US20020056197A1 - Toothbrush - Google Patents
Toothbrush Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020056197A1 US20020056197A1 US09/814,586 US81458601A US2002056197A1 US 20020056197 A1 US20020056197 A1 US 20020056197A1 US 81458601 A US81458601 A US 81458601A US 2002056197 A1 US2002056197 A1 US 2002056197A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- head
- toothbrush
- handle
- accordance
- longitudinal axis
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/02—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware specially shaped for holding by the hand
- A46B5/026—Grips or handles having a nonslip section
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/02—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware specially shaped for holding by the hand
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
- A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a toothbrush.
- Toothbrushes generally comprise an elongate handle and elongate head where the head is rigidly fixed to the handle and the longitudinal axis of the head is approximately parallel to that of the handle.
- This type of toothbrush usually requires the brush to be held at a number of different angles in order to effectively contact all of the surfaces of the user's teeth and maintain the vertical brushing action that is generally accepted to be most beneficial. This is turn requires the user to change their grip on the handle a number of times during brushing.
- the present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the disadvantages of previous toothbrushes.
- a toothbrush comprising a head and a handle, wherein the handle includes a gripping portion arranged to be grasped by a user, the head is arranged such that a first longitudinal axis of the head is generally perpendicular to a second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion and the head is rotatably mounted to a first end of the handle such that the head rotates about a rotation axis generally parallel to and, offset from the second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 with the head of the toothbrush rotated by approximately 180 degrees;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 with the head of the toothbrush rotated by approximately 90 degrees;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the joint between the head and the handle of the toothbrush of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 5 is the plan view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 showing removal of the head;
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of tie toothbrush of FIG. 1 with the head removed and showing an optional shaving head.
- a toothbrush 10 comprising a handle 12 and a head 14 .
- the head 14 of the toothbrush 10 includes bristles 16 and is connected to the handle 12 via a neck portion 18 .
- the head 14 is oriented in relation to the neck portion 18 such that a first longitudinal axis of the head 14 is generally transverse to the neck portion 18 .
- the handle 12 includes a shoulder portion 22 adjacent the first end thereof and a gripping portion 24 extending from a second end thereof to the shoulder portion 22 .
- the gripping portion 24 and the neck portion 18 are preferably oriented generally parallel to each other with the shoulder portion 22 serving to offset the head 14 and the neck portion 18 from a second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion 24 .
- the distance of offset is such that the user's hand is sufficiently clear of the face when the toothbrush 10 is held extending generally vertically up or down from the teeth.
- the neck portion 18 is connected to the handle 12 adjacent a first end thereof by a swivel means 20 .
- the swivel means 20 is arranged to allow the head 14 and neck portion 18 to rotate about the handle 12 such that the first longitudinal axis of the head 14 rotates about an axis generally parallel to the second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion 24 . Due to the shoulder portion 22 , the axis about which the head 14 rotates is also offset from the second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion.
- the swivel means 20 may be in the form of a ball and socket joint as shown in FIG. 4 or other mechanical equivalent.
- the head 14 and neck portion 18 would be releasable from the handle 12 at the swivel means 20 as shown in FIG. 6. This would allow replacement of the head 13 when the bristles 16 become worn.
- the bristles 16 extend across a surface of the head 14 in a generally known manner. Preferably, the bristles 16 would vary in height across the length of the head 14 in order to clean effectively all areas between the teeth.
- the shoulder portion 22 includes a thickened intermediate portion 26 including a grip pad 28 .
- the grip pad is 28 located such that the user's thumb may be placed on the grip pad 28 when the fingers are wrapped around the gripping portion 24 .
- the grip pad 28 may be composed of rubber or the like and/or may include a treaded portion to prevent the user's thumb from slipping when pressure is applied.
- the user holds the toothbrush 10 with fingers wrapped around the gripping portion 24 and thumb resting on the grip pad 28
- the toothbrush 10 is held with the handle 12 generally vertically and with the head 14 upwards.
- the head 14 is rotated about the swivel means 20 such that the bristles 16 face generally away from the second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion 24 (as shown in FIG. 1) so that the gripping portion 24 and the user's fingers are always clear of the user's chin.
- the handle 12 is maintained at the same angle and the head 14 is rotated about the swivel 20 (as shown in FIG. 3). This rotation maintains the bristles 16 in contact with the teeth
- the handle 12 In order to clean the internal surfaces of the upper teeth, the handle 12 is held in the same manner as described initially above but the head 14 is rotated about the swivel means 20 by approximately 180 degrees (as shown in FIG. 2). To clean thc internal surfaces of the lower teeth the head 14 of the toothbrush 10 is then held such that the handle 12 extends generally upward from the teeth.
- the head 16 may be replaced with a shaving head 32 to allow use as a razor.
Abstract
A toothbrush comprising a head and a handle, wherein the handle has a gripping portion arranged to be grasped by a user. The head is arranged such that a first longitudinal axis of the head is generally perpendicular to a second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion. The head is also rotatably mounted to an end of the handle such that the head is rotatable about a rotation axis generally parallel to and offset from the second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion.
Description
- The present invention relates to a toothbrush.
- A large number of toothbrushes have been produced with different variations in shape and configuration of handle, head and bristles. Toothbrushes generally comprise an elongate handle and elongate head where the head is rigidly fixed to the handle and the longitudinal axis of the head is approximately parallel to that of the handle.
- This type of toothbrush usually requires the brush to be held at a number of different angles in order to effectively contact all of the surfaces of the user's teeth and maintain the vertical brushing action that is generally accepted to be most beneficial. This is turn requires the user to change their grip on the handle a number of times during brushing.
- The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the disadvantages of previous toothbrushes.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a toothbrush comprising a head and a handle, wherein the handle includes a gripping portion arranged to be grasped by a user, the head is arranged such that a first longitudinal axis of the head is generally perpendicular to a second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion and the head is rotatably mounted to a first end of the handle such that the head rotates about a rotation axis generally parallel to and, offset from the second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion.
- The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 with the head of the toothbrush rotated by approximately 180 degrees;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 with the head of the toothbrush rotated by approximately 90 degrees;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the joint between the head and the handle of the toothbrush of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 5 is the plan view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 showing removal of the head; to and
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of tie toothbrush of FIG. 1 with the head removed and showing an optional shaving head.
- Referring to the Figures, there is shown a
toothbrush 10 comprising ahandle 12 and ahead 14. - The
head 14 of thetoothbrush 10 includesbristles 16 and is connected to thehandle 12 via aneck portion 18. Thehead 14 is oriented in relation to theneck portion 18 such that a first longitudinal axis of thehead 14 is generally transverse to theneck portion 18. - The
handle 12 includes ashoulder portion 22 adjacent the first end thereof and agripping portion 24 extending from a second end thereof to theshoulder portion 22. The grippingportion 24 and theneck portion 18 are preferably oriented generally parallel to each other with theshoulder portion 22 serving to offset thehead 14 and theneck portion 18 from a second longitudinal axis of thegripping portion 24. The distance of offset is such that the user's hand is sufficiently clear of the face when thetoothbrush 10 is held extending generally vertically up or down from the teeth. - The
neck portion 18 is connected to thehandle 12 adjacent a first end thereof by a swivel means 20. The swivel means 20 is arranged to allow thehead 14 andneck portion 18 to rotate about thehandle 12 such that the first longitudinal axis of thehead 14 rotates about an axis generally parallel to the second longitudinal axis of thegripping portion 24. Due to theshoulder portion 22, the axis about which thehead 14 rotates is also offset from the second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion. The swivel means 20 may be in the form of a ball and socket joint as shown in FIG. 4 or other mechanical equivalent. Preferably, thehead 14 andneck portion 18 would be releasable from thehandle 12 at the swivel means 20 as shown in FIG. 6. This would allow replacement of the head 13 when thebristles 16 become worn. - The
bristles 16 extend across a surface of thehead 14 in a generally known manner. Preferably, thebristles 16 would vary in height across the length of thehead 14 in order to clean effectively all areas between the teeth. - The
shoulder portion 22 includes a thickenedintermediate portion 26 including agrip pad 28. The grip pad is 28 located such that the user's thumb may be placed on thegrip pad 28 when the fingers are wrapped around the grippingportion 24. Thegrip pad 28 may be composed of rubber or the like and/or may include a treaded portion to prevent the user's thumb from slipping when pressure is applied. - In use, the user holds the
toothbrush 10 with fingers wrapped around the grippingportion 24 and thumb resting on thegrip pad 28 For cleaning the external surfaces of the front teeth, thetoothbrush 10 is held with thehandle 12 generally vertically and with thehead 14 upwards. Thehead 14 is rotated about the swivel means 20 such that thebristles 16 face generally away from the second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion 24 (as shown in FIG. 1) so that thegripping portion 24 and the user's fingers are always clear of the user's chin. To clean the external surfaces of the side teeth, thehandle 12 is maintained at the same angle and thehead 14 is rotated about the swivel 20 (as shown in FIG. 3). This rotation maintains thebristles 16 in contact with the teeth - In order to clean the internal surfaces of the upper teeth, the
handle 12 is held in the same manner as described initially above but thehead 14 is rotated about the swivel means 20 by approximately 180 degrees (as shown in FIG. 2). To clean thc internal surfaces of the lower teeth thehead 14 of thetoothbrush 10 is then held such that thehandle 12 extends generally upward from the teeth. - While cleaning all surfaces of the teeth, the
handle 16 remains generally upright and the brushing motion of thehead 14 therefore remains generally up and down. - Referring to FIG. 7 it is noted that the
head 16 may be replaced with a shavinghead 32 to allow use as a razor. - Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention
Claims (10)
1. A toothbrush comprising a head and a handle, wherein the handle includes a gripping portion arranged to be grasped by a user, the head is arranged such that a first longitudinal axis of the head is generally perpendicular to a second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion and the head is rotatably mounted to a first end of the handle such that the head rotates about a rotation axis generally parallel to and offset from the second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion.
2. A toothbrush in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the handle includes a shoulder portion adjacent the first end thereof, the shoulder portion serving to offset the rotation axis of the head from the second longitudinal axis of the gripping portion.
3. A toothbrush in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the shoulder portion includes a thickened portion, the thickened portion being arranged such that the user's thumb rests on the thickened portion during use.
4. A toothbrush in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the thickened portion includes a grip pad against which the user's thumb rests, the grip pad being arranged to provide additional grip between the user's thumb and the toothbrush
5. A toothbrush in accordance with claim ], wherein the head includes a neck portion extending generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis of the head.
6. A toothbrush in accordance with claim 5 , wherein a swivel means is provided to allow rotatable interconnection between the neck portion and the first end of the handle.
7. A toothbrush in accordance with claim 6 , wherein the swivel means comprises a ball and socket joint
8. A toothbrush in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the head is removable from the handle to allow replacement of the head.
9. A toothbrush in accordance with claim 8 , wherein the removable head may be replaced with a shaving head.
10. A toothbrush in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head includes bristles, the bristles being arranged to vary in height across head.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AUPQ6431 | 2000-03-24 | ||
AUPQ6431A AUPQ643100A0 (en) | 2000-03-24 | 2000-03-24 | A toothbrush |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020056197A1 true US20020056197A1 (en) | 2002-05-16 |
Family
ID=3820528
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/814,586 Abandoned US20020056197A1 (en) | 2000-03-24 | 2001-03-22 | Toothbrush |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20020056197A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AUPQ643100A0 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1836923A1 (en) * | 2006-03-24 | 2007-09-26 | Trisa Holding AG | Toothbrush having faceted handle |
US20090113650A1 (en) * | 2005-10-03 | 2009-05-07 | Flek Jr Jaroslav | Toothbrush |
US20110016651A1 (en) * | 2009-07-21 | 2011-01-27 | Robert Piserchio | Pressure-sensitive toothbrush |
US7934284B2 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2011-05-03 | Braun Gmbh | Toothbrushes |
US20130097793A1 (en) * | 2011-10-20 | 2013-04-25 | Richard HENNINGSEN | Automotive snow brush with squeegee |
US20150074928A1 (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2015-03-19 | Dr. Fresh, Llc | Toothbrush with angled bristles |
US9398802B2 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2016-07-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Method of forming a head plate and formation of oral care implement using the same |
US9486059B2 (en) | 2012-03-01 | 2016-11-08 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
USD786564S1 (en) * | 2015-10-28 | 2017-05-16 | Sabine Borstel | Toothbrush |
US9737134B2 (en) | 2012-03-22 | 2017-08-22 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having flexible handle |
USD837528S1 (en) * | 2017-09-22 | 2019-01-08 | Neada M. Holliday | Oral brush |
US20190246763A1 (en) * | 2018-02-12 | 2019-08-15 | Madison Reed, Inc. | Highlight Applicator |
US11077570B2 (en) * | 2014-01-31 | 2021-08-03 | Dryfhout Properties, Llc | Flexible back shaver |
Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1779057A (en) * | 1929-11-05 | 1930-10-21 | Tolmach Samuel | Toothbrush |
US2022039A (en) * | 1934-11-09 | 1935-11-26 | Charles H House | Connection for handles and implements |
US2084873A (en) * | 1935-12-18 | 1937-06-22 | Louis J Strause | Tooth brush |
US4399582A (en) * | 1981-03-09 | 1983-08-23 | Raymond Ernest | Modular interproximal toothbrush system |
US4471506A (en) * | 1981-07-13 | 1984-09-18 | Massari B | Toothbrush with multi-positionable head |
US4472853A (en) * | 1982-04-21 | 1984-09-25 | Samuel Rauch | Toothbrush |
US4654922A (en) * | 1985-05-28 | 1987-04-07 | Chen Horng Y | Brush with universal joints |
US5315730A (en) * | 1990-09-13 | 1994-05-31 | Il Pyung Kim | Toothbrush device |
US5906027A (en) * | 1997-11-24 | 1999-05-25 | Barous; Paul R. | Handle with interchangeable implements |
US6094768A (en) * | 1996-05-21 | 2000-08-01 | Hugon; Roland | Transversal toothbrush |
-
2000
- 2000-03-24 AU AUPQ6431A patent/AUPQ643100A0/en not_active Abandoned
-
2001
- 2001-03-22 US US09/814,586 patent/US20020056197A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1779057A (en) * | 1929-11-05 | 1930-10-21 | Tolmach Samuel | Toothbrush |
US2022039A (en) * | 1934-11-09 | 1935-11-26 | Charles H House | Connection for handles and implements |
US2084873A (en) * | 1935-12-18 | 1937-06-22 | Louis J Strause | Tooth brush |
US4399582A (en) * | 1981-03-09 | 1983-08-23 | Raymond Ernest | Modular interproximal toothbrush system |
US4471506A (en) * | 1981-07-13 | 1984-09-18 | Massari B | Toothbrush with multi-positionable head |
US4472853A (en) * | 1982-04-21 | 1984-09-25 | Samuel Rauch | Toothbrush |
US4654922A (en) * | 1985-05-28 | 1987-04-07 | Chen Horng Y | Brush with universal joints |
US5315730A (en) * | 1990-09-13 | 1994-05-31 | Il Pyung Kim | Toothbrush device |
US6094768A (en) * | 1996-05-21 | 2000-08-01 | Hugon; Roland | Transversal toothbrush |
US5906027A (en) * | 1997-11-24 | 1999-05-25 | Barous; Paul R. | Handle with interchangeable implements |
Cited By (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8695149B2 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2014-04-15 | Braun Gmbh | Toothbrushes |
US7934284B2 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2011-05-03 | Braun Gmbh | Toothbrushes |
US7958589B2 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2011-06-14 | The Gillette Company | Toothbrushes |
US20090113650A1 (en) * | 2005-10-03 | 2009-05-07 | Flek Jr Jaroslav | Toothbrush |
WO2007110208A1 (en) * | 2006-03-24 | 2007-10-04 | Trisa Holding Ag | Toothbrush with faceted handle |
US20090183331A1 (en) * | 2006-03-24 | 2009-07-23 | Trisa Holding Ag | Toothbrush With Faceted Handle |
US8448284B2 (en) | 2006-03-24 | 2013-05-28 | Trisa Holding Ag | Toothbrush with faceted handle |
EP1836923A1 (en) * | 2006-03-24 | 2007-09-26 | Trisa Holding AG | Toothbrush having faceted handle |
US20110016651A1 (en) * | 2009-07-21 | 2011-01-27 | Robert Piserchio | Pressure-sensitive toothbrush |
US20130097793A1 (en) * | 2011-10-20 | 2013-04-25 | Richard HENNINGSEN | Automotive snow brush with squeegee |
US9345314B2 (en) * | 2011-10-20 | 2016-05-24 | Richard HENNINGSEN | Automotive snow brush with squeegee |
US9486059B2 (en) | 2012-03-01 | 2016-11-08 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US10244855B2 (en) | 2012-03-01 | 2019-04-02 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US9398802B2 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2016-07-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Method of forming a head plate and formation of oral care implement using the same |
US9737134B2 (en) | 2012-03-22 | 2017-08-22 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having flexible handle |
US9456680B2 (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2016-10-04 | Dr. Fresh, Llc | Toothbrush with angled bristles |
CN105899102A (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2016-08-24 | 弗雷西博士有限责任公司 | Toothbrush with angled bristles |
US9609940B2 (en) | 2013-09-18 | 2017-04-04 | Dr. Fresh, Llc | Toothbrush with angled bristles |
US20150074928A1 (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2015-03-19 | Dr. Fresh, Llc | Toothbrush with angled bristles |
US10455929B2 (en) | 2013-09-18 | 2019-10-29 | Dr. Fresh, Llc | Toothbrush with angled bristles |
US11077570B2 (en) * | 2014-01-31 | 2021-08-03 | Dryfhout Properties, Llc | Flexible back shaver |
USD786564S1 (en) * | 2015-10-28 | 2017-05-16 | Sabine Borstel | Toothbrush |
USD837528S1 (en) * | 2017-09-22 | 2019-01-08 | Neada M. Holliday | Oral brush |
US20190246763A1 (en) * | 2018-02-12 | 2019-08-15 | Madison Reed, Inc. | Highlight Applicator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AUPQ643100A0 (en) | 2000-04-20 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |