US20100306941A1 - Toothbrush - Google Patents
Toothbrush Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100306941A1 US20100306941A1 US12/651,738 US65173810A US2010306941A1 US 20100306941 A1 US20100306941 A1 US 20100306941A1 US 65173810 A US65173810 A US 65173810A US 2010306941 A1 US2010306941 A1 US 2010306941A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- toothbrush
- peaks
- cleaning media
- tufts
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 106
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 10
- 241000282465 Canis Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000001680 brushing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000004283 incisor Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 210000004763 bicuspid Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002324 mouth wash Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012876 topography Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A46B9/026—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups where the surface of the brush body or carrier is not in one plane, e.g. not flat
-
- 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
- A46B2200/108—Inter-dental toothbrush, i.e. for cleaning interdental spaces specifically
Definitions
- the present invention is concerned with a toothbrush.
- the present invention seeks to introduce a toothbrush which can achieve multiple oral cleaning functions or at least to provide an alternative to the general public.
- a toothbrush comprising an elongate body provided with a handle portion at a first end and a utility portion at a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the utility portion is provided with a platform from which a plurality of tufts of cleaning media are extended, wherein on the platform the cleaning media includes a front region, a left side region, a right side region and a rear region which together forming a circumferential area or a ring surrounding a middle region of the cleaning media, wherein the cleaning media tufts located at the middle region are formed into at least two peaks configured for insertion into adjacent gaps between successive teeth of a user, wherein the cleaning media tufts forming the peaks are substantially taller than the cleaning media tufts at the left and right side regions, and wherein distal end of the two peaks are separated by a distance between 8.15 mm and 9.15 mm.
- the middle region may be provided with three peaks.
- one or more of the peaks may be conical in shape.
- the peak(s) may define an external concave surface.
- the two peaks may be separated by a distance of substantially 8.65 mm.
- the peaks may be configured for insertion into adjacent triangular gap regions between successive teeth.
- the cleaning media defining the peaks at the middle region may be stiffer than the cleaning media located at the left and right side regions.
- the cleaning media may take the form of bristles. It may also take the form of elastomeric cleaning fingers or filaments or a combination of bristles and elastomeric cleaning finger or filaments.
- the cleaning media defining the peaks at the middle region may have a larger width or diameter than the cleaning media located at the left and right side regions.
- the front region of the cleaning media may be formed into an asymmetrical peak defining a slope on one side and a generally vertical end on the opposite side.
- the asymmetrical peak may be taller than the peaks arranged between the left and right side regions of the cleaning media.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a utility portion of a toothbrush according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is top view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is an opposite side view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 5 and 6 are front view and rear view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 corresponds to FIG. 1 but shown in solid lines
- FIG. 8 a shows a top view of a utility portion of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 b is a cross section view of the utility portion taken along line A-A in FIG. 8 a;
- FIG. 8 c is a simplified schematic demonstration of a cleaning media profile of the toothbrush of FIG. 8 b;
- FIG. 9 a shows a top view of a utility portion of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 9 b is a cross section view of the utility portion taken along line B-B in FIG. 9 a;
- FIG. 9 c is a simplified schematic demonstration of a cleaning media profile of the toothbrush of FIG. 9 b;
- FIG. 10 a schematically shows teeth in a lower jaw and a toothbrush of FIG. 1 positioned adjacent the teeth;
- FIG. 10 b schematically shows interaction of the teeth and the toothbrush in FIG. 10 a;
- FIG. 11 a schematically shows different teeth in a lower jaw and a toothbrush of FIG. 1 positioned adjacent the teeth;
- FIG. 11 b schematically shows interaction of the teeth and the toothbrush in FIG. 11 a;
- FIG. 12 a schematically shows different teeth in a lower jaw and a toothbrush of FIG. 1 positioned adjacent the tooth;
- FIG. 12 b schematically shows interaction of the teeth and the toothbrush in FIG. 12 a;
- FIGS. 13 a and 13 b schematically show teeth of a user
- FIG. 14 a is a cross section view taken along line C-C in FIG. 13 showing interaction of the teeth and a toothbrush of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 14 b is a cross section view taken along line D-D in FIG. 13 showing interaction of the teeth and a toothbrush of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 14 c is a cross section view taken along line E-E in FIG. 13 showing interaction of the teeth and a toothbrush of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 15 to 28 c correspond to FIGS. 1 to 14 c although a different embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention is shown;
- FIG. 29 is a schematic top view showing another embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 30 , 31 and 33 illustrate how an embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention interacts with teeth during a cleaning exercise
- FIG. 32 illustrates the interaction of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 30 by way of comparison with a conventional toothbrush.
- FIGS. 1 to 9 c illustrate a first embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention.
- the toothbrush is generally designated 2 .
- the toothbrush 2 comprises an elongate body indicated by the arrows 4 having a handle portion (not shown) at one end and a utility portion 6 at the opposite end.
- the utility portion 6 provides an upwardly facing surface 8 .
- the surface is generally planar and roughly has an oval shape.
- a number of tufts of cleaning media are provided at the utility portion 6 extending from the surface 8 .
- some of the cleaning media tufts are arranged in a configuration of circular column while some are not. It is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 that there is provided a cleaning media tuft 10 which has a configuration of a circular column while there is provided another cleaning media tuft 12 which does not have a configuration of a circular column.
- the cleaning media tuft 10 has an elongate configuration when viewed from above.
- the cleaning media tufts at the utility portion 6 or extended from the surface 8 can be divided into a front region 14 , a rear region 16 , a left side region 18 , and a right side region 20 which together define a peripheral area or an roughly oval ring area surrounding a middle region 24 of the cleaning media tufts.
- the different regions are shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2 .
- the cleaning media tufts in the middle region 24 are configured to define three peaks of equal height 26 , 28 , 30 .
- Each of these peaks 26 , 28 , 30 are formed of one central cleaning media tuft 32 , a smaller inner ring 34 made up of four cleaning media tufts 34 a , 34 b , 34 c , 34 d with each of these tufts in the form of an arc when viewed from above, and a larger outer ring 36 also made up of four cleaning media tufts 36 a , 36 b , 36 c , 36 d with each of these tufts in the form of a longer arc when viewed from above.
- the central cleaning media tuft 32 is longest compared to the tufts forming the surrounding arcs 34 a - d , 36 a - d or rings.
- the cleaning media tufts 34 making up the inner ring are shorter and the cleaning media tufts 36 making up the outer ring are even shorter. Due to the longest length of the central cleaning media tufts 32 , the distal end of the central cleaning media tufts form and define the top of the peaks 26 , 28 , 30 , with the rings made of the successive shorter tufts 34 a - d , 36 a - d forming and defining the slope of the peaks 26 , 28 , 30 .
- the distance “d” between the top of each adjacent pair of peaks is about 8.65 mm although studies have found that the distance may range from 8.15 mm to 9.05 mm and a satisfactory cleaning result can still be achieved. It is however to be noted as described above the peaks 26 , 28 , 30 are spaced apart but substantially 8.65 mm. This configuration is not arbitrary but was arrived at after lengthy research studies during the course of the present invention. The studies have identified when the peaks are spaced by this distance, such a toothbrush can suit a large percentage of people in the population.
- a cleaning media tuft 38 between two adjacent peaks ( 26 , 28 or 28 , 30 ).
- This cleaning media tuft 38 is shorter than any other cleaning media tufts forming the peaks 26 , 28 , 30 .
- the cleaning media tufts (e.g. 12 , 40 ) immediately surrounding the peaks 26 , 28 , 30 are substantially shorter the cleaning media tufts 32 , 34 a - d , 36 a - d forming the peaks 26 , 28 , 30 .
- the front region 8 of the utility portion 6 is provided with a further peak 42 .
- This further peak 42 is different from the peaks 26 , 28 , 30 in that one side 44 thereof is generally vertical and the other side 46 thereof is sloped. In this embodiment, this further peak 42 is taller than any of the other three other peaks 26 , 28 , 30 .
- FIG. 7 shows the profile of the cleaning media tufts in a different illustration.
- the toothbrush 2 provides a generally planar platform defining the surface 8 or a plane from which the various cleaning media tufts extend.
- the cleaning media tufts extend generally vertically from the surface and they define a vertical axis Y-Y′.
- the toothbrush 2 defines a longitudinal axis X-X′ which is parallel to the surface 8 or the plane and is perpendicular to the Y-Y′ axis.
- a further axis Z-Z′ arranged transversely to the X-X′ and Y-Y′ axes is also defined by the toothbrush 2 .
- ends of all the cleaning media tufts define a three-dimensional surface.
- the profile of the peaks is such that each of the peaks is made of three layers of the cleaning media tufts in which the outer tufts are successively shorter.
- FIGS. 8 to 9 show the profile of the cleaning media tufts in yet a different illustration.
- FIG. 8 b is a cross section view taking along A-A′ of FIG. 8 a .
- the horizontal distance “d” between the top of two adjacent peaks is substantially 8.65 mm.
- the peaks 26 , 28 , 30 having a higher top region defined by their central cleaning media tufts and the shorter cleaning media tufts.
- FIG. 8 c illustrates the general profile of the toothbrush 2 across the cross section A-A′.
- FIG. 9 b is a cross section view taking along B-B′ of FIG. 9 a .
- the peak 28 having a higher top region defined by the central cleaning media tuft and shorter cleaning media tufts. It can thus be understood that the peaks and the half peak defined by the cleaning media tufts of the utility portion 6 have a three-dimensional profile. The three peaks generally have a conical shape.
- FIG. 9 c illustrates the general profile of the toothbrush 2 across the cross section B-B′.
- the cleaning media tufts in this embodiment are made of bristles although other type of cleaning media tufts may be used.
- a combination of bristles and elastomeric fingers or filaments may be used.
- the configuration of the gaps between teeth is unique in that they are often not in an elongate shape or in the form of an elongate slit. Rather, they are relatively small and are roughly in the form having a triangular shaped cavity. Conventional toothbrushes with a relatively flat trim or a planar top surface profile would not be able to enter such small or triangular cavity.
- FIG. 10 a shows the toothbrush 2 at different positions next to average sized teeth.
- FIG. 10 b shows the toothbrush 2 also at the different positions but engaged with the teeth. Specifically, it is indicated that due to the conical shape of the successive peaks 26 , 28 , 30 (spaced apart by a certain distance) of the toothbrush 2 and the lack of interference by the surroundings of the peaks 26 , 28 , 30 , the peaks 26 , 28 , 30 are able to enter into the gaps. More specifically, the peaks 26 , 28 , 30 , 42 , of the toothbrush 2 can engage and enter into four adjacent gaps between successive molars, premolars and canine of the teeth. The peaks 26 , 28 , 30 , 42 of the toothbrush can also engage and enter into the gaps between incisors and canine of the teeth.
- FIGS. 11 a and 11 b correspond to FIGS. 10 a and 10 b .
- teeth in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b are smaller than that in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b .
- the same toothbrush 2 can still perform its cleaning function satisfactorily. Referring to FIG. 11 b , it is shown that the peaks can still penetrate into the gaps although the central cleaning media tufts do flex inwardly.
- FIGS. 12 a and 12 b correspond to FIGS. 10 a and 10 b .
- teeth in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b are larger than that in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b .
- the same toothbrush 2 however can still perform its cleaning function satisfactorily. Referring to FIG. 12 b , it is shown that the peaks can still penetrate into the gaps although the central cleaning media tufts do flex outwardly.
- the configuration of the toothbrush 2 can be mass produced to suit a wide population.
- FIGS. 13 to 14 further illustrate the interaction of the toothbrush 2 and the teeth during a cleaning exercise.
- FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show a set of adult teeth with noticeable triangular shaped gaps between successive teeth.
- FIG. 14 a is a cross section view taken along line C-C in FIG. 13 a . It is shown that the central cleaning media tufts can penetrate into the successive gaps.
- FIG. 14 b is a cross section view taken along line D-D in FIG. 13 a . It is shown that the central cleaning media tufts can penetrate into the successive gaps.
- FIG. 14 c is a cross section view taken along line E-E in FIG. 13 a . It is shown that the central cleaning media tufts can penetrate into the successive gaps.
- one characteristic of the toothbrush is the provision of the three-dimensional peaks spaced apart by an engineered distance. This characteristic is further aided by the provision of an interference-free surrounding environment. It is to be noted that the cleaning media tufts surrounding the peaks are substantially shorter then the cleaning media tufts defining the peaks. From FIG. 14 , it can be envisaged that the during a cleaning motion, while the front and rear surface of the teeth are cleaned by the shorter cleaning bristle tufts the surfaces of the teeth at the gaps are cleaned by the longer cleaning bristles tufts defining the peaks.
- the three-dimensional topography of the cleaning media tufts can clean not only the front and rear surfaces of the teeth but also at the gaps.
- FIGS. 15 to 28 correspond to FIGS. 1 to 14 and illustrate a second embodiment of a toothbrush.
- This toothbrush is actually similar to the toothbrush although there are differences. For sake of brevity, only some of the differences are described as follows.
- FIG. 29 shows a top region of a third embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention.
- Utility portion of this toothbrush is designated 50 and is generally similar to the toothbrush 2 .
- One difference is that the width of diameter of bristles across the utility portion 50 of the toothbrush varies.
- a key is provided at the lower left hand corner in FIG. 29 showing the width and length of the bristles in different regions of the utility portion 50 .
- the bristles 52 defining central cleaning media tufts of peaks have a diameter of 7 mil; the bristles 54 defining inner ring of the cleaning media tufts also have a diameter of 7 mil; the bristles 56 defining outer ring of the cleaning media tufts have a smaller diameter of 6 mil; and the bristles 58 surrounding the peaks have a diameter of 5 mil. Since the bristles are made of the same material, when the diameter is smaller the bristles at outer region are actually softer and can flex better as compared to the bristles at inner region. The characteristic further contributes to the minimization of interference of the peaks by the surroundings when they penetrate into the gaps.
- the length of the bristles at the front cleaning media tuft is 13 mm; the length of the bristles 52 at the central bristle tufts is 12 mm; the length of the bristles 54 at the inner rings are 10 mm; the length of the bristles 56 at the outer rings is 8 mm; and the length of the bristles 58 at the surroundings is 5 mm.
- FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate that bristle peaks of the toothbrush can flex inwardly and outwardly to reach into the gaps between teeth in cleaning exercises.
- FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate by way of comparison the interaction of the toothbrush with the teeth and the interaction of a conventional flat trim toothbrush with the teeth. It is shown that with the use of the conventional toothbrush due to lack of the peaks and/or the presence of interference no bristles can reach into gaps between the teeth while with the use of the toothbrush both outer surfaces of the teeth and the surfaces at the gaps can be reached and cleaned.
- a toothbrush made according to the present invention can also serve as an inter-dental toothbrush.
Abstract
There is provided a toothbrush having an elongate body provided with a handle portion at a first end and a utility portion at a second end opposite to the first end, (a) wherein the utility portion is provided with a platform from which a plurality of tufts of cleaning bristles are extended, (b) wherein the cleaning media is provided with a front region, opposite side regions and a rear region which together forming a circumferential area surrounding a middle region of the cleaning bristles, (c) wherein the tufts of cleaning bristles located at the middle region are formed into at least two peaks configured for insertion into adjacent gaps between successive teeth, (d) wherein the tufts of cleaning media forming the peaks are substantially taller than the tufts of cleaning media along the side regions, and (e) wherein distal end of the two peaks are separated by a distance from 8.15 mm to 9.15 mm.
Description
- This application is a continuation in part of design application Ser. Nos. 29/338,008 filed Jun. 3, 2009 and 29/338,009 filed Jun. 3, 2009.
- The present invention is concerned with a toothbrush.
- There are a variety of oral cleaning devices and tools to assist oral cleaning. For example, conventional toothbrushes have been around for a long time. Most dentists often recommend brushing teeth with a toothbrush at least twice a day. Many dentists also recommend flossing in addition to brushing. Electric toothbrushes have also become popular in the past twenty five years. For patients with certain dental problems, cleaning with inter-dental brushes may also be required. Then there is also oral cleaning with mouth rinse. In recent years, some dentists also recommend using apparatus which can eject pressurized water stream to clean gaps between teeth. When more than one of these different devices or tools is used a higher level of oral hygiene can be achieved. However, it is rather inconvenient to use multiple devices and the cost of acquiring or maintaining such multiple devices can be rather high.
- The present invention seeks to introduce a toothbrush which can achieve multiple oral cleaning functions or at least to provide an alternative to the general public.
- According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising an elongate body provided with a handle portion at a first end and a utility portion at a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the utility portion is provided with a platform from which a plurality of tufts of cleaning media are extended, wherein on the platform the cleaning media includes a front region, a left side region, a right side region and a rear region which together forming a circumferential area or a ring surrounding a middle region of the cleaning media, wherein the cleaning media tufts located at the middle region are formed into at least two peaks configured for insertion into adjacent gaps between successive teeth of a user, wherein the cleaning media tufts forming the peaks are substantially taller than the cleaning media tufts at the left and right side regions, and wherein distal end of the two peaks are separated by a distance between 8.15 mm and 9.15 mm.
- Preferably, the middle region may be provided with three peaks.
- In one embodiment, one or more of the peaks may be conical in shape. The peak(s) may define an external concave surface. When there are two peaks, the two peaks may be separated by a distance of substantially 8.65 mm. The peaks may be configured for insertion into adjacent triangular gap regions between successive teeth.
- In another embodiment, the cleaning media defining the peaks at the middle region may be stiffer than the cleaning media located at the left and right side regions.
- Preferably, the cleaning media may take the form of bristles. It may also take the form of elastomeric cleaning fingers or filaments or a combination of bristles and elastomeric cleaning finger or filaments.
- When the cleaning media takes the form of bristles, the cleaning media defining the peaks at the middle region may have a larger width or diameter than the cleaning media located at the left and right side regions.
- In another embodiment, the front region of the cleaning media may be formed into an asymmetrical peak defining a slope on one side and a generally vertical end on the opposite side. The asymmetrical peak may be taller than the peaks arranged between the left and right side regions of the cleaning media.
- Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanied figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a utility portion of a toothbrush according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is top view of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is an opposite side view of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 5 and 6 are front view and rear view of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 corresponds toFIG. 1 but shown in solid lines; -
FIG. 8 a shows a top view of a utility portion of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 b is a cross section view of the utility portion taken along line A-A inFIG. 8 a; -
FIG. 8 c is a simplified schematic demonstration of a cleaning media profile of the toothbrush ofFIG. 8 b; -
FIG. 9 a shows a top view of a utility portion of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 b is a cross section view of the utility portion taken along line B-B inFIG. 9 a; -
FIG. 9 c is a simplified schematic demonstration of a cleaning media profile of the toothbrush ofFIG. 9 b; -
FIG. 10 a schematically shows teeth in a lower jaw and a toothbrush ofFIG. 1 positioned adjacent the teeth; -
FIG. 10 b schematically shows interaction of the teeth and the toothbrush inFIG. 10 a; -
FIG. 11 a schematically shows different teeth in a lower jaw and a toothbrush ofFIG. 1 positioned adjacent the teeth; -
FIG. 11 b schematically shows interaction of the teeth and the toothbrush inFIG. 11 a; -
FIG. 12 a schematically shows different teeth in a lower jaw and a toothbrush ofFIG. 1 positioned adjacent the tooth; -
FIG. 12 b schematically shows interaction of the teeth and the toothbrush inFIG. 12 a; -
FIGS. 13 a and 13 b schematically show teeth of a user; -
FIG. 14 a is a cross section view taken along line C-C inFIG. 13 showing interaction of the teeth and a toothbrush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 14 b is a cross section view taken along line D-D inFIG. 13 showing interaction of the teeth and a toothbrush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 14 c is a cross section view taken along line E-E inFIG. 13 showing interaction of the teeth and a toothbrush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 15 to 28 c correspond toFIGS. 1 to 14 c although a different embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention is shown; -
FIG. 29 is a schematic top view showing another embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention; -
FIGS. 30 , 31 and 33 illustrate how an embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention interacts with teeth during a cleaning exercise; and -
FIG. 32 illustrates the interaction of the toothbrush shown inFIG. 30 by way of comparison with a conventional toothbrush. -
FIGS. 1 to 9 c illustrate a first embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention. The toothbrush is generally designated 2. Thetoothbrush 2 comprises an elongate body indicated by thearrows 4 having a handle portion (not shown) at one end and a utility portion 6 at the opposite end. The utility portion 6 provides an upwardly facingsurface 8. The surface is generally planar and roughly has an oval shape. - A number of tufts of cleaning media are provided at the utility portion 6 extending from the
surface 8. In this embodiment, some of the cleaning media tufts are arranged in a configuration of circular column while some are not. It is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 that there is provided acleaning media tuft 10 which has a configuration of a circular column while there is provided anothercleaning media tuft 12 which does not have a configuration of a circular column. Specifically, the cleaningmedia tuft 10 has an elongate configuration when viewed from above. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cleaning media tufts at the utility portion 6 or extended from thesurface 8 can be divided into afront region 14, arear region 16, aleft side region 18, and aright side region 20 which together define a peripheral area or an roughly oval ring area surrounding amiddle region 24 of the cleaning media tufts. The different regions are shown in dotted lines inFIG. 2 . In this embodiment, the cleaning media tufts in themiddle region 24 are configured to define three peaks ofequal height peaks cleaning media tuft 32, a smallerinner ring 34 made up of four cleaningmedia tufts outer ring 36 also made up of four cleaningmedia tufts 36 a, 36 b, 36 c, 36 d with each of these tufts in the form of a longer arc when viewed from above. The centralcleaning media tuft 32 is longest compared to the tufts forming the surroundingarcs 34 a-d, 36 a-d or rings. The cleaningmedia tufts 34 making up the inner ring are shorter and the cleaningmedia tufts 36 making up the outer ring are even shorter. Due to the longest length of the centralcleaning media tufts 32, the distal end of the central cleaning media tufts form and define the top of thepeaks shorter tufts 34 a-d, 36 a-d forming and defining the slope of thepeaks - In this embodiment and as shown in
FIG. 3 , the distance “d” between the top of each adjacent pair of peaks is about 8.65 mm although studies have found that the distance may range from 8.15 mm to 9.05 mm and a satisfactory cleaning result can still be achieved. It is however to be noted as described above thepeaks - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 4 , there is provided acleaning media tuft 38 between two adjacent peaks (26, 28 or 28, 30). This cleaningmedia tuft 38 is shorter than any other cleaning media tufts forming thepeaks peaks media tufts peaks - Referring to
FIGS. 4 , 5, 6 and 7, it is shown that thefront region 8 of the utility portion 6 is provided with afurther peak 42. Thisfurther peak 42 is different from thepeaks further peak 42 is taller than any of the other threeother peaks -
FIG. 7 shows the profile of the cleaning media tufts in a different illustration. As shown in this figure, thetoothbrush 2 provides a generally planar platform defining thesurface 8 or a plane from which the various cleaning media tufts extend. In this embodiment, the cleaning media tufts extend generally vertically from the surface and they define a vertical axis Y-Y′. Thetoothbrush 2 defines a longitudinal axis X-X′ which is parallel to thesurface 8 or the plane and is perpendicular to the Y-Y′ axis. A further axis Z-Z′ arranged transversely to the X-X′ and Y-Y′ axes is also defined by thetoothbrush 2. It is to be understood that ends of all the cleaning media tufts define a three-dimensional surface. It is also to be understood that the profile of the peaks is such that each of the peaks is made of three layers of the cleaning media tufts in which the outer tufts are successively shorter. -
FIGS. 8 to 9 show the profile of the cleaning media tufts in yet a different illustration. Turning toFIGS. 8 a to 8 c,FIG. 8 b is a cross section view taking along A-A′ ofFIG. 8 a. In this cross section there is shown the threepeaks front region 8 of the utility portion 6. It is also shown that the horizontal distance “d” between the top of two adjacent peaks is substantially 8.65 mm. In this cross section there is shown thepeaks FIG. 8 c illustrates the general profile of thetoothbrush 2 across the cross section A-A′. Then turning toFIGS. 9 a to 9 c,FIG. 9 b is a cross section view taking along B-B′ ofFIG. 9 a. In this cross section there is likewise shown thepeak 28 having a higher top region defined by the central cleaning media tuft and shorter cleaning media tufts. It can thus be understood that the peaks and the half peak defined by the cleaning media tufts of the utility portion 6 have a three-dimensional profile. The three peaks generally have a conical shape.FIG. 9 c illustrates the general profile of thetoothbrush 2 across the cross section B-B′. - The cleaning media tufts in this embodiment are made of bristles although other type of cleaning media tufts may be used. For example, a combination of bristles and elastomeric fingers or filaments may be used.
- In order to appreciate the technical advantages produced from using a toothbrush such as the above embodiment of toothbrush, problems encountered in cleaning teeth in the past but unidentified or not identified adequately are first explained by way of background in layman terms. Conventional toothbrushes have been around for a long time and they are effective to the extent that they can clean the front and rear sides of the teeth with little problem because these sides are exposed and are easily accessible. However, cleaning between teeth had all along been a challenge.
- Also, since the front and the rear surfaces of teeth have a relatively large area while the surfaces at the gaps between teeth have a smaller area and are relatively inaccessible, conventional toothbrushes are often able to clean the front and rear surfaces but not at the gaps.
- Further, different users have different tooth size and the distances between gaps of successive teeth, or the mesio-distal width, of different people are different. Even for the same user, the distance between gaps of successive incisors and the distance between gaps of successive molars can be different. It follows that a toothbrush design which could work well in cleaning the teeth of one user likely would not work equally well in cleaning the teeth of another user due to the difference in tooth size. For that matter, a toothbrush design which could work well in cleaning certain teeth of a user might not work equally well in cleaning other teeth of the same user. One could imagine that one or more custom made toothbrushes could be made to each individual but this would not be possible realistically because toothbrushes are low cost items and it would not be possible economically.
- Further, the configuration of the gaps between teeth is unique in that they are often not in an elongate shape or in the form of an elongate slit. Rather, they are relatively small and are roughly in the form having a triangular shaped cavity. Conventional toothbrushes with a relatively flat trim or a planar top surface profile would not be able to enter such small or triangular cavity.
-
FIG. 10 a shows thetoothbrush 2 at different positions next to average sized teeth.FIG. 10 b shows thetoothbrush 2 also at the different positions but engaged with the teeth. Specifically, it is indicated that due to the conical shape of thesuccessive peaks toothbrush 2 and the lack of interference by the surroundings of thepeaks peaks peaks toothbrush 2 can engage and enter into four adjacent gaps between successive molars, premolars and canine of the teeth. Thepeaks -
FIGS. 11 a and 11 b correspond toFIGS. 10 a and 10 b. One difference is that teeth inFIGS. 11 a and 11 b are smaller than that inFIGS. 10 a and 10 b. However, thesame toothbrush 2 can still perform its cleaning function satisfactorily. Referring toFIG. 11 b, it is shown that the peaks can still penetrate into the gaps although the central cleaning media tufts do flex inwardly. -
FIGS. 12 a and 12 b correspond toFIGS. 10 a and 10 b. One difference is that teeth inFIGS. 11 a and 11 b are larger than that inFIGS. 10 a and 10 b. Thesame toothbrush 2 however can still perform its cleaning function satisfactorily. Referring toFIG. 12 b, it is shown that the peaks can still penetrate into the gaps although the central cleaning media tufts do flex outwardly. - It can thus be understood that the configuration of the
toothbrush 2 can be mass produced to suit a wide population. -
FIGS. 13 to 14 further illustrate the interaction of thetoothbrush 2 and the teeth during a cleaning exercise.FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show a set of adult teeth with noticeable triangular shaped gaps between successive teeth.FIG. 14 a is a cross section view taken along line C-C inFIG. 13 a. It is shown that the central cleaning media tufts can penetrate into the successive gaps.FIG. 14 b is a cross section view taken along line D-D inFIG. 13 a. It is shown that the central cleaning media tufts can penetrate into the successive gaps.FIG. 14 c is a cross section view taken along line E-E inFIG. 13 a. It is shown that the central cleaning media tufts can penetrate into the successive gaps. It can be seen that one characteristic of the toothbrush is the provision of the three-dimensional peaks spaced apart by an engineered distance. This characteristic is further aided by the provision of an interference-free surrounding environment. It is to be noted that the cleaning media tufts surrounding the peaks are substantially shorter then the cleaning media tufts defining the peaks. FromFIG. 14 , it can be envisaged that the during a cleaning motion, while the front and rear surface of the teeth are cleaned by the shorter cleaning bristle tufts the surfaces of the teeth at the gaps are cleaned by the longer cleaning bristles tufts defining the peaks. - It is envisaged that the three-dimensional topography of the cleaning media tufts can clean not only the front and rear surfaces of the teeth but also at the gaps.
-
FIGS. 15 to 28 correspond toFIGS. 1 to 14 and illustrate a second embodiment of a toothbrush. This toothbrush is actually similar to the toothbrush although there are differences. For sake of brevity, only some of the differences are described as follows. - One difference is that all cleaning media tufts of the toothbrush of the second embodiment are in the form of a circular column. Another difference is that the contour of peaks defined by the cleaning media tufts is sharper in that the side of the peaks is more concave. Due to the shaper peaks this embodiment of toothbrush may be more appropriate for cleaning teeth with smaller gaps.
-
FIG. 29 shows a top region of a third embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention. Utility portion of this toothbrush is designated 50 and is generally similar to thetoothbrush 2. One difference is that the width of diameter of bristles across theutility portion 50 of the toothbrush varies. A key is provided at the lower left hand corner inFIG. 29 showing the width and length of the bristles in different regions of theutility portion 50. Specifically, thebristles 52 defining central cleaning media tufts of peaks have a diameter of 7 mil; thebristles 54 defining inner ring of the cleaning media tufts also have a diameter of 7 mil; thebristles 56 defining outer ring of the cleaning media tufts have a smaller diameter of 6 mil; and thebristles 58 surrounding the peaks have a diameter of 5 mil. Since the bristles are made of the same material, when the diameter is smaller the bristles at outer region are actually softer and can flex better as compared to the bristles at inner region. The characteristic further contributes to the minimization of interference of the peaks by the surroundings when they penetrate into the gaps. In this embodiment, the length of the bristles at the front cleaning media tuft is 13 mm; the length of thebristles 52 at the central bristle tufts is 12 mm; the length of thebristles 54 at the inner rings are 10 mm; the length of thebristles 56 at the outer rings is 8 mm; and the length of thebristles 58 at the surroundings is 5 mm.FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate that bristle peaks of the toothbrush can flex inwardly and outwardly to reach into the gaps between teeth in cleaning exercises.FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate by way of comparison the interaction of the toothbrush with the teeth and the interaction of a conventional flat trim toothbrush with the teeth. It is shown that with the use of the conventional toothbrush due to lack of the peaks and/or the presence of interference no bristles can reach into gaps between the teeth while with the use of the toothbrush both outer surfaces of the teeth and the surfaces at the gaps can be reached and cleaned. - It can be envisaged that a toothbrush made according to the present invention can also serve as an inter-dental toothbrush.
Claims (11)
1. A toothbrush comprising an elongate body provided with a handle portion at a first end and a utility portion at a second end opposite to said first end;
(a) wherein said utility portion is provided with a platform from which a plurality of tufts of cleaning media are extended;
(b) wherein said cleaning media is provided with a front region, opposite side regions and a rear region which together forming a circumferential area surrounding a middle region of said cleaning media;
(c) wherein said tufts of cleaning media located at the middle region are formed into at least two peaks configured for insertion into adjacent gaps between successive teeth;
(d) wherein said tufts of cleaning media forming said peaks are substantially taller than said tufts of cleaning media along the side regions; and
(e) wherein distal end of said two peaks are separated by a distance between 8.15 mm and 9.15 mm.
2. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the middle region is provided with three said peaks.
3. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 , wherein one or more said peaks are conical in shape.
4. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said peaks define an external concave surface.
5. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said two peaks are separated by a distance of substantially 8.65 mm.
6. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said peaks are configured for insertion into adjacent triangular gap regions between successive teeth.
7. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said cleaning media defining said peaks at the middle region are stiffer than said cleaning media located at the side regions.
8. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said cleaning media are bristles.
9. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 8 , wherein said cleaning media defining said peaks at the middle region has a larger width than said cleaning media located at the side regions.
10. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the front region of the cleaning media is formed into an asymmetrical peak defining a slope on one side and a generally vertical end on the opposite side.
11. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 10 , wherein said asymmetrical peak is taller than said peaks arranged between the side regions of said cleaning media.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/651,738 US20100306941A1 (en) | 2009-06-03 | 2010-01-04 | Toothbrush |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US29/338,008 USD609914S1 (en) | 2009-06-03 | 2009-06-03 | Toothbrush |
US29/338,009 USD609915S1 (en) | 2009-06-03 | 2009-06-03 | Toothbrush |
US12/651,738 US20100306941A1 (en) | 2009-06-03 | 2010-01-04 | Toothbrush |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US29/338,008 Continuation-In-Part USD609914S1 (en) | 2009-06-03 | 2009-06-03 | Toothbrush |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100306941A1 true US20100306941A1 (en) | 2010-12-09 |
Family
ID=43299665
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/651,738 Abandoned US20100306941A1 (en) | 2009-06-03 | 2010-01-04 | Toothbrush |
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US (1) | US20100306941A1 (en) |
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US20110146014A1 (en) * | 2009-12-18 | 2011-06-23 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral Care Implement Having A Closed-Loop Arrangement of Cleaning Elements |
US20120090118A1 (en) * | 2010-06-25 | 2012-04-19 | The Sherwin-Williams Company | Brush with alternate rows of angled tufts |
USD669688S1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2012-10-30 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Head portion of a toothbrush |
USD669689S1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2012-10-30 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush handle with tissue cleaner |
USD671326S1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2012-11-27 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush handle |
US20120324668A1 (en) * | 2011-06-21 | 2012-12-27 | Stofko Joseph A | Orthodontic toothbrush |
USD675830S1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2013-02-12 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
US20140101881A1 (en) * | 2011-02-15 | 2014-04-17 | Hankookin, Inc | Toothbrush Apparatus With An Arcuate Toothbrush Head And Bristle Configuration |
US20140173838A1 (en) * | 2012-12-20 | 2014-06-26 | Brushpoint Innovations Inc | Brush head for an electric toothbrush |
US20140310899A1 (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2014-10-23 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
WO2016033745A1 (en) * | 2014-09-03 | 2016-03-10 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush with enhanced cleaning effects |
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WO2017044072A1 (en) * | 2015-09-08 | 2017-03-16 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US20180021116A1 (en) * | 2016-07-22 | 2018-01-25 | Braun Gmbh | Brush head and electric toothbrush |
US10021959B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2018-07-17 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having multi-component handle |
US10182644B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2019-01-22 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
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USD863772S1 (en) * | 2018-04-02 | 2019-10-22 | Shenzhen Ya Bei Kang Technology Co., Ltd. | Electric toothbrush head |
US10455931B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2019-10-29 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US10485328B2 (en) * | 2015-10-12 | 2019-11-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US10595628B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2020-03-24 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US10660430B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2020-05-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having multi-component handle |
US10687610B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2020-06-23 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
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US11229281B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2022-01-25 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US11291293B2 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2022-04-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
USD956426S1 (en) * | 2019-11-25 | 2022-07-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Refill head for a toothbrush |
USD960582S1 (en) | 2020-12-10 | 2022-08-16 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care refill head |
USD967633S1 (en) | 2020-08-03 | 2022-10-25 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Refill head for a toothbrush |
US11517412B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2022-12-06 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US11684142B2 (en) * | 2020-02-20 | 2023-06-27 | Anne Ezell | Disposable toothbrush head |
USD997567S1 (en) | 2018-12-18 | 2023-09-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Electric toothbrush |
US11833004B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2023-12-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement and handle and refill head thereof |
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USD670505S1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2012-11-13 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush handle with tissue cleaner |
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CN106793866A (en) * | 2014-09-03 | 2017-05-31 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | toothbrush with enhanced cleaning effect |
US10548393B2 (en) | 2014-09-03 | 2020-02-04 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush with enhanced cleaning effects |
AU2014405459B2 (en) * | 2014-09-03 | 2018-01-25 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush with enhanced cleaning effects |
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AU2015408750C1 (en) * | 2015-09-08 | 2019-05-16 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
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AU2019200587B2 (en) * | 2015-09-08 | 2020-03-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US10849416B2 (en) | 2015-09-08 | 2020-12-01 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
RU2689219C1 (en) * | 2015-09-08 | 2019-05-24 | Колгейт-Палмолив Компани | Device for oral cavity care |
US10485328B2 (en) * | 2015-10-12 | 2019-11-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US10687925B2 (en) * | 2016-07-22 | 2020-06-23 | Braun Gmbh | Brush head and electric toothbrush |
US20180021116A1 (en) * | 2016-07-22 | 2018-01-25 | Braun Gmbh | Brush head and electric toothbrush |
US11833004B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2023-12-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement and handle and refill head thereof |
US11517412B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2022-12-06 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HAYCO MANUFACTURING LIMITED, HONG KONG Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ERSKINE-SMITH, CRAIG MATHEW;REEL/FRAME:024571/0978 Effective date: 20100620 Owner name: HAYCO MANUFACTURING LIMITED, HONG KONG Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DEACON, DAVID;REEL/FRAME:024571/0960 Effective date: 20100430 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |