US20040255416A1 - Toothbrush with tongue cleaning member - Google Patents

Toothbrush with tongue cleaning member Download PDF

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Publication number
US20040255416A1
US20040255416A1 US10/601,106 US60110603A US2004255416A1 US 20040255416 A1 US20040255416 A1 US 20040255416A1 US 60110603 A US60110603 A US 60110603A US 2004255416 A1 US2004255416 A1 US 2004255416A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
cleaning
toothbrush
tongue
cleaning member
head
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
Application number
US10/601,106
Inventor
Douglas Hohlbein
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Colgate Palmolive Co
Original Assignee
Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Colgate Palmolive Co filed Critical Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority to US10/601,106 priority Critical patent/US20040255416A1/en
Assigned to COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY reassignment COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HOHLBEIN, DOUGLAS J.
Priority to CA2526830A priority patent/CA2526830C/en
Priority to CN201310049393.0A priority patent/CN103099426B/en
Priority to US10/869,922 priority patent/US7143462B2/en
Priority to KR1020057023958A priority patent/KR101122892B1/en
Priority to MXPA05013009A priority patent/MXPA05013009A/en
Priority to AU2004249300A priority patent/AU2004249300B2/en
Priority to MXPA05012998A priority patent/MXPA05012998A/en
Priority to MX2014009275A priority patent/MX363882B/en
Priority to CA2922504A priority patent/CA2922504C/en
Priority to CN2004800171137A priority patent/CN1809301B/en
Priority to PCT/US2004/019851 priority patent/WO2004112535A1/en
Priority to RU2006101576/12A priority patent/RU2370194C2/en
Priority to RU2009121914/12A priority patent/RU2488330C2/en
Priority to BRPI0411546-5A priority patent/BRPI0411546B1/en
Priority to CA2842174A priority patent/CA2842174C/en
Priority to CNB2004800170454A priority patent/CN100471417C/en
Priority to CN2009100063315A priority patent/CN101480296B/en
Priority to AU2004249249A priority patent/AU2004249249B2/en
Priority to RU2006101568/12A priority patent/RU2354311C2/en
Priority to CN2011100666536A priority patent/CN102132995B/en
Priority to CA2800233A priority patent/CA2800233C/en
Priority to PCT/US2004/019541 priority patent/WO2004112538A1/en
Priority to CN201210307256.8A priority patent/CN102783811B/en
Priority to CA2526826A priority patent/CA2526826C/en
Priority to KR1020117018888A priority patent/KR101185653B1/en
Priority to BRPI0411539A priority patent/BRPI0411539B1/en
Priority to US10/870,462 priority patent/US7089621B2/en
Priority to TW100104497A priority patent/TWI371252B/en
Priority to MYPI20042415A priority patent/MY144162A/en
Priority to TW093117947A priority patent/TWI371251B/en
Priority to TW093117948A priority patent/TWI260976B/en
Priority to MYPI20042438A priority patent/MY169521A/en
Priority to US10/986,809 priority patent/US7273327B2/en
Priority to US11/019,671 priority patent/US7721376B2/en
Priority to US11/019,685 priority patent/US7908699B2/en
Publication of US20040255416A1 publication Critical patent/US20040255416A1/en
Priority to US11/122,258 priority patent/US20060026784A1/en
Priority to US11/122,245 priority patent/US7836539B2/en
Priority to US11/122,224 priority patent/US7845042B2/en
Priority to US11/256,790 priority patent/US7614111B2/en
Priority to US11/261,048 priority patent/US7594293B2/en
Priority to KR1020057024483A priority patent/KR101217422B1/en
Priority to CO05131736A priority patent/CO5630014A2/en
Priority to CO05131738A priority patent/CO5650211A2/en
Priority to US11/429,677 priority patent/US7841041B2/en
Priority to US11/472,021 priority patent/US7975343B2/en
Priority to US11/464,421 priority patent/US7962991B2/en
Priority to US11/566,479 priority patent/US7322067B2/en
Priority to US11/673,758 priority patent/US8322939B2/en
Priority to US11/852,621 priority patent/US8628263B2/en
Priority to US11/932,010 priority patent/US7950100B2/en
Priority to US12/146,913 priority patent/US8151397B2/en
Priority to US12/560,894 priority patent/US8042214B2/en
Priority to US12/576,445 priority patent/US8393042B2/en
Priority to US12/717,206 priority patent/US8550736B2/en
Priority to US12/751,109 priority patent/US7975346B2/en
Priority to US12/774,753 priority patent/US8091170B2/en
Priority to US12/787,564 priority patent/US8079110B2/en
Priority to AU2010249146A priority patent/AU2010249146B2/en
Priority to AU2011200008A priority patent/AU2011200008C1/en
Priority to US13/116,735 priority patent/US8522386B2/en
Priority to US13/162,915 priority patent/US8561247B2/en
Priority to US13/216,048 priority patent/US8876221B2/en
Priority to US13/310,044 priority patent/US8800093B2/en
Priority to US13/424,666 priority patent/US8806695B2/en
Priority to US13/660,360 priority patent/US8556530B2/en
Priority to RU2013118220/12A priority patent/RU2530849C1/en
Priority to US13/888,825 priority patent/US8839481B2/en
Priority to US13/965,693 priority patent/US8800091B2/en
Priority to US14/027,608 priority patent/US9066581B2/en
Priority to US14/327,711 priority patent/US9167888B2/en
Priority to US14/333,169 priority patent/US9655436B2/en
Priority to US14/487,693 priority patent/US9545148B2/en
Priority to IN952DEN2015 priority patent/IN2015DN00952A/en
Priority to IN951DEN2015 priority patent/IN2015DN00951A/en
Priority to US15/372,666 priority patent/US10512323B2/en
Priority to US15/491,315 priority patent/US9872558B2/en
Priority to US16/671,231 priority patent/US20200060416A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/06—Arrangement of mixed bristles or tufts of bristles, e.g. wire, fibre, rubber
    • 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
    • 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
    • A46B15/0081—Brushes with a scraper, e.g. tongue scraper
    • 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
    • A46B9/028—Bristle profile, the end of the bristle defining a surface other than a single plane or deviating from a simple geometric form, e.g. cylinder, sphere or cone
    • 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

  • This invention relates generally to oral hygiene products, and more particularly, relates to a toothbrush having a tongue cleaning member provided on the head section thereof.
  • Tongue cleaners have been in use for many years, with scraping type devices being one of the more popular solutions for improved cleaning of the tongue and soft cheek tissues.
  • Scrapers exist as long, thin “blades” made of either plastic or metal which are bent into a “U” shape and dragged across the tongue.
  • Tongue scraper configurations with linear wiping elements have been combined with toothbrushes in the past, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,818,856 and 6,119,296.
  • Traditional tongue scrapers are formed of a tall flat “blade” or ribbon of either plastic or metal, which is dragged along the surface of the tongue. This type of construction is not well-suited for the back of the toothbrush head as it makes contact with surfaces other than the tongue. It has therefore been found desirable to provide a tongue scraper provided on a toothbrush which is soft for contact with soft tissues and without deep edges that might get caught on tooth surfaces.
  • nylon bristles have been suggested for tongue cleaning in WO 0145573. While nylon bristles with small diameters are available, nylon is a very stiff material, particularly in short lengths. The use of nylon in bristles also makes the manufacturing processing complex. It has therefore been found desirable to provide a tongue cleaner for a toothbrush which is made of a relatively soft material for gentle cleaning, and minimizes manufacturing complexities.
  • the present invention relates to a toothbrush having a handle portion formed with a neck at one end thereof and which extends along a first longitudinal axis.
  • a head section is coupled to the neck.
  • the head section includes a plurality of first cleaning members provided on a first head side thereof and which extends outwardly from the first head side generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
  • the head section further includes a second cleaning member provided on a second head side thereof opposite to the first head side.
  • the second cleaning member includes a plurality of flat tipped conical shaped cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface which extend outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
  • the second cleaning element is molded of a relatively soft elastomeric material.
  • This elastomeric material preferably has a hardness within the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness.
  • the conical shaped cleaning elements of the second cleaning member are in the shape of short thin whiskers, and have tips at an end thereof which are less than 0.1 mm in diameter for optimum tongue cleaning penetration.
  • Each of the flat tipped conical shaped cleaning elements has a height which is within the range of preferably 0.020′′ to 0.100”, and most preferably 0.040′′ to 0.060′′.
  • the toothbrush of the present invention includes a handle portion being formed with a neck at one end thereof and which extends along a first longitudinal axis.
  • a head section is coupled to the neck and includes a plurality of first cleaning members provided on a first head side thereof and which extends outwardly from the first head side generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
  • the head section further includes a second cleaning member provided on a second head side thereof opposite to the first head side.
  • the second cleaning member includes a plurality of grated cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface which extend outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
  • grated cleaning elements can be shaped in a variety of preferred configurations including: (1) a front cleaning face formed of a generally concave cleaning surface; (2) a front cleaning face having a pair of dispersion grooves having an inclined cleaning plane disposed therebetween; (3) a front cleaning face formed of a generally concave cleaning surface and a rear cleaning face having a pair of dispersion grooves having an inclined cleaning plane disposed therebetween; (4) a front cleaning face formed of a generally concave cleaning surface with a portion thereof extending below a base portion of the second cleaning member; and (5) a front cleaning face having a cut-out grooved arc segment having a bottom surface which is inclined so as to extend below a base portion of the second cleaning member.
  • the second cleaning member is molded of a relatively soft elastomeric material.
  • FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a toothbrush in accordance with the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged front perspective view of the head section of the toothbrush of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the head section of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of each whisker of the tongue cleaner of the toothbrush of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the whisker of FIG. 5 cleaning the tongue papillae
  • FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the neck and head section of another preferred embodiment of a toothbrush in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged rear elevation view of the tongue cleaner provided on the rear side of the toothbrush of FIG. 7.
  • FIGS. 9 through 13 show alternate preferred embodiments for the grated cleaning elements for the tongue cleaner of FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 1 an exemplary toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated and generally indicated at 100 .
  • Toothbrush 100 includes a handle 102 at a proximal end thereof and a brush section 104 that is defined by a neck 110 that terminates in a head section 120 at a distal end of toothbrush 100 .
  • Handle 102 has a free proximal end 108 and an opposite neck end 106 and extends along a first longitudinal axis a-a.
  • Neck 110 generally includes a first end 114 and a second end 116 with first end 114 being located at neck end 106 of handle 102 and the second end 116 being located at head 120 .
  • neck 110 is the portion of toothbrush 100 that extends between handle 102 and head 120 .
  • handle 102 and neck 110 are merely exemplary in nature and handle 102 and/or neck 110 can be formed to have any number of shapes.
  • the shapes of handle 102 and neck 110 are ergonomically pleasing to a user of toothbrush 100 and provide a toothbrush that is easily gripped and held and easily manipulated by a user.
  • handle 102 may include slightly recessed finger sections which are formed on opposite sides of handle 102 .
  • One recessed finger section is designed to receive the thumb of one hand and the other recessed finger section is designed to receive one or more other fingers of the same hand to thereby assist a user in proper placement of toothbrush 100 in a user's hand.
  • One or more recessed finger sections 118 may include ribs or another type of roughened surface to assist a user in gripping toothbrush 100 at recessed finger section 118 .
  • the head section 104 includes a top cavity and a bottom cavity.
  • a plurality of first cleaning members 130 are provided on the front head side 132 generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis a-a of the handle portion 102 .
  • the first cleaning elements 130 include a variety of bristle members, which can be used for wiping, cleaning and massaging, etc. the user's teeth and gums.
  • These include first bristle members 132 a - o, which are preferably in the form of upstanding cylindrical bristle members, second bristle members 134 a - d, which are preferably in the form of outer peripheral arc bristle members, and third bristles members, such as 136 a - f, which are preferably in the form of centrally located arc members which form a circular pattern.
  • Second bristle members 134 a and b respectively extend from the top and bottom ends 133 and 135 of the top face of the head section 120 .
  • Second bristle members 134 c and d respectively extend from the central side portions of the outer periphery of the top face of the head section 120 .
  • First bristle members 132 a - l extend outwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the top face of the head section 120 and are each disposed between one of the end second bristles members 134 a and b and one of the centrally disposed second bristle members 134 c and d.
  • a second cleaning member 140 is placed within the bottom cavity of the head section 120 of the toothbrush 100 which, as will be described in more detail below, is soft for contact with soft tissues of the tongue and is without deep edges that might get caught on tooth surfaces.
  • This second cleaning member 140 is thus provided on a head side which is opposite to the head side on which the first cleaning member 130 is disposed.
  • the second cleaning member 140 is able to take advantage of the presence of dentifrice used during toothbrushing, the ingredients of which have been commonly found to have beneficial effects in the treatment of bad breath. In addition, this minimizes the need for extra steps in one's oral care regiment with a single area of the brush to be cleaned after use.
  • the second cleaning member 140 includes a plurality of flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements, such as 142 a - d, for cleaning the tongue surface which extend outwardly from the bottom head side 143 of the head section 120 generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis a-a of the handle portion 102 of the toothbrush 100 .
  • These flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements preferably are in the shape of soft, thin whiskers which are injection molded as described below and made of a flexibly resilient thermoplastic material to achieve the softness desired for gentle cleaning and to minimize manufacturing complexities.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates that for optimal penetration between papillae 210 of the user's tongue 200 , the tip 144 of each of the plurality of conical-shaped cleaning elements 142 a - d is preferably no more than approximately 0.5 mm in diameter, and most preferably no more than approximately 0.2 mm in diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the tip 144 of each of the plurality of conical-shaped members 142 a - d is 0.13 mm in diameter. The tip 144 is preferably generally flat to obtain superior scraping action on the tongue surface.
  • each of the flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning member 142 a - d has been kept to a minimum to provide the same kind of access in the mouth provided by a conventional toothbrush.
  • the height H (see FIG. 5) of each of the flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning member 142 a - d is less than approximately 0.100′′ as that height is sufficient to reach the bottom 212 of the spaces 214 between the papillae.
  • each of the flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements has a height H which is within the range of 0.020′′ to 0.100′′, and most preferably between 0.040′′ to 0.060′′.
  • the second cleaning member 140 is made of a relatively soft elastomeric material which is resiliently flexible. This material allows a dense population of short “whisker” cleaning members 142 a - d across the entire rear surface of the toothbrush head section, and results in a more soft and desirable mouth feel. In order to obtain this beneficial cleaning result, the second cleaning member 140 is made of an elastomeric material having a hardness which is within the range of Shore A8 to Shore A25 hardness.
  • the flat-tipped design of the conical-shaped members 142 a - d combined with the resilient and flexible nature of the elastomeric material selected provides for improved inter-papillae scraping.
  • the cleaning members 142 a - d are made of a soft elastomer, they will flex or bend sideways as pressure is applied causing the edge of the flat tips 144 to scrape the debris trapped in the desired areas of the tongue surface.
  • the edge of the flat tip 144 is in contact with the tongue resulting in greater force per square inch, as the force is distributed over less surface area.
  • each conical shaped member 142 a - d has been disposed in a predetermined pattern on the bottom head side 143 of the head section 120 so as to provide for a high density of the conical shaped members 142 a - d per square mm of the bottom head side 143 .
  • Each conical shaped member 142 a - d is spaced apart from an adjacent conical shaped member at a preferred spacing range of approximately 0.020 m to 0.120′′, more preferably at a spacing of approximately 0.030′′ to 0.100′′, and most preferably at a spacing of approximately 0.040′′ to 0.080′′.
  • each conical shaped member such as 142 a - d, is spaced from an adjacent conical-shaped member at a spacing of approximately 0.050′′.
  • the second cleaning member 140 includes preferably approximately 100 to 600 conical-shaped members 142 a - d per square inch, and more approximately 200 to 500 conical shaped members per square inch, and most preferably 300 to 450 conical-shaped members per square inch.
  • optimum cleaning is provided by placing approximately 400 conical-shaped member per square inch on the second cleaning member 140 . This high density feature coupled with the relatively small height of the conical shaped members 142 a - d permits the second cleaning member 140 to tend to conform to the many papillae of the tongue surface to provide better cleaning efficiently.
  • This toothbrush 100 can be manufactured by three methods; namely, IMT, AFT and conventional staple technology.
  • IMT and AFT are generically known in the art as “anchor free tufting technologies.”
  • the third bristle members, such as 136 a - f, of the first cleaning members 130 are injection molded from a first shot of elastomeric material and then a hot adhesive melt is applied within the top cavity to capture the base of each of the third bristle members 136 a - f so that they extend outwardly from the front head side 132 as described above.
  • the second cleaning member 140 is then formed in the AFT process by injection molding a separate second shot of elastomeric material, and securing the second cleaning member 140 in the bottom cavity of the brush head by a hot adhesive melt.
  • the third bristle members, such as 136 a - f, of the first cleaning member 130 and the second cleaning member 140 are injection molded by the same shot of elastomeric material flowing through the brush head. Therefore, cleaning features are formed on opposite sides of the brush head by injection molding by a single operation (i.e., one shot of elastomeric material).
  • the elastomer used may be an elastomer used elsewhere in the handle, such as used for a grip material, or it can be different therefrom.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 An alternate preferred embodiment for a toothbrush having cleaning elements on both sides of the head section is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
  • the construction of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is the same as that shown and described in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 6 except for the design of the second cleaning element 310 provided on the rear surface 305 of the head section 310 of the toothbrush.
  • Like reference numerals from FIGS. 1 through 6 have been used in FIGS. 7 through 8 to designate like features in the embodiments.
  • the second cleaning element 310 includes a plurality of randomly disposed grated cleaning elements 320 for cleaning the tongue surface which extend outwardly from the second head side 305 of the head section 310 general perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis a-a.
  • the second cleaning member 310 and the grated cleaning elements 320 associated therewith are made as well of a flexibly resilient elastomeric material to achieve the softness desired for gentle cleaning and to minimize manufacturing complexities.
  • the second cleaning member 310 is made of an elastomeric material having a hardness which is within the range of Shore A8 and Shore A25 hardness.
  • FIGS. 9 through 13 show alternate preferred embodiment for the grated cleaning elements 320 for the second cleaning member 310 .
  • the grated cleaning element 320 a has a front cleaning face 330 formed of a generally concave cleaning surface 332 .
  • the grated cleaning element 320 b in FIG. 10 has a front cleaning face 340 which includes a pair of dispersion grooves 342 and 344 having an inclined cleaning plane 346 therebetween.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates that the grated cleaning element 320 c can have a front cleaning face 350 which is formed of a generally concave cleaning surface 352 and a rear cleaning face 354 including a pair of dispersion grooves 355 and 356 having an inclined cleaning plane 358 therebetween.
  • FIG. 9 the grated cleaning element 320 a has a front cleaning face 330 formed of a generally concave cleaning surface 332 .
  • the grated cleaning element 320 b in FIG. 10 has a front cleaning face 340 which includes a pair of dispersion grooves 342 and
  • the grated cleaning element 320 d has a front cleaning face 360 formed of a generally concave cleaning surface 362 with a portion 364 thereof extending below a base portion 366 of the second cleaning member 310 .
  • FIG. 13 illustrates that the grated cleaning element 320 e can have a front cleaning face 370 including a cut-out grooved arc segment 372 which is inclined so as to extend below a base portion 375 of the second cleaning member 310 .
  • Each of these embodiments for the grated cleaning element 320 provides for improved inter-papillae scraping.
  • each of the grated cleaning elements 320 is less than approximately 1 mm as that height is sufficient to reach the bottom of the spaces between the papillae.
  • each of the grated cleaning elements 320 has a height H which is within the range of 0.020′′ to 0.100′′, and most preferably 0.040′′ to 0.060′′.
  • the toothbrush of the present invention provides a second cleaning element opposite to the bristle side of the toothbrush for cleaning the tongue surface which is soft for contact with soft tissues and without deep edges that might get caught on tooth surfaces.
  • this toothbrush provides for maximum penetration between papillae along the tongue surface.
  • this toothbrush with tongue scraper maintains the height of the toothbrush head to a minimum.
  • a cleaning member for the tongue surface is provided for a toothbrush which is made of a relatively soft material for gentle cleaning and minimization of manufacturing complexities.

Abstract

A toothbrush having a handle portion formed with a neck at one end thereof and extending along a first longitudinal axis. A head section is coupled to the neck. The head section includes a plurality of first cleaning members provided on a first head side thereof which extends outwardly from the first head side generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The head section further includes a second cleaning member provided on a second head side thereof opposite to the first head side. In order to reliably clean the tongue surface, the second cleaning member includes a plurality of flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements which extend outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. Alternately, the second cleaning member can include a plurality of grated cleaning elements which extend outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0001]
  • This invention relates generally to oral hygiene products, and more particularly, relates to a toothbrush having a tongue cleaning member provided on the head section thereof. [0002]
  • 2. Discussion of Related Art [0003]
  • Tongue cleaners have been in use for many years, with scraping type devices being one of the more popular solutions for improved cleaning of the tongue and soft cheek tissues. Scrapers exist as long, thin “blades” made of either plastic or metal which are bent into a “U” shape and dragged across the tongue. [0004]
  • Tongue scraper configurations with linear wiping elements have been combined with toothbrushes in the past, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,818,856 and 6,119,296. Traditional tongue scrapers are formed of a tall flat “blade” or ribbon of either plastic or metal, which is dragged along the surface of the tongue. This type of construction is not well-suited for the back of the toothbrush head as it makes contact with surfaces other than the tongue. It has therefore been found desirable to provide a tongue scraper provided on a toothbrush which is soft for contact with soft tissues and without deep edges that might get caught on tooth surfaces. [0005]
  • Conventional tongue scrapers have also been inadequate with respect to the cleaning capacity of the tongue and the soft tissue-cleaning surface. The surface of the tongue is composed of many papillae with recesses located between the papillae. Anaerobic bacteria tends to collect in the recesses causing bad breath. Broad flat scraping blades or wipers are not able to reach between the papillae where the bacteria has collected. It has therefore been found desirable to provide a tongue scraper for a toothbrush which provides for maximum penetration between papillae. In order to provide the same kind of access into the mouth afforded by current toothbrushes, it has further been found desirable to keep the height of the toothbrush head (from toothbrush bristle tips to tongue cleaning tips) to a minimum. [0006]
  • The use of nylon bristles has been suggested for tongue cleaning in WO 0145573. While nylon bristles with small diameters are available, nylon is a very stiff material, particularly in short lengths. The use of nylon in bristles also makes the manufacturing processing complex. It has therefore been found desirable to provide a tongue cleaner for a toothbrush which is made of a relatively soft material for gentle cleaning, and minimizes manufacturing complexities. [0007]
    • OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
  • It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a tongue cleaner for a toothbrush which overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art. [0008]
  • It is also an object of the present invention to provide a tongue scraper provided on a toothbrush which is soft for contact with soft tissues and without deep edges that might get caught on tooth surfaces. [0009]
  • It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tongue scraper provided on a toothbrush which provides for maximum penetration between papillae. [0010]
  • It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tongue scraper for a toothbrush which keeps the height of the toothbrush head (from toothbrush bristle tips to tongue cleaning tips) to a minimum. [0011]
  • It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a tongue scraper for a toothbrush which is made of a relatively soft material for gentle cleaning and minimizes manufacturing complexities. [0012]
  • Various other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims. [0013]
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to a toothbrush having a handle portion formed with a neck at one end thereof and which extends along a first longitudinal axis. A head section is coupled to the neck. The head section includes a plurality of first cleaning members provided on a first head side thereof and which extends outwardly from the first head side generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The head section further includes a second cleaning member provided on a second head side thereof opposite to the first head side. The second cleaning member includes a plurality of flat tipped conical shaped cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface which extend outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. [0014]
  • In a preferred embodiment, the second cleaning element is molded of a relatively soft elastomeric material. This elastomeric material preferably has a hardness within the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. [0015]
  • In this toothbrush, the conical shaped cleaning elements of the second cleaning member are in the shape of short thin whiskers, and have tips at an end thereof which are less than 0.1 mm in diameter for optimum tongue cleaning penetration. Each of the flat tipped conical shaped cleaning elements has a height which is within the range of preferably 0.020″ to 0.100”, and most preferably 0.040″ to 0.060″. [0016]
  • In another embodiment, the toothbrush of the present invention includes a handle portion being formed with a neck at one end thereof and which extends along a first longitudinal axis. A head section is coupled to the neck and includes a plurality of first cleaning members provided on a first head side thereof and which extends outwardly from the first head side generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. [0017]
  • The head section further includes a second cleaning member provided on a second head side thereof opposite to the first head side. The second cleaning member includes a plurality of grated cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface which extend outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. [0018]
  • These grated cleaning elements can be shaped in a variety of preferred configurations including: (1) a front cleaning face formed of a generally concave cleaning surface; (2) a front cleaning face having a pair of dispersion grooves having an inclined cleaning plane disposed therebetween; (3) a front cleaning face formed of a generally concave cleaning surface and a rear cleaning face having a pair of dispersion grooves having an inclined cleaning plane disposed therebetween; (4) a front cleaning face formed of a generally concave cleaning surface with a portion thereof extending below a base portion of the second cleaning member; and (5) a front cleaning face having a cut-out grooved arc segment having a bottom surface which is inclined so as to extend below a base portion of the second cleaning member. In addition, to allow for flexure of the grated cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning and scraping capabilities, the second cleaning member is molded of a relatively soft elastomeric material.[0019]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
  • For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings in which: [0020]
  • FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a toothbrush in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; [0021]
  • FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1; [0022]
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged front perspective view of the head section of the toothbrush of FIG. 1; [0023]
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the head section of FIG. 1; [0024]
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of each whisker of the tongue cleaner of the toothbrush of FIG. 1; [0025]
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the whisker of FIG. 5 cleaning the tongue papillae; [0026]
  • FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the neck and head section of another preferred embodiment of a toothbrush in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; [0027]
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged rear elevation view of the tongue cleaner provided on the rear side of the toothbrush of FIG. 7. [0028]
  • FIGS. 9 through 13 show alternate preferred embodiments for the grated cleaning elements for the tongue cleaner of FIG. 8.[0029]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
  • Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated and generally indicated at [0030] 100.
  • Toothbrush [0031] 100 includes a handle 102 at a proximal end thereof and a brush section 104 that is defined by a neck 110 that terminates in a head section 120 at a distal end of toothbrush 100. Handle 102 has a free proximal end 108 and an opposite neck end 106 and extends along a first longitudinal axis a-a. Neck 110 generally includes a first end 114 and a second end 116 with first end 114 being located at neck end 106 of handle 102 and the second end 116 being located at head 120. In other words, neck 110 is the portion of toothbrush 100 that extends between handle 102 and head 120.
  • It will be further appreciated that the illustrated shapes of [0032] handle 102 and neck 110 are merely exemplary in nature and handle 102 and/or neck 110 can be formed to have any number of shapes. Preferably, the shapes of handle 102 and neck 110 are ergonomically pleasing to a user of toothbrush 100 and provide a toothbrush that is easily gripped and held and easily manipulated by a user. For example, handle 102 may include slightly recessed finger sections which are formed on opposite sides of handle 102. One recessed finger section is designed to receive the thumb of one hand and the other recessed finger section is designed to receive one or more other fingers of the same hand to thereby assist a user in proper placement of toothbrush 100 in a user's hand. One or more recessed finger sections 118 may include ribs or another type of roughened surface to assist a user in gripping toothbrush 100 at recessed finger section 118.
  • Although not shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the [0033] head section 104 includes a top cavity and a bottom cavity. A plurality of first cleaning members 130 are provided on the front head side 132 generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis a-a of the handle portion 102.
  • As best shown in FIG. 3, the [0034] first cleaning elements 130 include a variety of bristle members, which can be used for wiping, cleaning and massaging, etc. the user's teeth and gums. These include first bristle members 132 a-o, which are preferably in the form of upstanding cylindrical bristle members, second bristle members 134 a-d, which are preferably in the form of outer peripheral arc bristle members, and third bristles members, such as 136 a-f, which are preferably in the form of centrally located arc members which form a circular pattern. Second bristle members 134 a and b respectively extend from the top and bottom ends 133 and 135 of the top face of the head section 120. Second bristle members 134 c and d respectively extend from the central side portions of the outer periphery of the top face of the head section 120. First bristle members 132 a-l extend outwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the top face of the head section 120 and are each disposed between one of the end second bristles members 134 a and b and one of the centrally disposed second bristle members 134 c and d. A set of four of the third bristle members, such as 136 a-f, respectively form a circular array which circumscribes first bristle members 132 m-o and extend from the central portion of the top face of the head section 120.
  • In accordance with a general object of the present invention, a [0035] second cleaning member 140 is placed within the bottom cavity of the head section 120 of the toothbrush 100 which, as will be described in more detail below, is soft for contact with soft tissues of the tongue and is without deep edges that might get caught on tooth surfaces. This second cleaning member 140 is thus provided on a head side which is opposite to the head side on which the first cleaning member 130 is disposed. As such, the second cleaning member 140 is able to take advantage of the presence of dentifrice used during toothbrushing, the ingredients of which have been commonly found to have beneficial effects in the treatment of bad breath. In addition, this minimizes the need for extra steps in one's oral care regiment with a single area of the brush to be cleaned after use.
  • As is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the [0036] second cleaning member 140 includes a plurality of flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements, such as 142 a-d, for cleaning the tongue surface which extend outwardly from the bottom head side 143 of the head section 120 generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis a-a of the handle portion 102 of the toothbrush 100. These flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements preferably are in the shape of soft, thin whiskers which are injection molded as described below and made of a flexibly resilient thermoplastic material to achieve the softness desired for gentle cleaning and to minimize manufacturing complexities.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates that for optimal penetration between papillae [0037] 210 of the user's tongue 200, the tip 144 of each of the plurality of conical-shaped cleaning elements 142 a-d is preferably no more than approximately 0.5 mm in diameter, and most preferably no more than approximately 0.2 mm in diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the tip 144 of each of the plurality of conical-shaped members 142 a-d is 0.13 mm in diameter. The tip 144 is preferably generally flat to obtain superior scraping action on the tongue surface. Moreover, the overall height of the toothbrush head section 120 (from the brush bristle tip of first cleaning member 130 to the tips of the conical-shaped cleaning elements 142 a-d) has been kept to a minimum to provide the same kind of access in the mouth provided by a conventional toothbrush. In order to achieve this minimal height, the height H (see FIG. 5) of each of the flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning member 142 a-d is less than approximately 0.100″ as that height is sufficient to reach the bottom 212 of the spaces 214 between the papillae. Most preferably, each of the flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements has a height H which is within the range of 0.020″ to 0.100″, and most preferably between 0.040″ to 0.060″.
  • The [0038] second cleaning member 140 is made of a relatively soft elastomeric material which is resiliently flexible. This material allows a dense population of short “whisker” cleaning members 142 a-d across the entire rear surface of the toothbrush head section, and results in a more soft and desirable mouth feel. In order to obtain this beneficial cleaning result, the second cleaning member 140 is made of an elastomeric material having a hardness which is within the range of Shore A8 to Shore A25 hardness.
  • The flat-tipped design of the conical-shaped [0039] members 142 a-d combined with the resilient and flexible nature of the elastomeric material selected provides for improved inter-papillae scraping. As the cleaning members 142 a-d are made of a soft elastomer, they will flex or bend sideways as pressure is applied causing the edge of the flat tips 144 to scrape the debris trapped in the desired areas of the tongue surface. Moreover, when in the angled or flexed position, the edge of the flat tip 144 is in contact with the tongue resulting in greater force per square inch, as the force is distributed over less surface area.
  • In addition, the conical-shaped [0040] members 142 a-d have been disposed in a predetermined pattern on the bottom head side 143 of the head section 120 so as to provide for a high density of the conical shaped members 142 a-d per square mm of the bottom head side 143. Each conical shaped member 142 a-d is spaced apart from an adjacent conical shaped member at a preferred spacing range of approximately 0.020 m to 0.120″, more preferably at a spacing of approximately 0.030″ to 0.100″, and most preferably at a spacing of approximately 0.040″ to 0.080″. In one preferred embodiment, each conical shaped member, such as 142 a-d, is spaced from an adjacent conical-shaped member at a spacing of approximately 0.050″. Moreover, in order to provide the desired density for optimum cleaning, the second cleaning member 140 includes preferably approximately 100 to 600 conical-shaped members 142 a-d per square inch, and more approximately 200 to 500 conical shaped members per square inch, and most preferably 300 to 450 conical-shaped members per square inch. In a preferred embodiment, optimum cleaning is provided by placing approximately 400 conical-shaped member per square inch on the second cleaning member 140. This high density feature coupled with the relatively small height of the conical shaped members 142 a-d permits the second cleaning member 140 to tend to conform to the many papillae of the tongue surface to provide better cleaning efficiently.
  • This [0041] toothbrush 100 can be manufactured by three methods; namely, IMT, AFT and conventional staple technology. IMT and AFT are generically known in the art as “anchor free tufting technologies.” In an AFT manufacturing process, the third bristle members, such as 136 a-f, of the first cleaning members 130 are injection molded from a first shot of elastomeric material and then a hot adhesive melt is applied within the top cavity to capture the base of each of the third bristle members 136 a-f so that they extend outwardly from the front head side 132 as described above. The second cleaning member 140 is then formed in the AFT process by injection molding a separate second shot of elastomeric material, and securing the second cleaning member 140 in the bottom cavity of the brush head by a hot adhesive melt.
  • In the IMT and conventional staple technologies, the third bristle members, such as [0042] 136 a-f, of the first cleaning member 130 and the second cleaning member 140 are injection molded by the same shot of elastomeric material flowing through the brush head. Therefore, cleaning features are formed on opposite sides of the brush head by injection molding by a single operation (i.e., one shot of elastomeric material).
  • In each of the AFT, IMT or conventional staple technology processes, the elastomer used may be an elastomer used elsewhere in the handle, such as used for a grip material, or it can be different therefrom. [0043]
  • An alternate preferred embodiment for a toothbrush having cleaning elements on both sides of the head section is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The construction of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is the same as that shown and described in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 6 except for the design of the [0044] second cleaning element 310 provided on the rear surface 305 of the head section 310 of the toothbrush. Like reference numerals from FIGS. 1 through 6 have been used in FIGS. 7 through 8 to designate like features in the embodiments.
  • Instead of employing flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements as in the previously-described embodiment, the [0045] second cleaning element 310 includes a plurality of randomly disposed grated cleaning elements 320 for cleaning the tongue surface which extend outwardly from the second head side 305 of the head section 310 general perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis a-a. The second cleaning member 310 and the grated cleaning elements 320 associated therewith are made as well of a flexibly resilient elastomeric material to achieve the softness desired for gentle cleaning and to minimize manufacturing complexities. In order to obtain beneficial cleaning results, the second cleaning member 310 is made of an elastomeric material having a hardness which is within the range of Shore A8 and Shore A25 hardness.
  • FIGS. 9 through 13 show alternate preferred embodiment for the grated cleaning [0046] elements 320 for the second cleaning member 310. In FIG. 9, the grated cleaning element 320 a has a front cleaning face 330 formed of a generally concave cleaning surface 332. The grated cleaning element 320 b in FIG. 10 has a front cleaning face 340 which includes a pair of dispersion grooves 342 and 344 having an inclined cleaning plane 346 therebetween. FIG. 11 illustrates that the grated cleaning element 320 c can have a front cleaning face 350 which is formed of a generally concave cleaning surface 352 and a rear cleaning face 354 including a pair of dispersion grooves 355 and 356 having an inclined cleaning plane 358 therebetween. In FIG. 12, the grated cleaning element 320 d has a front cleaning face 360 formed of a generally concave cleaning surface 362 with a portion 364 thereof extending below a base portion 366 of the second cleaning member 310. FIG. 13 illustrates that the grated cleaning element 320 e can have a front cleaning face 370 including a cut-out grooved arc segment 372 which is inclined so as to extend below a base portion 375 of the second cleaning member 310. Each of these embodiments for the grated cleaning element 320 provides for improved inter-papillae scraping.
  • In addition, the overall height of the toothbrush head section has been kept to a minimum in the toothbrush of FIGS. 7 through 13 to provide the same kind of access in the mouth provided by a conventional toothbrush. Therefore, the height of each of the grated cleaning [0047] elements 320 is less than approximately 1 mm as that height is sufficient to reach the bottom of the spaces between the papillae. Most preferably, each of the grated cleaning elements 320 has a height H which is within the range of 0.020″ to 0.100″, and most preferably 0.040″ to 0.060″.
  • Accordingly, the toothbrush of the present invention provides a second cleaning element opposite to the bristle side of the toothbrush for cleaning the tongue surface which is soft for contact with soft tissues and without deep edges that might get caught on tooth surfaces. In addition, this toothbrush provides for maximum penetration between papillae along the tongue surface. Moreover, this toothbrush with tongue scraper maintains the height of the toothbrush head to a minimum. Further, a cleaning member for the tongue surface is provided for a toothbrush which is made of a relatively soft material for gentle cleaning and minimization of manufacturing complexities. [0048]
  • Although the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as including the foregoing as well as various other such changes and modifications. [0049]

Claims (34)

What is claimed is:
1. A toothbrush comprising:
a handle portion being formed with a neck at one end thereof, said handle portion extending along a first longitudinal axis;
a head section coupled to the neck, the head including a plurality of first cleaning members provided on a first head side thereof and extending outwardly from said first head side generally perpendicular to said first longitudinal axis; and said head section including a second cleaning member provided on a second head side thereof opposite to said first head side, said second cleaning member including a plurality of flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface which extend outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
2. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said second cleaning member is molded of a relatively soft elastomeric material.
3. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said conical shaped cleaning elements are in the shape of short thin whiskers.
4. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said conical-shaped cleaning elements have tips at an end thereof which are less than 0.5 mm in diameter for optimum tongue cleaning penetration.
5. The toothbrush of claim 4 wherein said tips are less than 0.2 mm in diameter.
6. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said second cleaning element is made from a flexibly resilient thermoplastic elastomer.
7. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein each of said flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements has a height which is within the range of 0.020″ to 0.100″.
8. The toothbrush of claim 7 wherein each of said flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements has a height which is within the range of 0.040″ to 0.060″.
9. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said second cleaning member is made of an elastomeric material having a hardness which is within the range of Shore A8 to Shore A25 hardness.
10. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said second cleaning member is injection molded into a cavity provided in the head section.
11. A tongue cleaning member for a toothbrush including a plurality of flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface.
12. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 wherein said conical shaped cleaning elements are in the shape of short thin whiskers.
13. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 wherein said conical shaped cleaning elements have tips at an end thereof which are less than 0.1 mm in diameter for optimum tongue cleaning penetration.
14. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 from a flexibly resilient thermoplastic material.
15. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 made of an elastomeric material having a hardness which is within the range of Shore A8 to Shore A25 hardness.
16. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 wherein each of said flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements has a height which is within the range of 0.020″ to 0.100″.
17. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 wherein each of said flat-tipped conical shaped cleaning elements has a height which is within the range of 0.040″ to 0.060″.
18. The tongue cleaning member of claim 11 wherein the flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements are densely disposed on and extend from a bottom face of a head section of the toothbrush.
19. The tongue cleaning member of claim 18 wherein said flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements are spaced from an adjacent conical-shaped cleaning element at a spacing within the range of approximately 0.020″ to 0.120″.
20. The tongue cleaning member of claim 18 wherein approximately 200 to 500 conical shaped cleaning elements per square inch are disposed on the bottom face of the head section of the toothbrush.
21. A toothbrush comprising:
a handle portion being formed with a neck at one end thereof, said handle portion extending along a first longitudinal axis;
a head section coupled to the neck, the head including a plurality of first cleaning members provided on a first head side thereof and extending outwardly from said first head side generally perpendicular to said first longitudinal axis; and said head section including a second cleaning member provided on a second head side thereof opposite to said first head side, said second cleaning member including a plurality of grated cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface which extend outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
22. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said second cleaning member is molded of a relatively soft elastomeric material.
23. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein each of said grated cleaning elements includes a front cleaning face formed of a generally concave cleaning surface.
24. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said grated cleaning elements comprises a front cleaning face including a pair of dispersion grooves having an inclined cleaning plane disposed therebetween.
25. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said grated cleaning elements include a front cleaning face formed of a generally concave cleaning surface and a rear cleaning face including a pair of dispersion grooves having an inclined cleaning plane disposed therebetween.
26. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said grated cleaning elements include a front cleaning face formed of a generally concave cleaning surface with a portion thereof extending below a base portion of the second cleaning member.
27. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said grated cleaning elements include a front cleaning face having a cut-out grooved arc segment having a bottom surface which is inclined so as to extend below a base portion of the second cleaning member.
28. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein each of said grated cleaning elements has a height which is less than 0.100″.
29. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said second cleaning member is made of an elastomeric material having a hardness which is within the range of Shore A8 to Shore A25 hardness.
30. The toothbrush of claim 21 wherein said second cleaning member is injection molded into a cavity provided in the head section.
31. A tongue cleaning member for a toothbrush including a plurality of grated cleaning elements for cleaning the tongue surface.
32. A method for manufacturing a toothbrush having a brush head section comprising the step of injection molding first cleaning members on a first side of the brush section and second cleaning members on a second side of the brush head opposite to the first side by one shot of elastomeric material in the same operation.
33. The method of manufacturing a toothbrush of claim 32 wherein said step of injection molding said first cleaning members includes the step of forming bristle members on the front side of the brush head section.
34. The method of manufacturing a toothbrush of claim 32 wherein said step of injection molding said second cleaning member includes the step of form a tongue cleaning member on the rear side of the brush head section.
US10/601,106 2001-07-03 2003-06-20 Toothbrush with tongue cleaning member Abandoned US20040255416A1 (en)

Priority Applications (78)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/601,106 US20040255416A1 (en) 2003-06-20 2003-06-20 Toothbrush with tongue cleaning member
CA2526830A CA2526830C (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush with cleaning elements defining a loop
CN201310049393.0A CN103099426B (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Oral care implement
US10/869,922 US7143462B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2004-06-18 Oral care implement
KR1020057023958A KR101122892B1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Oral care implement
MXPA05013009A MXPA05013009A (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush.
AU2004249300A AU2004249300B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
MXPA05012998A MXPA05012998A (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Oral care implement.
MX2014009275A MX363882B (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Oral care implement.
CA2922504A CA2922504C (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush tissue cleanser
CN2004800171137A CN1809301B (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Oral care implement
PCT/US2004/019851 WO2004112535A1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
RU2006101576/12A RU2370194C2 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Tooth brush (versions)
RU2009121914/12A RU2488330C2 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
BRPI0411546-5A BRPI0411546B1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Oral Care Implement
CA2842174A CA2842174C (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush tissue cleanser
CNB2004800170454A CN100471417C (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
CN2009100063315A CN101480296B (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
AU2004249249A AU2004249249B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Oral care implement
RU2006101568/12A RU2354311C2 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Oral cavity care device
CN2011100666536A CN102132995B (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Oral care implement
CA2800233A CA2800233C (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush tissue cleanser
PCT/US2004/019541 WO2004112538A1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Oral care implement
CN201210307256.8A CN102783811B (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 A kind of toothbrush
CA2526826A CA2526826C (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush tissue cleanser
KR1020117018888A KR101185653B1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
BRPI0411539A BRPI0411539B1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
US10/870,462 US7089621B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
TW100104497A TWI371252B (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-21 Oral care implement
MYPI20042415A MY144162A (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-21 Oral care implement
TW093117947A TWI371251B (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-21 Oral care implement
TW093117948A TWI260976B (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-21 Toothbrush
MYPI20042438A MY169521A (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-22 Toothbrush
US10/986,809 US7273327B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-11-15 Oral care implement
US11/019,671 US7721376B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2004-12-23 Oral care implement
US11/019,685 US7908699B2 (en) 2001-07-03 2004-12-23 Oral care implement
US11/122,258 US20060026784A1 (en) 2002-08-09 2005-05-05 Oral care implement
US11/122,245 US7836539B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2005-05-05 Oral care implement
US11/122,224 US7845042B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2005-05-05 Oral care implement
US11/256,790 US7614111B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2005-10-24 Oral care implement
US11/261,048 US7594293B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2005-10-28 Oral care implement
KR1020057024483A KR101217422B1 (en) 2003-06-20 2005-12-20 toothbrush
CO05131736A CO5630014A2 (en) 2003-06-20 2005-12-30 TOOTHBRUSH
CO05131738A CO5650211A2 (en) 2003-06-20 2005-12-30 IMPLEMENT FOR ORAL CARE
US11/429,677 US7841041B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2006-05-08 Oral care implement
US11/472,021 US7975343B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2006-06-21 Toothbrush
US11/464,421 US7962991B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2006-08-14 Toothbrush
US11/566,479 US7322067B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2006-12-04 Oral care implement
US11/673,758 US8322939B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2007-02-12 Oral care implement
US11/852,621 US8628263B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2007-09-10 Oral care implement
US11/932,010 US7950100B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2007-10-31 Oral care implement
US12/146,913 US8151397B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2008-06-26 Oral care implement having flexibly supported cleaning elements extending in opposite directions
US12/560,894 US8042214B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2009-09-16 Oral care implement
US12/576,445 US8393042B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2009-10-09 Oral care implement
US12/717,206 US8550736B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2010-03-04 Oral care implement
US12/751,109 US7975346B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2010-03-31 Oral care implement
US12/774,753 US8091170B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2010-05-06 Oral care implement
US12/787,564 US8079110B2 (en) 2001-07-03 2010-05-26 Oral care implement
AU2010249146A AU2010249146B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2010-12-02 Toothbrush
AU2011200008A AU2011200008C1 (en) 2003-06-20 2011-01-04 Oral care implement
US13/116,735 US8522386B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2011-05-26 Oral care implement
US13/162,915 US8561247B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2011-06-17 Oral care implement
US13/216,048 US8876221B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2011-08-23 Oral care implement
US13/310,044 US8800093B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2011-12-02 Oral care implement
US13/424,666 US8806695B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2012-03-20 Oral care implement having flexibly supported cleaning elements extending in opposite directions
US13/660,360 US8556530B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2012-10-25 Oral care implement
RU2013118220/12A RU2530849C1 (en) 2003-06-20 2013-04-19 Toothbrush (versions)
US13/888,825 US8839481B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2013-05-07 Oral care implement
US13/965,693 US8800091B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2013-08-13 Oral care implement
US14/027,608 US9066581B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2013-09-16 Oral care implement
US14/327,711 US9167888B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2014-07-10 Oral care implement having flexibly supported cleaning elements extending in opposite directions
US14/333,169 US9655436B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2014-07-16 Oral care implement
US14/487,693 US9545148B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2014-09-16 Oral care implement
IN952DEN2015 IN2015DN00952A (en) 2003-06-20 2015-02-05
IN951DEN2015 IN2015DN00951A (en) 2003-06-20 2015-02-05
US15/372,666 US10512323B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2016-12-08 Oral care implement
US15/491,315 US9872558B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2017-04-19 Oral care implement
US16/671,231 US20200060416A1 (en) 2002-08-09 2019-11-01 Oral Care Implement

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/601,106 US20040255416A1 (en) 2003-06-20 2003-06-20 Toothbrush with tongue cleaning member

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2003/029497 Continuation-In-Part WO2004026162A2 (en) 2001-07-03 2003-09-17 Toothbrush with gripping area
PCT/US2003/030633 Continuation-In-Part WO2004028235A2 (en) 2001-07-03 2003-09-26 Toothbrush

Related Child Applications (5)

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US29/189,729 Continuation-In-Part USD517812S1 (en) 2001-07-03 2003-09-10 Toothbrush
PCT/US2003/030633 Continuation-In-Part WO2004028235A2 (en) 2001-07-03 2003-09-26 Toothbrush
US10/870,462 Continuation-In-Part US7089621B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
US10/869,922 Continuation-In-Part US7143462B2 (en) 2001-07-03 2004-06-18 Oral care implement
US10/986,809 Continuation-In-Part US7273327B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-11-15 Oral care implement

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