gel capsule can be replaced by a quantity of toothpowder, toothpaste or a tooth cleaning gel dentifrice, to provide the cleaning benefits of the dentifrice within the rupturable dispenser.
Further scope of applicability of some embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the , following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
Among the advantages of various practices of some embodiments of the invention are that the size and configuration off the toothbrush allows discreet hygienic use, such as no fingers in the mouth, adapting it to be readily used in public areas. Such uses could be done without the need for a sink or fountain or other source of water.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an oral care toothbrush comprising a handle, a head mounted to one end of said handle, said head having an outer surface, a plurality of oral care elements in an oral care field extending outwardly from said outer surface, and said head having one or more depressions therein to accommodate an oral care material, wherein at least some of the oral care elements comprise bristles, each bristle being injection-molded and extending integrally outwardly from the outer surface of the head and being made of a combination of a resilient and a more rigid material, wherein the resilient material is a thermoplastic elastomer and the more rigid material is selected from the group consisting of linear low density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, and polypropylene.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising a handle, a head attached to one end of said handle, and at least one oral care cleaning element extending outwardly from said head, said at least one oral care cleaning element including an oral care material, and said at least one oral care cleaning element being integrally molded with said head, wherein the at least one oral care element further comprises a single mass of absorbent material.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis and a reservoir disposed therein, a head disposed at a distal end of the handle; an oral care material in the reservoir; the head comprising an oral care element extending from a surface of the head, the handle being radially compressible for dispensing the oral care material from the reservoir via the head; the head oriented so that the surface of the head is at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis; and wherein the acute angle is formed between a reference line that is substantially coextensive with the surface of the head and terminating at a point of intersection with the longitudinal axis and a portion of the longitudinal axis that extends from the point toward a proximal end of the handle.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis and an oral care material disposed therein, a head disposed at a distal end of the handle:
an oral care element extending from surface of the head; a means for dispensing the oral care material to the head; the head oriented so that the surface of the head is at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis; and wherein the acute angle is formed between a reference line that is substantially coextensive with the surface of the head and terminating at a point of intersection with the longitudinal axis and a portion of the longitudinal axis that extends from the point toward a proximal end of the handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of an oral care toothbrush with a toothpick and a breath freshening, teeth cleaning gel capsule connected thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the toothbrush shown in Figs. 1-2;
- 5a -Fig. 4 is a fragmental, cross-sectional view of the head of an oral care toothbrush shown in accordance with this invention;
Figs. 5-6 are side elevational views of other forms of heads for an oral care toothbrush in accordance with this invention;
Fig. 7 is a fragmental side elevational view showing a head detachably mounted to the handle in accordance with a further practice of this invention;
Fig. 8 is a fragmental cross-sectional elevational view showing a vibrating toothbrush head in accordance with this invention;
Figs. 9-10 are fragmental front elevational views partly broken away of portions of a handle in accordance with yet another practice of this invention;
Fig. 11 is a side elevational view partly in section of yet another toothbrush in accordance with this invention;
and Figs. 12-13 are front elevational views showing various forms of toothbrushes in accordance with this invention in the packaged or display condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different figures identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention.
Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
Figs. 1-4 illustrate one practice of the present invention wherein an oral care toothbrush 10 includes a head 12 and a handle 14. Head 12 may be a refill head and thus be removably connected to handle 14, or head 12 may be permanently connected to head 12 within the practice of the present invention.
The majority of handle 14 and a portion of head 12 may be molded from a variety of rigid materials, including plastics, resins, etc., such as, for example, polypropylene. An end portion of handle 14, opposite the end head 12 is attached to an accessory, preferably a toothpick 16 formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer.
Toothpick 16 may be a refill and thus be removably connected to handle 14, or toothpick 16 may be permanently connected to handle 14 within the practice of the present invention. Toothpick 16 provides a mechanism for spot cleaning between teeth. Forming toothpick 16 of a soft elastomer provides more comfortable interproximal cleaning between teeth. Toothpick 16 could, however, be made of a stiff rigid material similar to the main portion of handle 14, or could simply be a rubber or elastomeric pick adhered or otherwise mounted to the end of handle 14.
Portions 18 of handle 14 may also be formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer which forms toothpick 16 and handle portions 18 may be a thermoplastic vulcanate (TPV) consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and EPDM
(ethylene propylene diene monomers) which is available as SANTOPRENE (brand), described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,796, or VYRAM (brand), another TPV consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and natural rubber. Both SANTOPRENE and VYRAM (brands) are elastomers marketed by Advanced Elastomer Systems. Other suitable elastomers include KRATON, a brand of styrene block copolymer (SEC) marketed by Shell, and DYNAFLEX G 2706 (brand), a thermoplastic elastomer marketed by GLS Corporation and which is made with KRATON (brand) polymer.
Handle 14 may further include dimples, bumps, or ridges protruding from portions of its surface, and providing a decorative appearance to handle 14 and enhanced gripping of handle 14 during use of toothbrush 10. The dimples may be formed from the same material as soft elastomer portions 18 of handle 14 or from the same material as the majority of handle 14 (e.g., a rigid material such as polypropylene). All or part of handle 14 could be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, wood, metal or various natural materials which are biodegradable.
Preferably handle 14 is made of a generally flat or oval shape rather than cylindrical in its gripping portion which would be between the spaced elastomer portions 18,18 to facilitate the gripping of the handle.
As shown in Figure 4 another portion of head 12, defining a bristle or cleaning element block 22 of head 12, may also be formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer, such as the thermoplastic elastomer used to form handle portions 18. Cleaning block 22 may include one or more depressions 24 provided in a surface thereof with an opening 30 therein that provides a cushioning effect to a rupturable dispenser, preferably a gel capsule 32, contained therein, as described more fully below. Cleaning block 22 further includes a multitude of cleaning elements which could be conventional filament, preferably nylon, or elastomeric bristles or fingers 26 extending integrally outwardly from the outer surface of head 12. In the illustrated embodiment as best shown in Fig. 4, all of the cleaning elements 26 extend outwardly from the outer surface of block 22 the same distance so as to create a generally flat surface. Alternatively, however, some elements 26 may be shorter or longer than other elements 26.
Preferably handle 14 is made of a generally flat or oval shape rather than cylindrical in its gripping portion which would be between the spaced elastomer portions 18,18 to facilitate the gripping of the handle.
As shown in Figure 4 another portion of head 12, defining a bristle or cleaning element block 22 of head 12, may also be formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer, such as the thermoplastic elastomer used to form handle portions 18. Cleaning block 22 may include one or more depressions 24 provided in a surface thereof with an opening 30 therein that provides a cushioning effect to a rupturable dispenser, preferably a gel capsule 32, contained therein, as described more fully below. Cleaning block 22 further includes a multitude of cleaning elements which could be conventional filament, preferably nylon, or elastomeric bristles or fingers 26 extending integrally outwardly from the outer surface of head 12. In the illustrated embodiment as best shown in Fig. 4, all of the cleaning elements 26 extend outwardly from the outer surface of block 22 the same distance so as to create a generally flat surface. Alternatively, however, some elements 26 may be shorter or longer than other elements 26.
The term "cleaning elements" as used herein is intended to be used in a generic sense as cleaning elements or massage elements arranged in a circular cross-section shape or any type of desired shape, including straight portions or sinusoidal portions. It is to be understood that the specific illustration of the cleaning elements is merely for exemplary purposes. The invention can, however, be practiced with various combinations of the same or different configurations (such as stapled, in-mold tufting (IMT) bristle technology as disclosed in U.S.
Patent Nos. 5,609,890, 5,390,984, and 5,533,791) and/or with the same or different bristle materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.). Similarly, while Figs. 1-4 illustrate the cleaning elements 26 to be generally perpendicular to the outer surface of head 12, some or all of the cleaning elements 26 may be angled at various angles with respect to the outer surface of head 12. It is thereby possible to select the combination of configurations, materials and orientations to achieve specific intended results, such as enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing, breath freshening, tooth whitening and/or massaging of the gums.
As stated above, the cleaning block 22 may include one or more depressions 24 which are designed to receive and retain an oral care dispenser, such as a rupturable gel capsule 32 therein. The one or more depressions 24 can be varied in size so as to accommodate not only varying size dispensers 32, but varying quantities of toothpowder, a toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice or other oral care material, for delivery to the dentiture as the elements 26 extending from the block 22 are applied thereto, during use of the present invention such that the , oral care material enhances the cleaning of the dentiture by the cleaning elements. While the present invention can be manufactured containing a packed toothpowder, toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice and used repeatedly by the user refilling the dispenser with toothpowder, toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice, it is preferably used with one or more gel capsules 32 contained therein. Most preferably the present invention is used with a single gel capsule 32, supplied therewith, so as to be most easily transported, used, and subsequently disposed of; however, it may also be used repeatedly with replaceable gel capsules 32, and then disposed of.
It is preferred that the depression is in the form of a cushioned socket 28 sized and shaped to receive and retain the gel capsule 32, without premature rupture of the gel capsule 32 prior to use thereof during application of the bristle block 22 to the dentiture and brushing thereof.
Cushioning socket 28 opening 30, and the material making up bristle block 22 provide a cushioning effect for gel capsule 32 to prevent gel capsule 32 from rupturing prior to use.
Gel capsule 32 holds and applies a mouth care solution onto bristles 26 of toothbrush head 12. The mouth care solution may be a toothpaste, a gel, a mouthwash, or similar dentifrice or oral hygiene product, or a combination of the same contained in the rupturable capsule 32. Preferably gel capsule 32 is a liquid-filled gel capsule having frangible, thin walls that easily rupture or burst when rubbed against the teeth, or dissolve when mixed with the saliva of a user. The materials making up gel capsule 32 and the oral or mouth care solution contained therein preferably are consumable by the user of toothbrush 10, eliminating the need for water, a sink, or a waste receptacle to expectorate the gel capsule 32 or its contents. The mouth care solution remains in gel capsule 32 until toothbrush 10 is ready for use. Preferably, gel capsule 32 is fully sealed, helping the mouth care solution to remain fresh until use.
In use, gel capsule 32 would be pressed against the teeth and burst or rupture or dissolve, applying the mouth care solution over cleaning elements 26. The user then may brush their teeth with toothbrush 10. The user may also use toothpick 16 to clean between teeth, either before or after brushing. After the user has used toothbrush 10, one may, but not necessarily, then easily and economically dispose of toothbrush 10.
In one preferred aspect of the present invention, the entire structure of toothbrush 10, including head 12, handle 14, and toothpick 16, is molded as one integral structure, using a conventional two-component injection molding operation typically used in the manufacture of toothbrushes. This enables toothbrush 10 to be economically and quickly manufactured. Although toothbrush 10 may have a variety of sizes and dimensions, it is preferred that toothbrush 10 have a small profile, with head 12 being small enough to cover one tooth at a time and handle being thinner than conventional, everyday toothbrush handles.
Toothbrush 10 is thus readily portable or space saving.
The toothbrush 10 of the present invention provides many benefits, including the cosmetic benefits of brushing one's teeth in a form that can be used when one is away from home, and away from a water supply. The cosmetic benefits achieved by the toothbrush 10 of the present invention include the cleaning of debris between teeth with toothpick 16, broad tooth surface cleaning (particularly the front teeth) with cleaning elements 26 and the mouth care solution of gel capsule 32, and breath freshening with the mouth care solution of gel capsule 32.
In addition to the cosmetic benefits, the toothbrush of the present invention also provides economic 5 benefits in the form of an inexpensive toothbrush that is both quickly and economically manufactured. Toothbrush 10 also provides a mechanism for maintaining oral health, without the need for toothpaste, water, mouth wash, and containers to hold the same. Thus, toothbrush 10 is also 10 very convenient to use.
Although Figs. 1-4 illustrate a manually-operated, disposable toothbrush, the present invention may also be practiced where the head includes one or more power or electrically operated movable sections carrying cleaning elements. Such movable section may oscillate in a rotational manner or may oscillate linearly in a longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head or may oscillate linearly in a lateral or transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head. The movable section may oscillate in and out in a direction toward and away from the outer surface of the head. The movable section may rock back and forth with respect to the outer surface of the head. The movable section may rotate continuously in the same direction, rather than oscillate. Any suitable drive mechanism may be used for imparting the desired motion to the movable section. Where plural movable sections are used, all of the movable sections may have the same type and direction of movement, or combinations of different movements may be used.
In accordance with one aspect of this invention the cleaning elements may be in the form of bristles made from conventional materials, such as nylon, as well as from a combination of materials so as to provide the proper stiffness in an economical manner. For example, the cleaning elements could be made of a flexible resilient material, such as TPE and a lesser expensive material such as LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) or EVA
(ethylene vinyl acetate) or a TPE. The cleaning elements could be made of a blend of TPE and either LLDPE, EVA, or polypropylene. Preferably, the two materials are combined to provide a stiffness of less than 600 MPa. The blend of materials would give the properties of conventional nylon bristles, while offering reduced costs. For example, there would be lower manufacturing costs by injection molding instead of conventional bristle tufting.
Alternatively the resilient material could be a single material, such as hard TPE (i.e. Shore A 80 hardness), straight LLDPE or straight EVA.
The cleaning elements may be of any desired shape.
For example, the cleaning elements could be of cylindrical shape having a uniform diameter throughout their length.
Alternatively, the cleaning elements could taper from the root of each cleaning element where it extends from head 22 to its outer cleaning end. Since a preferred practice of the invention is to provide a small lightweight toothbrush the dimensions of the various components of toothbrush 10 are preferably small. Thus, for example, each cleaning elements may extend outwardly from the outer surface of cleaning block 12 a distance no greater than 10mm and preferably no greater than 8mm and most preferably no greater than 6mm. Where tapered cleaning elements are used the root diameter should be no greater than 1.5mm, preferably no greater than 1mm, most preferably no greater than 0.7mm or no greater than 0.5mm or no greater than 03.mm. The diameter could then decrease in size to no greater than 0.2mm at a distance of no greater than 6mm from the base of the cleaning element.
Patent Nos. 5,609,890, 5,390,984, and 5,533,791) and/or with the same or different bristle materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.). Similarly, while Figs. 1-4 illustrate the cleaning elements 26 to be generally perpendicular to the outer surface of head 12, some or all of the cleaning elements 26 may be angled at various angles with respect to the outer surface of head 12. It is thereby possible to select the combination of configurations, materials and orientations to achieve specific intended results, such as enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing, breath freshening, tooth whitening and/or massaging of the gums.
As stated above, the cleaning block 22 may include one or more depressions 24 which are designed to receive and retain an oral care dispenser, such as a rupturable gel capsule 32 therein. The one or more depressions 24 can be varied in size so as to accommodate not only varying size dispensers 32, but varying quantities of toothpowder, a toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice or other oral care material, for delivery to the dentiture as the elements 26 extending from the block 22 are applied thereto, during use of the present invention such that the , oral care material enhances the cleaning of the dentiture by the cleaning elements. While the present invention can be manufactured containing a packed toothpowder, toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice and used repeatedly by the user refilling the dispenser with toothpowder, toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice, it is preferably used with one or more gel capsules 32 contained therein. Most preferably the present invention is used with a single gel capsule 32, supplied therewith, so as to be most easily transported, used, and subsequently disposed of; however, it may also be used repeatedly with replaceable gel capsules 32, and then disposed of.
It is preferred that the depression is in the form of a cushioned socket 28 sized and shaped to receive and retain the gel capsule 32, without premature rupture of the gel capsule 32 prior to use thereof during application of the bristle block 22 to the dentiture and brushing thereof.
Cushioning socket 28 opening 30, and the material making up bristle block 22 provide a cushioning effect for gel capsule 32 to prevent gel capsule 32 from rupturing prior to use.
Gel capsule 32 holds and applies a mouth care solution onto bristles 26 of toothbrush head 12. The mouth care solution may be a toothpaste, a gel, a mouthwash, or similar dentifrice or oral hygiene product, or a combination of the same contained in the rupturable capsule 32. Preferably gel capsule 32 is a liquid-filled gel capsule having frangible, thin walls that easily rupture or burst when rubbed against the teeth, or dissolve when mixed with the saliva of a user. The materials making up gel capsule 32 and the oral or mouth care solution contained therein preferably are consumable by the user of toothbrush 10, eliminating the need for water, a sink, or a waste receptacle to expectorate the gel capsule 32 or its contents. The mouth care solution remains in gel capsule 32 until toothbrush 10 is ready for use. Preferably, gel capsule 32 is fully sealed, helping the mouth care solution to remain fresh until use.
In use, gel capsule 32 would be pressed against the teeth and burst or rupture or dissolve, applying the mouth care solution over cleaning elements 26. The user then may brush their teeth with toothbrush 10. The user may also use toothpick 16 to clean between teeth, either before or after brushing. After the user has used toothbrush 10, one may, but not necessarily, then easily and economically dispose of toothbrush 10.
In one preferred aspect of the present invention, the entire structure of toothbrush 10, including head 12, handle 14, and toothpick 16, is molded as one integral structure, using a conventional two-component injection molding operation typically used in the manufacture of toothbrushes. This enables toothbrush 10 to be economically and quickly manufactured. Although toothbrush 10 may have a variety of sizes and dimensions, it is preferred that toothbrush 10 have a small profile, with head 12 being small enough to cover one tooth at a time and handle being thinner than conventional, everyday toothbrush handles.
Toothbrush 10 is thus readily portable or space saving.
The toothbrush 10 of the present invention provides many benefits, including the cosmetic benefits of brushing one's teeth in a form that can be used when one is away from home, and away from a water supply. The cosmetic benefits achieved by the toothbrush 10 of the present invention include the cleaning of debris between teeth with toothpick 16, broad tooth surface cleaning (particularly the front teeth) with cleaning elements 26 and the mouth care solution of gel capsule 32, and breath freshening with the mouth care solution of gel capsule 32.
In addition to the cosmetic benefits, the toothbrush of the present invention also provides economic 5 benefits in the form of an inexpensive toothbrush that is both quickly and economically manufactured. Toothbrush 10 also provides a mechanism for maintaining oral health, without the need for toothpaste, water, mouth wash, and containers to hold the same. Thus, toothbrush 10 is also 10 very convenient to use.
Although Figs. 1-4 illustrate a manually-operated, disposable toothbrush, the present invention may also be practiced where the head includes one or more power or electrically operated movable sections carrying cleaning elements. Such movable section may oscillate in a rotational manner or may oscillate linearly in a longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head or may oscillate linearly in a lateral or transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head. The movable section may oscillate in and out in a direction toward and away from the outer surface of the head. The movable section may rock back and forth with respect to the outer surface of the head. The movable section may rotate continuously in the same direction, rather than oscillate. Any suitable drive mechanism may be used for imparting the desired motion to the movable section. Where plural movable sections are used, all of the movable sections may have the same type and direction of movement, or combinations of different movements may be used.
In accordance with one aspect of this invention the cleaning elements may be in the form of bristles made from conventional materials, such as nylon, as well as from a combination of materials so as to provide the proper stiffness in an economical manner. For example, the cleaning elements could be made of a flexible resilient material, such as TPE and a lesser expensive material such as LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) or EVA
(ethylene vinyl acetate) or a TPE. The cleaning elements could be made of a blend of TPE and either LLDPE, EVA, or polypropylene. Preferably, the two materials are combined to provide a stiffness of less than 600 MPa. The blend of materials would give the properties of conventional nylon bristles, while offering reduced costs. For example, there would be lower manufacturing costs by injection molding instead of conventional bristle tufting.
Alternatively the resilient material could be a single material, such as hard TPE (i.e. Shore A 80 hardness), straight LLDPE or straight EVA.
The cleaning elements may be of any desired shape.
For example, the cleaning elements could be of cylindrical shape having a uniform diameter throughout their length.
Alternatively, the cleaning elements could taper from the root of each cleaning element where it extends from head 22 to its outer cleaning end. Since a preferred practice of the invention is to provide a small lightweight toothbrush the dimensions of the various components of toothbrush 10 are preferably small. Thus, for example, each cleaning elements may extend outwardly from the outer surface of cleaning block 12 a distance no greater than 10mm and preferably no greater than 8mm and most preferably no greater than 6mm. Where tapered cleaning elements are used the root diameter should be no greater than 1.5mm, preferably no greater than 1mm, most preferably no greater than 0.7mm or no greater than 0.5mm or no greater than 03.mm. The diameter could then decrease in size to no greater than 0.2mm at a distance of no greater than 6mm from the base of the cleaning element.
The taper relationship of diameter at a distance location above the root diameter could be a range of no greater than lmm at a distance of no greater than 10mm, preferably no greater than 0.6mm at a distance of no greater than 8mm, most preferably no greater than 0.2mm at a distance of no greater than 6mm. Preferably, the length of the entire toothbrush 10 is no greater than 5 inches, preferably no greater than 4 inches, and more preferably no greater than 3.75 or 3 or 2.50 inches, and may be in the range of 2 to 4 inches.
As illustrated in Figures 1 and 4 the cleaning elements define a cleaning field in the head and the dispenser 32 is mounted within this cleaning field. The cleaning elements 26 preferably extend outwardly from the cleaning block 22 to be approximately flush with the outer surface of the gel bead or capsule 32, as shown in Figure 4. The invention, however, can also be practiced where the cleaning elements extend either a greater distance or a lesser distance than the dispenser 32. Since toothbrush 10 is intended to be both small and lightweight, it is preferred that toothbrush 10 weigh no more than 3 grams.
The small size is such that it can be held completely within the palm of an adult user. Head 12 is of a size that it would correspond to the size of an individual tooth or an individual tooth and the interproximal areas.
Head 12 could be made of any suitable shape and is preferably of circular or oval shape having a maximum lateral dimension or diameter of no greater than 13mm, preferably no greater than 12mm and most preferably no greater than 11mm. Where head 12 is of non-circular shape its maximum lateral dimension is 14mm.
As shown in Figure 2 head 12 is preferably at an angle between 00 and 90 to the longitudinal axis of handle 14. The preferred angle is from 200 to 700 and more preferably from 300 to 60 . The cleaning elements could be perpendicular to the outer surface of head 12 or could also be at an angle to the outer surface such as in the range of 60 to 90 or in the range of 750 to 90 .
In one practice of the invention the cleaning elements could be hollow, such as hollow bristles, which are capable of absorbing a medicament by capillary action.
Such practice of the invention would be particularly useful for children where a medicament or some form of flavor could be dispensed from the hollow cleaning elements. It is also possible to leach antibacterial material from the cleaning elements. In one practice of the invention where the cleaning elements are used to dispense oral care materials the cleaning elements themselves may be considered as the oral care dispensers without requiring additional dispensers such as capsule 32.
Where specific parameters and characteristics have been given for cleaning elements, the invention could be practiced where other cleaning elements do not include those parameters and characteristics.
Figures 5-6 show other variations in the practice of this invention wherein the cleaning elements are in the form of a single mass having an irregular outer surface.
As shown in Figure 5 the mass 34 is similar to that of "steel wool" as used in household cleaning or could be part of Velcro formations, such as hooks or loops.
Figure 6 shows a variation where the cleaning element 36 is of a single mass of foam for cotton which could be used as a swab for oral care material. The outer surface of the swab could be generally planar or could have surface irregularities. In such practice of the invention the cleaning element 36 could be impregnated with the oral care material or could be dipped into oral care material so as to absorb the material and thereby the cleaning element 36 would also function as the oral care dispenser.
Such swab type cleaning elements are gentle for children, particularly infants.
The invention could be practiced where the various components of the toothbrush 10 are segmented for manufacturing and assembly purposes. Such segmented components could also be detachably connected together so as to permit the interchangeability of the components thereby providing the possibility for the substitution of different components in the combination. Thus, the head 12 could be detachably connected to the handle 14. Figure 7, for example, illustrates head 12 to be detachably mounted to handle 14 by a snap fitting 38 which may be of any suitable construction as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
The concept of a detachable interconnection may also be used wherein the dispenser 32 is detachably mounted in the head 12 or wherein the oral care accessory, such as toothpick 16, is detachably mounted to handle 14. Thus, as later described with respect to Figures 12 and 13 the toothbrush and its various components could be packaged wherein the same package includes a plurality of toothbrushes and/or a plurality of different components such as heads, dispensers or accessories.
Figure 8 shows a further practice of the invention wherein a piezoelectric crystal 40 is provided in the handle 14 at the junction with head 12 so as to cause the head 12 to vibrate during use. Alternatively the head 12 could be mounted to a rotatable shaft extending from the handle and having an eccentric weight on the shaft to cause the head to vibrate.
Although Figures 1-3 illustrate an oral care accessory 16 in the form of a toothpick, other types of accessories 42 could be used as schematically shown in Figure 9. As illustrated therein such accessory 42 would be mounted to the end of handle 14 similar to the mounting of toothpick 16. Such mounting could be detachable or of a permanent nature.
Examples of such oral care accessories include tongue cleaners, floss holders or an interproximal brush. Similarly, the accessory could be of a swab or foam type similar to the cleaning element 36 of Figure 6 or could be of the single mass of roughened material such as the cleaning element 34 of Figure 5.
Figure 10 shows another variation of the invention wherein the toothbrush is particularly adapted for use by children. Such use is enhanced by providing any suitable ornament or caricature 44 on the toothbrush, such as on the handle or on any other suitable location including the backside of the head. Such ornament 44 could be detachably mounted so that it could be kept by the child after the rest of the toothbrush is thrown away. Other aspects of the invention which make it desirable for use by children include the possibilities of dispensing various types of oral care materials including materials having special flavors, tooth numbing materials, anti-sensitive materials or various medicaments.
The toothbrush could also be made of various colors for different parts of the toothbrush. For example, soft elastomer 18 could be made of a different, such as a contrasting, color with respect to the remainder of handle 14 which would be made of a rigid material. Similarly, the head 12 could be made of a different color than the rigid portion of the handle and/or the soft elastomer portions 18. The cleaning elements 26 could be made of distinct colors and the dispenser 32 could also be made of a distinct color. Along the same lines the accessory such as toothpick 16 or other accessory 42 could be made of a distinct color. These various colors could be contrasting or complementary with each other. Thus, for example, the various colors could differ only slightly in color or shade.
Figure 11 illustrates another practice of the invention wherein the handle 14 has a hollow chamber 46 in which the oral care material could be contained. Chamber 46 leads to a passageway 48 which extends to the head 12 such as terminating in a plurality of branches 49 at the outer surface of head 12 within the cleaning field. In order to dispense the oral care material located in the chamber or reservoir 46 handle 14 would have sufficient resiliency so that it can be squeezed thereby forcing the material from the handle to the head into a dispensing cavity or one or more dispensing openings.
Any suitable oral care products could be dispensed from the dispenser. Such products include, but are not limited to the gel capsule 32 as previously described and could contain toothpaste, tooth powder or could be a small vial of mouthwash having a gel, a powder or a liquid.
Such a vial could be separately included in a package containing the toothbrush. The materials could be flavored and could be provided in sets of different flavors and/or different characteristics such as medicaments, numbing materials, etc.
Where the dispensers 32 are in the form of beads, different beads or capsules could be used with different colors/flavors to enhance consumer appeal. As described the capsule 32 could be an impregnated bead that burst.
Suitable beads include those supplied by Mane Inc.
Any suitable methods may be used for forming toothbrush 10 and its various components. For example, multi-component injection molding could be used to integrally couple various components such as the cleaning elements and the head and/or the handle. This could be done in an automated or multiple step process. The handle could be rotocast blow molded to form a hollow squeeze handle that would be usable in the embodiment shown in Figure 11.
Figures 12-13 show different manners of packaging toothbrushes in accordance with this invention. As shown in Figure 12, for example, a single package 50 could contain a plurality of toothbrushes 10 all of which could be the same or could differ from each other. The package 50 could be of any conventional construction, such as a blister pack, which might include a hole 52 to permit the package to be hung for display purposes.
Figure 13 illustrates a variation wherein the package 54 includes one or more toothbrushes 10 and a plurality of other components 56 which could be accessories or dispensers or other components. The components could include a small vial of mouthwash.
Preferably, the package 50 or 54 would be hermetically sealed to assure freshness. Such hermetic sealing is particularly desired to prevent moisture from reaching gel capsule 32 and causing the capsule to burst.
As is apparent the present invention provides an oral care toothbrush which is preferably small in size and portable and can be conveniently used away from home under circumstances, such as travel, where water is not readily available.
The invention could be practiced with a combination of various components which do not involve "toothbrush"
usage. In that sense the invention is an oral care device or the like, rather than strictly being a toothbrush.
Where used as a toothbrush or the like, the invention may have the advantages, because of the size and configuration, to allow discreet hygienic use, such as no fingers in the mouth, adapting it to be readily used in public areas.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
As illustrated in Figures 1 and 4 the cleaning elements define a cleaning field in the head and the dispenser 32 is mounted within this cleaning field. The cleaning elements 26 preferably extend outwardly from the cleaning block 22 to be approximately flush with the outer surface of the gel bead or capsule 32, as shown in Figure 4. The invention, however, can also be practiced where the cleaning elements extend either a greater distance or a lesser distance than the dispenser 32. Since toothbrush 10 is intended to be both small and lightweight, it is preferred that toothbrush 10 weigh no more than 3 grams.
The small size is such that it can be held completely within the palm of an adult user. Head 12 is of a size that it would correspond to the size of an individual tooth or an individual tooth and the interproximal areas.
Head 12 could be made of any suitable shape and is preferably of circular or oval shape having a maximum lateral dimension or diameter of no greater than 13mm, preferably no greater than 12mm and most preferably no greater than 11mm. Where head 12 is of non-circular shape its maximum lateral dimension is 14mm.
As shown in Figure 2 head 12 is preferably at an angle between 00 and 90 to the longitudinal axis of handle 14. The preferred angle is from 200 to 700 and more preferably from 300 to 60 . The cleaning elements could be perpendicular to the outer surface of head 12 or could also be at an angle to the outer surface such as in the range of 60 to 90 or in the range of 750 to 90 .
In one practice of the invention the cleaning elements could be hollow, such as hollow bristles, which are capable of absorbing a medicament by capillary action.
Such practice of the invention would be particularly useful for children where a medicament or some form of flavor could be dispensed from the hollow cleaning elements. It is also possible to leach antibacterial material from the cleaning elements. In one practice of the invention where the cleaning elements are used to dispense oral care materials the cleaning elements themselves may be considered as the oral care dispensers without requiring additional dispensers such as capsule 32.
Where specific parameters and characteristics have been given for cleaning elements, the invention could be practiced where other cleaning elements do not include those parameters and characteristics.
Figures 5-6 show other variations in the practice of this invention wherein the cleaning elements are in the form of a single mass having an irregular outer surface.
As shown in Figure 5 the mass 34 is similar to that of "steel wool" as used in household cleaning or could be part of Velcro formations, such as hooks or loops.
Figure 6 shows a variation where the cleaning element 36 is of a single mass of foam for cotton which could be used as a swab for oral care material. The outer surface of the swab could be generally planar or could have surface irregularities. In such practice of the invention the cleaning element 36 could be impregnated with the oral care material or could be dipped into oral care material so as to absorb the material and thereby the cleaning element 36 would also function as the oral care dispenser.
Such swab type cleaning elements are gentle for children, particularly infants.
The invention could be practiced where the various components of the toothbrush 10 are segmented for manufacturing and assembly purposes. Such segmented components could also be detachably connected together so as to permit the interchangeability of the components thereby providing the possibility for the substitution of different components in the combination. Thus, the head 12 could be detachably connected to the handle 14. Figure 7, for example, illustrates head 12 to be detachably mounted to handle 14 by a snap fitting 38 which may be of any suitable construction as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
The concept of a detachable interconnection may also be used wherein the dispenser 32 is detachably mounted in the head 12 or wherein the oral care accessory, such as toothpick 16, is detachably mounted to handle 14. Thus, as later described with respect to Figures 12 and 13 the toothbrush and its various components could be packaged wherein the same package includes a plurality of toothbrushes and/or a plurality of different components such as heads, dispensers or accessories.
Figure 8 shows a further practice of the invention wherein a piezoelectric crystal 40 is provided in the handle 14 at the junction with head 12 so as to cause the head 12 to vibrate during use. Alternatively the head 12 could be mounted to a rotatable shaft extending from the handle and having an eccentric weight on the shaft to cause the head to vibrate.
Although Figures 1-3 illustrate an oral care accessory 16 in the form of a toothpick, other types of accessories 42 could be used as schematically shown in Figure 9. As illustrated therein such accessory 42 would be mounted to the end of handle 14 similar to the mounting of toothpick 16. Such mounting could be detachable or of a permanent nature.
Examples of such oral care accessories include tongue cleaners, floss holders or an interproximal brush. Similarly, the accessory could be of a swab or foam type similar to the cleaning element 36 of Figure 6 or could be of the single mass of roughened material such as the cleaning element 34 of Figure 5.
Figure 10 shows another variation of the invention wherein the toothbrush is particularly adapted for use by children. Such use is enhanced by providing any suitable ornament or caricature 44 on the toothbrush, such as on the handle or on any other suitable location including the backside of the head. Such ornament 44 could be detachably mounted so that it could be kept by the child after the rest of the toothbrush is thrown away. Other aspects of the invention which make it desirable for use by children include the possibilities of dispensing various types of oral care materials including materials having special flavors, tooth numbing materials, anti-sensitive materials or various medicaments.
The toothbrush could also be made of various colors for different parts of the toothbrush. For example, soft elastomer 18 could be made of a different, such as a contrasting, color with respect to the remainder of handle 14 which would be made of a rigid material. Similarly, the head 12 could be made of a different color than the rigid portion of the handle and/or the soft elastomer portions 18. The cleaning elements 26 could be made of distinct colors and the dispenser 32 could also be made of a distinct color. Along the same lines the accessory such as toothpick 16 or other accessory 42 could be made of a distinct color. These various colors could be contrasting or complementary with each other. Thus, for example, the various colors could differ only slightly in color or shade.
Figure 11 illustrates another practice of the invention wherein the handle 14 has a hollow chamber 46 in which the oral care material could be contained. Chamber 46 leads to a passageway 48 which extends to the head 12 such as terminating in a plurality of branches 49 at the outer surface of head 12 within the cleaning field. In order to dispense the oral care material located in the chamber or reservoir 46 handle 14 would have sufficient resiliency so that it can be squeezed thereby forcing the material from the handle to the head into a dispensing cavity or one or more dispensing openings.
Any suitable oral care products could be dispensed from the dispenser. Such products include, but are not limited to the gel capsule 32 as previously described and could contain toothpaste, tooth powder or could be a small vial of mouthwash having a gel, a powder or a liquid.
Such a vial could be separately included in a package containing the toothbrush. The materials could be flavored and could be provided in sets of different flavors and/or different characteristics such as medicaments, numbing materials, etc.
Where the dispensers 32 are in the form of beads, different beads or capsules could be used with different colors/flavors to enhance consumer appeal. As described the capsule 32 could be an impregnated bead that burst.
Suitable beads include those supplied by Mane Inc.
Any suitable methods may be used for forming toothbrush 10 and its various components. For example, multi-component injection molding could be used to integrally couple various components such as the cleaning elements and the head and/or the handle. This could be done in an automated or multiple step process. The handle could be rotocast blow molded to form a hollow squeeze handle that would be usable in the embodiment shown in Figure 11.
Figures 12-13 show different manners of packaging toothbrushes in accordance with this invention. As shown in Figure 12, for example, a single package 50 could contain a plurality of toothbrushes 10 all of which could be the same or could differ from each other. The package 50 could be of any conventional construction, such as a blister pack, which might include a hole 52 to permit the package to be hung for display purposes.
Figure 13 illustrates a variation wherein the package 54 includes one or more toothbrushes 10 and a plurality of other components 56 which could be accessories or dispensers or other components. The components could include a small vial of mouthwash.
Preferably, the package 50 or 54 would be hermetically sealed to assure freshness. Such hermetic sealing is particularly desired to prevent moisture from reaching gel capsule 32 and causing the capsule to burst.
As is apparent the present invention provides an oral care toothbrush which is preferably small in size and portable and can be conveniently used away from home under circumstances, such as travel, where water is not readily available.
The invention could be practiced with a combination of various components which do not involve "toothbrush"
usage. In that sense the invention is an oral care device or the like, rather than strictly being a toothbrush.
Where used as a toothbrush or the like, the invention may have the advantages, because of the size and configuration, to allow discreet hygienic use, such as no fingers in the mouth, adapting it to be readily used in public areas.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
Claims (14)
1. An oral care toothbrush comprising a handle, a head mounted to one end of said handle, said head having an outer surface, a plurality of oral care elements in an oral care field extending outwardly from said outer surface, and said head having one or more depressions therein to accommodate an oral care material, wherein at least some of the oral care elements comprise bristles, each bristle being injection-molded and extending integrally outwardly from the outer surface of the head and being made of a combination of a resilient and a more rigid material, wherein the resilient material is a thermoplastic elastomer and the more rigid material is selected from the group consisting of linear low density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, and polypropylene.
2. The toothbrush of claim 1 further comprising a dispenser for the oral care material, the dispenser being located at least partially in said depression.
3. The toothbrush of claim 1 further comprising an oral care accessory mounted to an end of said handle opposite to said head.
4. The toothbrush of claim 3, wherein said accessory is selected from the group comprising of a toothpick, a rubber pick, a tongue cleaner, a floss holder, an interproximal brush and a swab.
5. The toothbrush of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least some of said oral care elements are integral with the head.
6. The toothbrush of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least some of said oral care elements have a stiffness of less than 600 Mpa.
7. The toothbrush of any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising a capsule, containing said oral care material that is selected from the group comprising of a gel, mouthwash, toothpaste, toothpowder and flavored material.
8. The toothbrush of claim 7 wherein the capsule is at least partially surrounded by said oral care elements.
9. The toothbrush of claim 2 wherein said dispenser is detachably mounted to said head to permit replacement of said dispenser with another dispenser.
10. The toothbrush of claim 1, claim 3 or claim 4 further comprising a rupturable capsule which bursts upon exposure to moisture or pressure.
11. The toothbrush of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said head has a maximum lateral dimension of no greater than 13 mm, and said toothbrush has an overall weight no greater than 3 grams.
12. The toothbrush of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said head is mounted at an angle of 0° to 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis of said handle.
13. The toothbrush of claim 12 wherein said head angle is in the range of 30° to 60°.
14. The toothbrush of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said oral care elements are mounted at an angle of 60° to 90° with respect to said outer surface of said head.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2826945A CA2826945A1 (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2005-05-11 | Toothbrush comprising an oral care material dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/843,135 US7331731B2 (en) | 2002-09-05 | 2004-05-11 | Oral care toothbrush |
US10/843,135 | 2004-05-11 | ||
PCT/US2005/016510 WO2005110149A2 (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2005-05-11 | Oral care toothbrush |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2826945A Division CA2826945A1 (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2005-05-11 | Toothbrush comprising an oral care material dispenser |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2566410A1 CA2566410A1 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
CA2566410C true CA2566410C (en) | 2013-11-26 |
Family
ID=34969474
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2566410A Expired - Fee Related CA2566410C (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2005-05-11 | Toothbrush comprising an oral care material dispenser |
CA2826945A Abandoned CA2826945A1 (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2005-05-11 | Toothbrush comprising an oral care material dispenser |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2826945A Abandoned CA2826945A1 (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2005-05-11 | Toothbrush comprising an oral care material dispenser |
Country Status (12)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7331731B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP2179677B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101226323B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1984581A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005244084B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0510974B1 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2566410C (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA06013161A (en) |
MY (1) | MY142235A (en) |
RU (2) | RU2374968C2 (en) |
TW (1) | TWI368491B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005110149A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (109)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7331731B2 (en) | 2002-09-05 | 2008-02-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care toothbrush |
US7478959B2 (en) | 2002-09-05 | 2009-01-20 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care toothbrush |
US8240937B2 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2012-08-14 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement with bead retention |
US7934284B2 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2011-05-03 | Braun Gmbh | Toothbrushes |
CN1764423B (en) | 2003-04-23 | 2010-07-28 | 宝洁公司 | Electric toothbrushes |
EP1639913B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2011-11-23 | Trisa Holding AG | Brush, in particular toothbrush and method of making thereof |
US8042217B2 (en) | 2004-11-02 | 2011-10-25 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush and method of making the same |
US7070354B1 (en) * | 2004-11-10 | 2006-07-04 | Gustavo Gutierrez-Caro | Power operable dispensing toothbrush |
CA2616518A1 (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2007-02-08 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement comprising an elastomeric polypropylene-ethylene copolymer |
JP4856945B2 (en) * | 2005-12-21 | 2012-01-18 | キヤノン株式会社 | Composite parts |
US20070180703A1 (en) * | 2006-02-07 | 2007-08-09 | Sierra Diana B | Hair removal device |
US7575387B2 (en) | 2006-06-14 | 2009-08-18 | Atkin Joshua D | Dehydrated dentifrice and toothbrush |
HU227090B1 (en) * | 2006-11-21 | 2010-06-28 | Istvan Piller | Cleaning device for teeth and gingiva using carbon dioxide made in situ |
US8517728B2 (en) | 2007-01-24 | 2013-08-27 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having fluid delivery system |
US8240936B2 (en) * | 2007-02-22 | 2012-08-14 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush having soft tissue cleaning elements |
US8881332B2 (en) * | 2007-08-17 | 2014-11-11 | Lise W. Noble | Toothbrush system utilizing oral care capsule |
US20090049632A1 (en) * | 2007-08-22 | 2009-02-26 | Bohdan Holowecky | Disposable toothbrush |
US8156599B2 (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2012-04-17 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having a head insert |
US7832956B2 (en) * | 2007-11-09 | 2010-11-16 | Ross Karen L | Dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus |
US20090197220A1 (en) * | 2008-02-06 | 2009-08-06 | Chris Cindrich | Oral cleaning device and method of use |
MY154357A (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2015-05-29 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care toothbrush |
US20090235474A1 (en) * | 2008-03-20 | 2009-09-24 | Jon Seigel | Combination toothbrush and tongue cleaner |
CA2726259C (en) | 2008-06-04 | 2014-07-29 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement with cavitation system |
US8459892B2 (en) * | 2008-06-25 | 2013-06-11 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US8282298B2 (en) | 2008-06-26 | 2012-10-09 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
USD660599S1 (en) | 2009-02-05 | 2012-05-29 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
SG177474A1 (en) * | 2009-07-31 | 2012-02-28 | Colgate Palmolive Co | High cleaning dentifrice compositions |
US8387196B2 (en) * | 2009-08-26 | 2013-03-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having a turbine-like arrangement of cleaning elements |
US20110047736A1 (en) * | 2009-08-26 | 2011-03-03 | Colgate Palmolive | Oral Care Implement Having Diverging Cleaning Elements |
WO2011035011A2 (en) * | 2009-09-16 | 2011-03-24 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care system, kit and method |
US20110070016A1 (en) * | 2009-09-22 | 2011-03-24 | Diane Richardson | Water pump toothbrush |
US8529150B2 (en) | 2009-09-23 | 2013-09-10 | Richard Carl Olson | Toothbrush device |
US20110097684A1 (en) * | 2009-10-22 | 2011-04-28 | Phillip Mark | Biodegradable micro-applicator |
JP5932653B2 (en) | 2009-10-27 | 2016-06-08 | クロクス テクノロジーズ インコーポレイテッド | Devices for personal use in phototherapy |
US20110119847A1 (en) * | 2009-11-23 | 2011-05-26 | Gomes Herbert | Wheel and lug nut brush assembly |
USD632484S1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2011-02-15 | Eduardo Jimenez | Toothbrush handle with tissue cleaner |
USD654696S1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2012-02-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush handle with tissue cleaner |
US8500766B2 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2013-08-06 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement multiple soft tissue cleaner components |
US8863345B2 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2014-10-21 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having a closed-loop arrangement of cleaning elements |
USD675830S1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2013-02-12 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
USD654270S1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2012-02-21 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush handle |
USD654695S1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2012-02-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
CA2782362C (en) * | 2009-12-18 | 2015-09-29 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having multiple soft tissue cleaner components |
EP2589314B1 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2015-12-09 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care system with a detachable dispenser |
BR112012015742A2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2020-10-06 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | oral care system |
KR101513342B1 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2015-04-17 | 콜게이트-파아므올리브캄파니 | Oral care system |
CN102762125B (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2015-06-03 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | Fluid delivery system for an oral care implement |
US8398326B2 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2013-03-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Fluid dispensing oral care implement |
MX2012010401A (en) * | 2010-03-31 | 2012-10-03 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care implement. |
TWI462709B (en) | 2010-03-31 | 2014-12-01 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care implement with rapid flavor release |
KR101657575B1 (en) * | 2010-04-30 | 2016-09-20 | 주식회사 엘지생활건강 | Cleaning member for interdental and manufacturing method thereof |
US8695611B2 (en) | 2010-07-01 | 2014-04-15 | Unicep Packaging, Inc. | Dual tip oral care implement |
US9510667B2 (en) * | 2010-08-16 | 2016-12-06 | Theg, Inc. | Disposable toothbrush |
US20120055497A1 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-03-08 | Marni Markell Hurwitz | Oral hygiene implement and method of use |
EP2651776B1 (en) | 2010-12-15 | 2015-05-06 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care kit and dispenser for use with the same |
CN103260586B (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2016-03-02 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | What gelatin was encapsulated comprises the oral care composition that tooth closes active matter, hydrophobic viscosity modifier and oiliness carrier |
EP2654500B1 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2017-07-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Gelatin encapsulated oral care composition containing hydrophilic active, hydrophobic structuring agent and oil carrier |
DE102011011323A1 (en) | 2011-02-16 | 2012-08-16 | Interbros Gmbh | Mouth or tooth cleaning device |
MX341247B (en) | 2011-03-09 | 2016-08-12 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Interdental cleaning device. |
US20120251981A1 (en) * | 2011-03-22 | 2012-10-04 | Klox Technologies Inc. | Device and method for administering teeth whitening and antimicrobial compositions |
EP2848156B1 (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2016-05-18 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush having oral care fluid delivery |
EP2690983B1 (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2015-03-18 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having roll-on applicator |
US8522798B2 (en) * | 2011-05-04 | 2013-09-03 | Ranir, Llc | Dental flosser with improved strength |
US9011032B2 (en) | 2011-08-12 | 2015-04-21 | Gary Schlatter | Miniature brush for oral hygiene |
US8776807B2 (en) * | 2011-10-04 | 2014-07-15 | Michael Zinovy Royzen | Dental device |
WO2013129969A1 (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2013-09-06 | Koneva Ljudmila Veniaminovna | Device for oral cavity care |
EP2911554B1 (en) | 2012-10-26 | 2017-04-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
USD738628S1 (en) * | 2012-12-08 | 2015-09-15 | Rockler Companies, Inc. | Glue brush |
AU2012396832B2 (en) | 2012-12-12 | 2016-01-07 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement with product applicator |
KR101546306B1 (en) * | 2013-10-02 | 2015-08-21 | 김성윤 | Toothbrush having a interdental brush |
AU2013406764B2 (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2016-12-22 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement with cover member |
EP3110284A1 (en) * | 2014-02-25 | 2017-01-04 | HCT Group Holding Limited | Gel cosmetic applicator |
AU2014396827A1 (en) * | 2014-06-12 | 2016-12-01 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | System of packaged oral care implements |
WO2016032472A1 (en) * | 2014-08-28 | 2016-03-03 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having collapsible elastomeric element |
WO2016105372A1 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2016-06-30 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
MX2017007626A (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2017-09-18 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care implement. |
AU2014414825B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2018-04-12 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
AU2014414810B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2018-04-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
RU2647813C1 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2018-03-19 | Колгейт-Палмолив Компани | Oral care implement, having multi-component handle |
US11291293B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2022-04-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US10182644B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2019-01-22 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
USD780457S1 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2017-03-07 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
EP4023106A1 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2022-07-06 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
MX2017007842A (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2017-09-19 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care implement having multi-component handle. |
US10660430B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2020-05-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having multi-component handle |
CA2970676A1 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2016-06-30 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
MX2017009898A (en) * | 2015-02-02 | 2017-12-07 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Method of forming a product array and product array formed by the same. |
USD774253S1 (en) | 2015-07-14 | 2016-12-13 | Peak Enterprises, Inc. | Oral hygiene device |
USD772578S1 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2016-11-29 | Zack Isaacs | Dental brush-flosser |
WO2017037515A1 (en) * | 2015-09-04 | 2017-03-09 | Kleshnyak Aleksei Andreevich | Toothpick with brush member |
USD802218S1 (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2017-11-07 | John Sugawara | Card holder for teeth cleaning devices |
RU2715202C1 (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2020-02-25 | Колгейт-Палмолив Компани | Device for fluid medium supply and personal hygiene device containing it |
CN110087505B (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2021-09-28 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | Fluid supply device and personal care appliance comprising same |
US11000117B2 (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2021-05-11 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Fluid dispensing implement having curly tube with vent openings |
CA3044283A1 (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2018-06-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Liquid supply apparatus and personal care implement containing the same |
USD943195S1 (en) * | 2017-10-13 | 2022-02-08 | Elizabeth Santos | Hair tool |
US10631964B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2020-04-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US10709533B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2020-07-14 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement and handle and refill head thereof |
US10849419B2 (en) | 2018-03-08 | 2020-12-01 | Olson Ip Technologies, Inc. | Oral care device |
US11484112B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2022-11-01 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Method of whitening teeth |
US10849422B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2020-12-01 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Method of sanitizing a toothbrush |
US10638832B1 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2020-05-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Fluid dispensing oral care implement |
USD891784S1 (en) | 2018-12-18 | 2020-08-04 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Electric toothbrush handle |
ES1229690Y (en) * | 2019-01-10 | 2019-08-12 | Martos Cristina Riera | TOOTHBRUSHING INSTRUMENT |
EP3804560A1 (en) * | 2019-10-09 | 2021-04-14 | Trisa Holding AG | Oral hygiene agent |
US20220047057A1 (en) * | 2020-08-11 | 2022-02-17 | Alfred DiCanio | Nail Cleaning Device |
US20220175126A1 (en) * | 2020-12-04 | 2022-06-09 | Tds Management Zimba, Llc | Biodegradable tooth brush replacement head |
USD960582S1 (en) | 2020-12-10 | 2022-08-16 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care refill head |
USD993536S1 (en) | 2021-10-26 | 2023-07-25 | Dentek Oral Care, Inc. | Dental flosser |
Family Cites Families (150)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USRE19006E (en) | 1933-11-21 | Toothbrush | ||
US792471A (en) | 1905-02-09 | 1905-06-13 | James L Smith | Toothpick. |
US876185A (en) * | 1905-09-07 | 1908-01-07 | Clara T Hillman | Tooth-brush. |
US846900A (en) * | 1906-02-06 | 1907-03-12 | William O Bloom | Tooth-brush. |
US1214556A (en) * | 1915-03-17 | 1917-02-06 | Nate Le Vene | Sanitary tooth-brush. |
US1256662A (en) | 1917-02-17 | 1918-02-19 | Otto Leo Cleman | Brush. |
US1378157A (en) * | 1919-10-31 | 1921-05-17 | Webster William Lloyd | Toothbrush |
US1411681A (en) * | 1920-11-13 | 1922-04-04 | Gilderoy O Burlew | Dentifricial tablet |
US1500722A (en) | 1921-04-29 | 1924-07-08 | Ralph R Roush | Toothbrush |
US1575317A (en) | 1922-01-11 | 1926-03-02 | John P Carmichael | Toothpick |
GB228460A (en) | 1924-08-23 | 1925-02-05 | Hugh Munro | Improvements in or relating to toothbrushes |
US1602531A (en) * | 1926-05-05 | 1926-10-12 | Yetsu O Itoh | Toothbrush container |
US1796367A (en) * | 1928-12-12 | 1931-03-17 | Orville A Grove | Dental implement |
US1784986A (en) | 1929-02-01 | 1930-12-16 | Eisenberg Semon | Toothbrush |
US1797946A (en) | 1930-01-08 | 1931-03-24 | Eichel Emil | Toothbrush |
US1811833A (en) * | 1930-03-01 | 1931-06-23 | Edward J Boardman | Capsule toothbrush |
US1963389A (en) * | 1931-05-08 | 1934-06-19 | Vardeman Lab Inc Dr | Toothbrush |
US1968303A (en) | 1931-10-12 | 1934-07-31 | John F Mcmath | Toothbrush |
DE594479C (en) | 1932-02-05 | 1934-03-22 | Rudolf Jecker Dipl Ing | Filler toothbrush |
US1950767A (en) | 1932-05-20 | 1934-03-13 | Abbott James Herman | Toothbrush |
US1944067A (en) | 1932-11-04 | 1934-01-16 | Claude R Collins | Fountain toothbrush |
US1995374A (en) * | 1934-04-23 | 1935-03-26 | James D Young | Dentifrice holding toothbrush |
US2077758A (en) * | 1935-12-05 | 1937-04-20 | Johnson John Clifford | Tooth brush |
US2233831A (en) | 1938-06-28 | 1941-03-04 | Burke Madison Otey | Sanitary toothbrush |
US2262982A (en) | 1938-08-24 | 1941-11-18 | Frank E Wolcott | Toothbrush |
US2259928A (en) | 1940-06-07 | 1941-10-21 | Diman B Eaton | Fountain toothbrush |
US2241584A (en) | 1940-07-02 | 1941-05-13 | Cohen Maximilian | Toothbrush and dental mirror |
US2307493A (en) | 1941-02-17 | 1943-01-05 | Nathan J Davidson | Toothbrush |
US2386085A (en) | 1943-07-07 | 1945-10-02 | Byron A Babel | Toothbrush |
US2649959A (en) | 1950-12-29 | 1953-08-25 | Edward M Hallahan | Toothbrush package |
US2710982A (en) | 1951-02-02 | 1955-06-21 | Walter F Gillem | Brush of integral construction |
US2736917A (en) | 1952-07-30 | 1956-03-06 | Jacob M Goldstein | Tooth cleaning device with removable cleaning member |
US2778045A (en) | 1952-10-31 | 1957-01-22 | Bly Isaiah | Dentifrice-containing capsules |
GB746649A (en) | 1954-05-12 | 1956-03-14 | Maurice Rose | Improvements relating to tooth brushes and methods of manufacturing same |
US2813290A (en) * | 1954-08-10 | 1957-11-19 | Aschenbach Theodora Theresa | Toothbrush |
US2793381A (en) | 1955-05-24 | 1957-05-28 | Harold W Mcwhorter | Disposable toothbrush |
US3068571A (en) | 1957-11-12 | 1962-12-18 | Donald E Thompson | Dental means |
US3103935A (en) | 1960-07-13 | 1963-09-17 | Louis J Woodrow | Disposable toothbrush |
US3078856A (en) | 1961-01-05 | 1963-02-26 | Bender Harry | Disposable dental implement |
US3148684A (en) | 1962-01-04 | 1964-09-15 | Harry A Keeler | Toothbrush assembly with a removable and rechargeable dentifrice container |
US3165776A (en) | 1963-05-29 | 1965-01-19 | Philip H Tuseth | Disposable toothbrush with selfcontained dentifrice |
US3301267A (en) | 1965-01-11 | 1967-01-31 | Joseph J Gerardi | Dispensing toothbrush |
US3491396A (en) | 1966-01-12 | 1970-01-27 | Joseph M Eannarino | Toothbrush |
US3432245A (en) | 1966-06-16 | 1969-03-11 | Virginia Z Hudson | Toothbrush with dentifrice holder |
US3501243A (en) * | 1966-11-09 | 1970-03-17 | Raymond H Heiskell | Fountain toothbrush |
US3458268A (en) | 1968-04-05 | 1969-07-29 | Joseph W Wozab | Disposable toothbrush |
US3536410A (en) | 1968-10-18 | 1970-10-27 | Ograw Products Inc | Disposable toothbrush |
US3589823A (en) * | 1969-09-02 | 1971-06-29 | Orrin W Hendrickson | Disposable toothbrush |
US3609789A (en) | 1970-01-12 | 1971-10-05 | Frank W Slater | Disposable toothbrush and method of making the same |
US3698405A (en) | 1970-04-08 | 1972-10-17 | Richard M Walker | Orthodontal toothpick |
US3879139A (en) * | 1973-05-23 | 1975-04-22 | Developmental Design Inc | Disposable toothbrush assembly |
US3917420A (en) | 1973-10-23 | 1975-11-04 | George W Watson | Disposable toothbrush |
US3968405A (en) * | 1975-04-14 | 1976-07-06 | Testone Anthony Quintin | Static electricity suppressor with patterned coating and method of making |
US4039261A (en) * | 1975-10-14 | 1977-08-02 | Evans James L | Disposable toothbrush |
US4194290A (en) | 1978-03-20 | 1980-03-25 | Vallhonrat Orlando D | Buccal Hygienic instrument |
US4292304A (en) | 1980-09-30 | 1981-09-29 | Barels Ronald R | Oil based dentifrice |
FR2509154B1 (en) * | 1981-07-13 | 1989-06-02 | Massari B | TOOTHBRUSH, HEAD HAVING A DIVERSIFIED ANGLE |
US4427116A (en) | 1982-02-08 | 1984-01-24 | Brown Walter L | Denitrifice encapsulation |
JPS5953410A (en) | 1982-09-20 | 1984-03-28 | Fujisawa Pharmaceut Co Ltd | Novel soft capsule agent |
USD278863S (en) * | 1983-03-21 | 1985-05-21 | Bradley William F | Tooth cleansing device |
FR2550429A1 (en) | 1983-08-10 | 1985-02-15 | Duriau Michel | Pocket-size mini-toothbrush |
CH664271A5 (en) | 1984-04-30 | 1988-02-29 | Dusan Dr Med Dent Jelicic | Tooth-brush with lengthwise rows of bristles - has longer bristles in middle of three or more parallel rows |
US4598437A (en) * | 1984-08-21 | 1986-07-08 | Raymond Ernest | Modular oral hygiene system |
WO1987000425A1 (en) | 1985-07-17 | 1987-01-29 | Anthony Battalia | Combination brush and massager |
DE3529953A1 (en) | 1985-08-22 | 1987-03-05 | Lischka Helga | Oral hygiene device |
JP2530471B2 (en) * | 1986-06-04 | 1996-09-04 | シャイパー,ハインリッヒ | toothbrush |
US4829621A (en) * | 1986-07-09 | 1989-05-16 | Phenegar John S | Toothbrush |
DE3638696A1 (en) | 1986-11-13 | 1988-05-19 | Achatz Erbo Karl | Disposable tooth brush |
US4898760A (en) * | 1987-11-17 | 1990-02-06 | Amesbury Industries, Inc. | Process and apparatus for extruding a low density elastomeric thermoplastic foam |
US5061106A (en) | 1988-03-08 | 1991-10-29 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush with slow release of disinfectant and antibacterial agents and method of manufacturing the same |
EP0332026B1 (en) | 1988-03-08 | 1993-07-14 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Tootbrush with slow release of disinfectant and anti-bacterial agents and method of manufacturing the same |
GB8807673D0 (en) | 1988-03-31 | 1988-05-05 | Lingner & Fischer Gmbh | Novel article |
US5133971A (en) | 1988-12-14 | 1992-07-28 | Phoebe Copelan | Personal dental hygiene assembly |
US4911187A (en) * | 1989-01-19 | 1990-03-27 | Castillo David D | Dental pick brush apparatus |
US5633083A (en) * | 1989-03-14 | 1997-05-27 | Sunstar Kabushiki | Toothbrush |
FR2646068A1 (en) | 1989-04-19 | 1990-10-26 | Louin Patrice | Disposable toothbrush incorporating toothpaste tablets |
FR2654598B1 (en) | 1989-11-21 | 1993-11-26 | Grimberg Alain | TOOTHBRUSH FOR SMALL DOMESTIC ANIMALS. |
JPH04226646A (en) | 1990-09-10 | 1992-08-17 | Itzhak Shoher | Periodontal apparatus |
IT90067720A1 (en) | 1990-09-26 | 1992-03-26 | Pietro Occhetti | BRUSH WITH CUE FOR CLEANING OF TEETH AND GENGIVES |
DE69129273T2 (en) * | 1990-12-13 | 1998-09-17 | Gemtech Inc | DENTAL CLEANER OR MEDICINAL TOOTHBRUSH |
DE4127429A1 (en) | 1991-08-19 | 1993-02-25 | Pasquale Mongiello | Hygienic packaging for single use, disposable tooth brush with paste - comprises stiff, light resistant plastic container having press down lid with specified dimensions |
JPH05192227A (en) * | 1991-12-02 | 1993-08-03 | Koki Bussan Kk | Tooth brush |
IT1261302B (en) | 1992-02-07 | 1996-05-14 | TOOTHBRUSH | |
DE69204656T2 (en) * | 1992-04-28 | 1996-02-08 | Boucherie Nv G B | Method of making toothbrushes. |
US5213428A (en) * | 1992-05-05 | 1993-05-25 | Elisabetta Molari | Biodegradable toothbrush |
US5184719A (en) * | 1992-06-30 | 1993-02-09 | Gordon Chester D | Tamper resistant, disposable toothbrush and flossing device |
DE4231817A1 (en) | 1992-09-23 | 1994-03-24 | Harry E Resch | Toothbrush with T=shaped head - has circular, rectangular, square etc. removable head lying transverse to head, and bristles set in soft material |
DE4238421A1 (en) | 1992-11-13 | 1994-05-19 | B F Dr Krass | Packaging for oral hygiene products - consists of blister packs separated by perforated lines which contain capsules of tooth-paste and other substances which dissolve in user's mouth |
US5397860A (en) * | 1993-10-29 | 1995-03-14 | Splitfire, Inc. | Multiple-core electrical ignition system cable |
SG44420A1 (en) | 1993-12-13 | 1997-12-19 | Chan Boon Su | A double-headed toothbrush |
US5398367A (en) * | 1993-12-27 | 1995-03-21 | Lu; Guixian | Toothbrush with both soft and hard bristles |
GB2288564B (en) * | 1994-04-19 | 1998-09-23 | Boucherie Nv G B | A molding machine for injection molding of tooth brushes |
GB2289236B (en) * | 1994-05-09 | 1997-08-06 | Boucherie Nv G B | A brush making machine |
USD378711S (en) | 1994-06-01 | 1997-04-08 | Pietro Occhetti | Combined toothbrush, cap, and dental pick |
GB2297489B (en) * | 1995-02-04 | 1998-10-07 | Michael William Hindmarch | A tooth-cleaner |
DE19531368A1 (en) | 1995-08-25 | 1997-02-27 | Hanns Aumueller | Tooth brush for oral hygiene |
USD378166S (en) | 1995-09-15 | 1997-02-25 | Mariax Limited | Toothbrush |
US5987688A (en) | 1995-11-09 | 1999-11-23 | Gillette Canada Inc. | Gum-massaging oral brush |
FR2754436A1 (en) | 1996-05-21 | 1998-04-17 | Grivon Josette | Transverse toothbrush |
DE19627323A1 (en) * | 1996-06-26 | 1998-01-02 | Siemens Ag | Ship drive with synchronous motor to be arranged in a gondola |
DE19642431A1 (en) | 1996-10-15 | 1998-04-16 | Coronet Werke Gmbh | Interdental cleaner and process for its manufacture |
US5860183A (en) * | 1997-01-28 | 1999-01-19 | Kam; Bing | Safety tooth brush with wear indicator |
JPH10216158A (en) | 1997-02-03 | 1998-08-18 | Sadahiro Ohinata | Simplified toothbrush |
ITSA970012A1 (en) | 1997-04-16 | 1997-07-15 | Mele Luisa | DISPOSABLE TOOTHBRUSH WITH INCORPORATED TOOTHPASTE DOSE. |
US5926900A (en) * | 1997-06-16 | 1999-07-27 | Chesebrough-Pond's Usa Co. | Unitarily molded toothbrush |
US5888002A (en) * | 1997-07-11 | 1999-03-30 | Fenstersheib; Robert J. | Disposable toilet brush |
DE19733758A1 (en) * | 1997-08-05 | 1999-02-11 | Coronet Werke Gmbh | toothbrush |
GB9717429D0 (en) * | 1997-08-19 | 1997-10-22 | Veresk Biosystems Ltd | Brush |
FR2772569A1 (en) | 1997-12-05 | 1999-06-25 | Remy Carbonell | Disposable toothbrush with toothpaste in bristles |
FR2772571A1 (en) * | 1997-12-19 | 1999-06-25 | Alain Savino | Disposable toothbrush with dose of toothpaste |
US6018840A (en) * | 1998-03-09 | 2000-02-01 | Gillette Canada Inc. | Notched dental hygiene article |
KR100261658B1 (en) * | 1998-03-19 | 2000-07-15 | 권영준 | Manufacturing method of tapered toothbrush |
SK282926B6 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 2003-01-09 | Ivan Ďurana | Toothbrush |
US6004059A (en) | 1998-05-29 | 1999-12-21 | Zaccaria; James M | Disposable toothbrush having an edible toothpaste composition |
DE19842984A1 (en) | 1998-09-20 | 2000-08-24 | Jobst Lahrsow | Conformable toothbrush has bristles connected to deformable pad, allowing them to be configured for optimum brushing efficiency, in unit optionally including gel- or paste- dispensing system |
US6119296A (en) * | 1998-12-14 | 2000-09-19 | Noe; Dennis | All-sided mouthbrush |
US6205611B1 (en) * | 1999-04-01 | 2001-03-27 | Onesimo Vigil | Tooth and gum cleaning tool |
DE19925568A1 (en) * | 1999-06-04 | 2000-12-07 | Joerg Hofmann | Brush head for a toothbrush has bristles and shaft molded as an integral unit |
GB2351015B (en) | 1999-06-17 | 2001-07-11 | Peter Kennedy | Bristle ball |
US6135274A (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2000-10-24 | James; Norman | Disposable toothbrush |
US6647549B2 (en) * | 2000-04-06 | 2003-11-18 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Finger glove |
USD435347S (en) * | 2000-05-04 | 2000-12-26 | Rumsey Jr Joseph F | Combination toothbrush and toothpick |
WO2002015736A1 (en) | 2000-08-21 | 2002-02-28 | Dunn Gary D | Disposable, finger worn toothbrush |
US6401291B1 (en) | 2000-09-11 | 2002-06-11 | Chung-Fu Lee | Toothbrush |
US6526993B1 (en) | 2000-09-12 | 2003-03-04 | Eugene C. Wagner | Dental implement with comfit grip |
WO2002026079A1 (en) | 2000-09-26 | 2002-04-04 | Steven Winston Hoyle | Disposable toothbrush and dentifrice combination unit |
WO2002034083A1 (en) | 2000-10-24 | 2002-05-02 | Georges Louis Minvielle | Toothbrush |
US6397860B1 (en) * | 2000-11-21 | 2002-06-04 | Hill, Ii Robert Charles | Disposable portable waterless teeth-cleaning assemblies and method of manufacture |
ITMI20010045U1 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2002-07-26 | Vanni Calligaro | PERFECTED TOOTHBRUSH |
FR2822658A1 (en) | 2001-03-29 | 2002-10-04 | Gerald Demeyer | Disposable toothbrush has toothpaste enclosed in flexible sheath on either side of head so that it is dispensed through channels in head when sides are squeezed |
US20020175101A1 (en) * | 2001-05-24 | 2002-11-28 | Gary Dean Albert | Disposable toothbrush |
US6524023B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-02-25 | Joseph J. Andersen | Single use toothpaste dispensing devices and disposible toothbrush kit utilizing the same |
US6602013B2 (en) | 2001-08-27 | 2003-08-05 | Frank Clark | Chewable toothbrush |
WO2003037210A1 (en) | 2001-10-30 | 2003-05-08 | Dworzan William S | Toothbrush with vibrating head |
DE10153085A1 (en) * | 2001-10-30 | 2003-05-15 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Programming flash memory of control unit, especially motor vehicle control unit connected via controller area network (CAN) bus, using communications link which can be switched between programming and communications elements |
JP2003245133A (en) | 2002-02-22 | 2003-09-02 | Toray Monofilament Co Ltd | Bristle material for brush, and use of the same |
US20030188761A1 (en) * | 2002-04-04 | 2003-10-09 | Edward Garcia | Combination floss and toothbrush device |
GB2388529A (en) | 2002-05-16 | 2003-11-19 | Ian Fryer | Toothbrush with cleaning liquid stored in the handle. |
KR20040003756A (en) * | 2002-07-04 | 2004-01-13 | 이성우 | Antibacterial toothbrush |
JP2004121823A (en) | 2002-07-31 | 2004-04-22 | Lion Corp | Toothbrush |
US8240937B2 (en) | 2002-09-05 | 2012-08-14 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement with bead retention |
US7331731B2 (en) | 2002-09-05 | 2008-02-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care toothbrush |
USD532607S1 (en) | 2003-09-04 | 2006-11-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Set of bristles for a toothbrush |
EP2537436B1 (en) | 2002-09-05 | 2015-04-01 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Disposable toothbrush |
USD528803S1 (en) | 2005-06-06 | 2006-09-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Head for a toothbrush |
US7478959B2 (en) | 2002-09-05 | 2009-01-20 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care toothbrush |
GB2394653A (en) | 2002-11-02 | 2004-05-05 | John Ashton Sieradzki | Reservoir toothbrush |
USD487351S1 (en) | 2002-11-05 | 2004-03-09 | Dale M. Frazell | Spoon shaped toothbrush |
USD527528S1 (en) | 2003-09-04 | 2006-09-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
USD557505S1 (en) | 2003-09-04 | 2007-12-18 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Handle for a toothbrush |
-
2004
- 2004-05-11 US US10/843,135 patent/US7331731B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2005
- 2005-05-10 TW TW094114978A patent/TWI368491B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-05-10 MY MYPI20052104A patent/MY142235A/en unknown
- 2005-05-11 CA CA2566410A patent/CA2566410C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-05-11 EP EP10153335.4A patent/EP2179677B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-05-11 EP EP05747726.7A patent/EP1750542B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-05-11 RU RU2006143668/12A patent/RU2374968C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-05-11 KR KR1020067026051A patent/KR101226323B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-05-11 BR BRPI0510974-4A patent/BRPI0510974B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-05-11 CA CA2826945A patent/CA2826945A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-05-11 AU AU2005244084A patent/AU2005244084B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2005-05-11 MX MXPA06013161A patent/MXPA06013161A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2005-05-11 WO PCT/US2005/016510 patent/WO2005110149A2/en active Application Filing
- 2005-05-11 CN CNA2005800234573A patent/CN1984581A/en active Pending
-
2007
- 2007-10-31 US US11/932,358 patent/US7722274B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2009
- 2009-08-06 RU RU2009130255/12A patent/RU2506027C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7331731B2 (en) | 2008-02-19 |
RU2006143668A (en) | 2008-06-20 |
AU2005244084A1 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
KR101226323B1 (en) | 2013-01-24 |
KR20070026574A (en) | 2007-03-08 |
MY142235A (en) | 2010-11-15 |
EP2179677A1 (en) | 2010-04-28 |
CA2826945A1 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
RU2009130255A (en) | 2011-02-20 |
AU2005244084B2 (en) | 2011-08-11 |
TWI368491B (en) | 2012-07-21 |
WO2005110149A2 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
US7722274B2 (en) | 2010-05-25 |
EP2179677B1 (en) | 2019-01-16 |
CA2566410A1 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
CN1984581A (en) | 2007-06-20 |
RU2506027C2 (en) | 2014-02-10 |
US20080104786A1 (en) | 2008-05-08 |
BRPI0510974A (en) | 2008-07-15 |
TW200605814A (en) | 2006-02-16 |
US20040237226A1 (en) | 2004-12-02 |
EP1750542A2 (en) | 2007-02-14 |
MXPA06013161A (en) | 2007-02-13 |
BRPI0510974B1 (en) | 2017-12-26 |
RU2374968C2 (en) | 2009-12-10 |
EP1750542B1 (en) | 2017-12-20 |
WO2005110149A3 (en) | 2006-01-12 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2566410C (en) | Toothbrush comprising an oral care material dispenser | |
US9265337B2 (en) | Oral care toothbrush | |
CA2707086C (en) | Oral care toothbrush with reservoir to dispense oral care composition | |
AU2012202377B2 (en) | Oral care toothbrush | |
AU2012232961B2 (en) | Oral care toothbrush | |
MX2008007465A (en) | Oral care toothbrush |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20220301 |
|
MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20200831 |