Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TOOTHBRUSH HANDLE
The present invention relates to novel handles and
to novel bristle configurations for toothbrushes and to
novel combinations thereof.
Previously, in cases where a toothbrush handle
incorporated an enhanced gripping surface, the enhanced
gripping surface was typically present only on a single
surface or side of the handle. It would be desirable for a
toothbrush handle to be modified for improved grip.
Disclosed herein are a number of independently
useful aspects of the said handles and bristle
configurations. It is to be understood that they can be
combined together in any novel and useful combination and
such combinations are disclosed herein.
The handle configurations have as their primary
(but not sole) objective the provision of a toothbrush which
is easier for the user to manipulate.
The bristle configurations have as their primary
(but not sole) objective the provision of a toothbrush in
which the bristles afford improved cleaning action and
access to the teeth and gums.
According to a first aspect of the present
invention a toothbrush handle having a head portion carrying
or adapted to carry a bristle configuration is characterised
in that the handle has an end portion, a waist, a shoulder
portion and a neck connecting the shoulder to the head, the
waist being narrower at least in plan view than the end
portion or the shoulder, and the end portion preferably
being rounded.
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The handle is preferably curvilinear in plan view
and in elevation. The end portion is preferably wider in
plan view than the shoulder. The ratio of the maximum width
of the end portion in plan view to the minimum width of the
waist in plan view is preferably in the range 1.1:1 to
1.8:1. The ratio of the maximum width of the end portion in
plan view to the maximum width of the shoulder in plan view
is preferably in the range 1.2:1 to 1.5:1. The ratio of the
maximum width of the shoulder in
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plan view to the minimum width of the waist in plan view
is preferably in the range 1.05:1 to 1.5:1. The end
portion is preferablv thicker in side elevation than the
waist. The ratio of the maximum thickness of the end
portion in side elevation to the minimum thickness of the
waist in side elevation is preferably in the range 1.2:1
to 2.0:1. The end portion is preferably thicker in side
elevation than is the shoulder. The ratio of the maxi.mum
thickness of the end portion in side elevation to the
maximum thickness of the shoulder in side elevation is
preferably in the range 1.1:1 to 1.7:1. The shoulder is
preferably thicker in side elevation than the waist. The
ratio of the maximum thickness of the shoulder viewed in
side elevation to the minimum thickness of the waist
viewed in side elevation is preferably in the range
1.01:1 to 1.5:1.
The ratio of the length from the free end of the end
portion to the location of the minimum width of the waist
viewed in side elevation to the maximum width of the end
portion viewed in side elevation is preferably not more
than 10:1 and is more preferably in the range 4:1 to 7:1
e.g. about 5:1 to 6:1, especially about 5.6:1.
According to a second aspect of the present
invention a toothbrush handle having a head portion
carrying or adapted to carry a bristle configuration is
characterised in that the handle has a grip enhancing
unitary mat providing grip enhancing surfaces on at least
two separate locations of the handle.
The mat preferably provides the grip enhancing
surfaces on at least the front and back of the handle or
at at least two locations on the front or the back of the
handle or at least one location at the front or back of
the handle and at at least one side of the handle.
Preferably the mat provides grip enhancing surfaces at
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three or four separate locations on the handle. The grip
enhancing surfaces of the mat may also afford grip
enhancing configurations, for example ribs, preferably
inclined diagonally to the handle.
Accordingly to a third aspect of the present
invention a toothbrush handle having a head portion
carrying or adapted to carry a bristle configuration is
characterised in that the handle has grip enhancing
configurations on at least two separate locations of the
handle.
The grip enhancing configurations preferably are
provided on at least the front and back of the handle or
at at least two locations on the front or the back of the
handle or at least one location at the front or back of
the handle and at at least one side of the handle. The
grip enhancing configurations are preferably provided at
three or four separate locations on the handle.
According to a fourth aspect of the present
invention a toothbrush having a bristle configuration of
which the teeth engaging ends of the bristles do not lie
in a plane parallel to the surface of the head of the
handle in which the bristles are embedded is
characterised in that the teeth engaging ends of at least
a proportion of the bristles lying adjacent to each other
lie in a curved line when the toothbrush is viewed in
side elevation. Of the total length of the bristle
configuration, parallel to the surface in which the
bristles are embedded, at least l0% of the length is
preferably provided by bristles affording the said
curved line, and more preferably at least 15% or at least
50% or more preferably 100%.
The curved line is preferably provided by a mixture
= of concave groups of bristles and convex groups of
bristles. The percentage of the length of the curved
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line provided by concave bristles is preferably in the
range 50o to 100%, preferably 50% to 750.
Acccrding to a fifth aspect of the present invention
a toothbrush having a bristle configuration of which the
teeth engaging ends of the bristles do not lie in a plane
parallel to the surface of the head of the handle in
which the bristles are embedded is characterised in that
the bristles at or adjacent the head or toe end of the
bristle configuration extend, when measured in a
perpendicular direction, further from the said surface
than do the bristles at the handle or heel end of the
bristle configuration. The ratio of the height of the
said longest bristles at the head or toe end to the
shortest bristles at the handle or heel end is at least
i5 1.1:1 or more broadly 1.1:1 to 1.7:1 e,g, 1.2:1 to 1.6:1
or 1.25:1 to 1.5:1.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention
a toothbrush having a bristle configuration of which the
teeth engaging ends of the bristles do not lie in a plane
parallel to the surface of the head of the handle in
which the bristles are embedded is characterised in that
the bristle configuration falls into at least two groups
of adjacent bristles, the teeth engaging ends of the
bristles of at least one group, a first group, lying in
a curved line when the toothbrush is viewed in side
elevation.
The teeth engaging ends of the bristles of at least
one further group, a second group, preferably also lie in
a curved line when the toothbrush is viewed in side
elevation.
The teeth engaging ends of the bristles of at least
one further group, a third group, preferably lie in a
rectilinear line, e.g. a castellated line, when the
toothbrush is viewed in side elevation.
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The first and second groups preferably afford
curved lines which are of different sense i.e. concave and
convex or are of different curvature or are of the same
sense and different curvature.
5 The teeth engaging ends of the bristles of the
first and second groups preferably form a continuous wavy
line.
The invention also extends to a toothbrush having
a handle as set out in the first, second or third aspects
above.
The invention also extends to a bristle
configuration as set out in the fourth, fifth or sixth
aspects above.
The invention also extends to a toothbrush having
a handle set out in the first, second or third aspects and a
bristle configuration as set out in the fourth, fifth or
sixth aspects.
According to another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a toothbrush handle having a
head portion carrying or adapted to carry a bristle
configuration and a grip enhancing unitary mat wherein the
grip enhancing unitary mat comprises grip enhancing surfaces
arranged continuously around at least two adjacent surfaces
of the handle, the grip enhancing unitary mat being
substantially elongated along the longitudinal axis of the
handle.
The invention has a number of aspects and may be
put into practice in various ways and a number of specific
embodiments will be described to illustrate the inventive
aspects with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
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Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first
embodiment of a toothbrush embodying aspects of the present
invention in respect of the handle and of the bristle
configuration,
Figure 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of
Figure 1 from the bristle side,
Figure 3 is a plan view of the embodiment of
Figure 1 from the other side,
Figures 4 and 5 are side elevations from either
side of the embodiment of Figure 1,
Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of the tuft
configuration of the bristles of the embodiment of Figure 1,
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Figure 7 is an enlarged side elevation of the
bristle head of Figures 4 and 5,
Figure 8 is an end elevation of the bristle head
from the handle end of the embodiment of Figure 1,
Figure 9 is an end elevation from the head end of
the bristle head of the embodiment of Figure 1,
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a second
embodiment of a toothbrush embodying aspects of the
present invention in respect of the handle and of the
bristle configuration,
Figures 11 and 12 and 13 and 14 are views similar to
Figures 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 but of the embodiment shown
in Figure 10,
Figures 15 to 18 are views similar to Figures 6 to
9 but of the bristle configuration of the embodiment
shown in Figure 10,
Figure 19 is a perspective view of a third
embodiment of a toothbrush embodying aspects of the
present invention in respect of the bristle
configuration,
Figure 20 is a side elevation of the embodiment of
Figure 19,
Figures 21 to 24 are views similar to Figures 6 to
9 but showing the bristle configuration of the embodiment
of Figure 19,
Figure 25 is a perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of a toothbrush embodying aspects of the
present invention in respect of the bristle
configuration,
Figure 26 is a side elevation of the embodiment of
Figure 25,
Figures 27 to 30 are views similar to Figures 6 to
9 but showing the bristle configuration of the embodiment
of Figure 25.
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There follows a general discussion of the
embodiments after which they will be described in detail.
It will be recognised that two embodiments of handle
have been shown, the first in Figures 1 to 5 which has a
mat entwined around the handle and the second, which does
not have a mat, in Figures 10-14, 19, 20, 25 and 26.
A third embodiment is contemplated in which the ribs
of the mat of Figures 1 to 5 are integrally moulded in
the one piece handle shown in Figures 10-14, 19, 20, 25
and 26.
The handles embody a number of separate and
separately usable inventive aspects including as a first
aspect the mat wrapped around the handle, and as a second
aspect the ratios of the widths of the palm engaging
handle end, the finger engagable shoulder and the waist
therebetween. This identification of two aspects does
not exclude the possibility of the handle embodying yet
other aspects.
It will be recognised also that four embodiments of
bristle 'configuration have been shown and that each
bristle configuration can be used in combination with any
of the three handle configurations.
The first embodiment of bristle configuration is
shown in Figures 1 to 9; the second embodiment in Figures
10 to 18; the third embodiment in Figures 19 to 24 and
the fourth embodiment in Figures 25 to 30.
The four embodiments embody a number of separate and
separately usable aspects including that of having the
teeth engaging ends of the bristles not lying in a plane
parallel to the surface of the handle in which the
bristles are embedded and the teeth engaging ends of at
least a proportion of the bristles lying adjacent to each
other occupying a curved plane when the toothbrush is
viewed in side elevation. All four embodiments show this
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aspect.
An aspect shared by the second, third and fourth
embodiments is that bristles at or close to the head end
of the bristle configuration reach further from the
surface of the handle in which the bristles are embedded
than do the bristles at the handle end of the bristle
conf igurat ion .
The first and third embodiments embody the aspect of
the bristles falling into at least two groups of adjacent
bristles, the teeth engaging ends of the bristles of a
first group lying in a curved plane when the toothbrush
is viewed in side elevation and the teeth engaging ends
of the bristles of a second group also lying in a curved
plane when the toothbrush is viewed in side elevation,
the said curved planes preferably being different.
The curved planes may curve in opposite senses, e.g.
-one being concave and one convex, or may curve to
different extents both being concave or convex or may be
of the same sense and curvature. The first embodiment
has two convex groups at the ends of the bristle
configuration and one concave group between the convex
groups.
These form a discontinuous wavy surface.
The third embodiment has five curved groups, three
convex groups at the ends and the middle and two concave
groups therebetween. These form a continuous wavy
surf ace .
The fourth embodiment can be considered to have two
curved groups. One nearest the head end being convex and
flowing into a concave group to the rear of it (towards
the handle end) , providing a continuous wavy surface when
viewed in elevation.
There now follows a detailed description of the
embodiments with reference to the drawings.
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Figure 1 shows a toothbrush having a handle 35 and
a bristle head 50.
The handle is shown in Figures 1 to 5, the head in
Figures 1 to 9 but in enlarged scale in Figures 6 to 9.
The handle (which is a first embodiment thereof) has
a body portion having a palm engaging end portion 36 with
a rounded free end 47, a waist 37, a finger engagable
shoulder 38, a neck 39 and a head 40 for receiving the
bristles of the bristle configuration 50, in a surface
46. A mat 41 of rubber like material (for example the
rubber like material may be that sold under the Trade
Mark SANTOPRENE) (to give a good wet grip for the user's
fingers) is attached to the handle so as~to wraD around
the waist and provide a grip surface 42 on the shoulder
38 on the bristle face of the handle as well as a grip
surface 43 on the back face of the shoulder of the handle
and a grip surface 44 on the back face of the palm
engaging end portion 36 of the handle.
Each of the surfaces 42, 43 and 44 have ribs 45
moulded into their surfaces in such a way as to lie
diagonally across the said surfaces when located on the
handle. This wrapped unitary mat arrangement facilitates
placement of the gripping surfaces on the handle.
The ratio of the maximum transverse width in plan
view of the portion 36 (indicated by the line 36) to the
minimum transverse width in plan view of the waist 37
(indicated by the line 37) is 1.4:0.9 i.e. 1.55:1 or more
broadly 1.1:1 to 1.8:1 e.g. 1.2:1 to 1.7:1 more
preferably 1.3:1 to 1.6:1. The ratio of the widest
transverse width in plan view of the shoulder 38
(indicated by the line 38) to the minimum transverse
width in plan view of the waist 37 is 1.1:0.9 i.e. 1.2:1
or more broadly 1.05:1 to 1.5:1 e.g. 1.1:1 to 1.3.:1. The
ratio of the widest transverse width in plan view of the
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end 36 to the shoulder 38 is 1.4:1.1 i.e. 1.25:1 or more
broadly greater than 1:1 e.g. 1.2:1 to 1.5:1.
The end portion 36 is wider than the shoulder 38
which is wider than the waist 37.
5 The ratio of the maximum thickness in side elevation
of the end portion 36 (see Figures 4 and 5) indicated by
the line 80 in Figure 4 including the ribs 45 on the mat,
namely 1.5 units to the minimum width of the waist 37
indicated by the line 81 namely 0.9 units is 1.7:1 or
10 more broadly 1.3:1 to 2.0:1 or 1.5:1 to 1.9:1. The ratio
of the maximum thickness in side elevation of the
shoulder 38 indicated by the line 82 including the ribs
45 on the mat, namely 1.1 units to the minimum width of
the waist 37 namely 0.9 units is 1.2:1 or more broadly
1.05:1 to 1.5:1 or 1.1.:1 to 1.3:1.
The ratio of the maximum thickness of the end
portion 36 to the shoulder 38 is 1.35:1 or more broadly
1.0:1 to 1.7:1 or 1.2:1 to 1.6:1.
The handle is also shown in a second embodiment in
Figures 10 to 14, 19, 20, 25 and 26. The handle is the
same as in the first embodiment except that the unitary
mat is omitted.
In the second embodiment of the handle the ratio of
the maximum thickness in side elevation of the end
portion 36 (see Figures 13 and 14) indicated by the line
85 in Figure 13 namely 1.4 units to the minimum width of
the waist 37 indicated by the line 86 namely 0.9 units is
1.55:1 or more broadly 1.2:1 to 1.8:1 or 1.4:1 to 1.7:1.
The ratio of the maximum thickness in side elevation of
the shoulder 38 indicated by the line 87 namely 1.0 units
to the minimum width of the waist 37 namely 0.9 units is
1.1:1 or more broadly 1.0:1 to 1.3:1 or 0.5.:1 to 1.2:1.
The ratio of the maximum thickness of the end
portion 36 to the shoulder 38 is 1.4:1 or more broadly
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1.0:1 to 1.7:1 or 1.2:1 to 1.6:1.
In a third embodiment not shown the handle of the
second embodiment is provided with ribs akin to those 45
on the mat 41, thouah not necessary in the same numbers
or the same inclination or on all of the surfaces 42, 43
and 44. However an arrangement which has the same ribs
45 as in the first embodiment integrally moulded into the
handle is preferred.
Turning now to the head 50 a first embodiment of
bristle configuration is shown in Figures 1 to 9. As can
be seen in Figure 7 the head has three groups of bristle
tufts 55, 75 and 95. These are shown in plan view in
Figure 6 delineated by the transverse lines 56 and 76.
The group 55 affords a teeth engaging surface 57 which is
convex with regard to the surface 46 of the head of the
handle when the toothbrush is viewed in side elevation.
The surface 46 is that in which the tufts of bristles are
embedded.
The group 75 affords a teeth engaging surface 77
which is concave with regard to the surface 46 when the
toothbrush is viewed in side elevation.
The group 75 has a central front outer tuft 60, side
tufts 61,62,63 and 64,65,66 on either side and two centre
line tufts 67 and 68. The group 75 has five transverse
rows of tufts 78,79,80,81,82. The first three rows 78,
79 and 80 having four tufts each and the last two rows 81
and 82 five tufts each.
The teeth engaging ends of the tufts 78 are further
from the surface 46 than the ends of the tufts 63, 68 and
66 but come to about the same level as the tufts 67, 62
and 65.
The group 95 affords a teeth engaging surface 97
which is closely similar in profile to the surface 57.
The group 95 has a first row of five tufts 98, a second
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row of four tufts 99 and two side tufts 100 and 101 and
a central rear tuft 102. The tufts 98 are shorter than
the tufts in row 82, but the tufts in row 99 are about
the same height as those in row 82.
The teeth engaging surface afforded by the bristles
as whole is thus wavy or sinusoidal but is not a
continuous surface having breaks in level between the end
tufts of adjacent groups, i.e. 63, 68, 66 of group 55 and
row 78 of group 75 and row 82 of group 75 and row 98 of
group 95.
Referring to Figure 6 the length of the bristle
configuration in plan view or in side elevation, namely
the length parallel to the surface 46 of the teeth
engaging ends of the bristles in 8.8 units. 100%- of this
length is provided by bristles the teeth engaging ends of
which lie in a curved line when the toothbrush is viewed
in side elevation. The group 55 occupies 2.5 units, and
the group 95 also occupies 2.5 units and both are convex.
The group 75 occupies 3.5 units and is concave. The
ratio of convex to concave is thus 5:3.5 or 1.4:1 or more
broadly 1:1 to 2:1.
The second embodiment of bristle configuration is
shown in Figures 10 to 18 with particular reference to
Figures 15, 16 and 17.
The bristles fall into two groups 155 and 195
separated in Figure 15 by the line 156.
Each group affords a curved teeth engaging surface
157 and 197 respectively (see Figure 7) both of which are
convex with regard to the surface 46.
The group 155 has an outer row of bristles 158-171
and two bristles 172 and 173 on the centre line which
reach further from the surface 46 than do the remaining
bristles of the group 155 and the bristles of group 195.
The bristles which are cross hatched in Figure 15
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are the shorter bristles of the group 155, and have
reference numbers 175 to 184.
The group 195 has a first transverse row 198 of five
= tufts, a second row 199 (bowed towards the front end) of
five tufts, a third row 200 (more bowed towards the front
end) of four tufts, a third transverse row 201 of three
tufts and a fourth transverse row 202 of two tufts. The
tufts 164 and 165 are longer than the tufts 202.
In this embodiment the curved surface 197 is
continued forward into the group 155 by the inner tufts
175-184 (which carry crosses in Figure 15).
The free ends of these bristles follow the dotted
line 197A shown in Figure 15. it can be observed that
this curved surface 197A dips down slightly towards the
surface 46 at the front end of this surface 197A, the row
198 being the longest bristles involved in the surface
197/197A.
in variants of this embodiment (not shown) the
surface 197A can dip down more markedly or the surface
197 can have its highest point at the row 202 or the
surface 197/197A can have its high point at the tufts
175,176.
In another variant the tufts in the group 195 and in
the array 175-184 can all be of the same length so that
only a single curved surface is provided, namely by the
bristles 158 to 171 and 172 and 173.
in addition in the four transverse rows at the
handle end of the group 155, the outer bristles, namely
tufts 161 and 168 are longer than tufts 175 and 176;
tufts 160 and 169 are longer than tufts 177 and 178;
tufts 159 and 170 are longer than tufts 179-181; and
tufts 158 and 171 are longer than tufts 182-184.
Referring to Figure 16 the length of the bristle
configuration in plan view or in side elevation, namely
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the length parallel to the surface 46 of the teeth
engaging ends of the bristles in 9.2 units. 100% of this
length is provided by bristles the teeth engaging ends of
which lie in a curved line when the toothbrush is viewed
in side elevation. The group 155 occupies 5.3 units, and
the group 195 also occupies 3.6 units and both are
convex.
The height of the bristles in the tufts 164 and 165
at the head end of the bristle configuration is 3.8 units
when measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface
46. The height of the rearmost bristles in the row of
tufts 202 is 2.6 units when measured in a direction
perpendicular to the surface 46.
The ratio of the lengths of the longest bristles to
the shortest bristles is thus 1.5:1.
The third embodiment of bristle configuration is
shown in Figures 19 to 24 with particular reference to
IFigures 21, 22, 23 and 24.
The bristles can be considered to fall into five
groups 215, 235, 255, 275 and 295 by reference to the
points of inflexion 216, 236, 256 and 276 in the
sinusoidal continuous wave shape of the teeth engaging
surface 207 of the bristles apparent when the toothbrush
is viewed in side elevation.
The bristles in this configuration are not arranged
so much in transverse rpws as in a central axial row and
in circumferential rows.
The group 215 has two tufts 218,219 side by side in
a first transverse row, then two edge tufts 220,221 again
in a transverse row, then a central tuft 222, then two
edge tufts 223 and 224, then a central tuft 225, then two
edge tufts 226,227. This group affords a convex tooth
engaging surface 217.
The group 235 affords a concave tooth engaging
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surface 237. it is made up of a row 238 of four tufts
(bowed to the front) and then two inwardly disposed tufts
239,240.
The group 255 affords a convex tooth engaging
5 surface 257. It has two inwardly disposed transversely
located tufts 258,259. Then a transverse row 260
consisting of two edge tufts and a central tuft. Then
there are two inwardly disposed tufts 261 and 262. Then
another 263 like the row 260.
10 The group 275 affords a concave surface 277. It has
two more inwardly disposed tufts 264,265. Then a row 266
like that 260 but with the inner tuft slightly displaced
to the front.
The group 295 affords a convex surface 297. It has
15 two inwardly disposed tufts 267,268, then a row 269 like
266, then two more inwardly disposed tufts 270,271, then
a row 272 like 266, then two side by side tufts 273,274
like 218 and 219.
The tufts 218,219 are longer then the tufts 273 and
274.
Referring to Figure 22 the length of the bristle
configuration in plan view or in side elevation, namely
the length parallel to the surface 46 of the teeth
engaging ends of the bristles in 8.9 units. 100 c of this
length is provided by bristles the teeth engaging ends of
which lie in a curved line when the toothbrush is viewed
in side elevation. The group 215 occupies 2.7 units, the
group 235 occupies 1.3 units, the group 255 occupies 1.9
units, the group 275 occupies 1.3 units and the group 295
occupies 1.6 units.
The groups 215, 255 and 295 are convex and occupy
6.2 units. The groups 235 and 275 are concave and occupy
2.6 units.
The ratio of convex to concave is thus 6.2:2.6 or
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2.4:1 or more broadly 1.5:1 to 3:1.
The height of the bristles in the tufts 222 and 220
and 224 close to the head end of the bristle
configuration is 3.2 units when measured in a direction
perpendicular to the surface 46. The height of the
rearmost bristles in the row of tufts 273 and 274 is 2.1
units when measured in a direction perpendicuiar to the
surface 46.
The ratio of the lengths of the longest bristles to
the shortest bristles is thus 1.5:1.
The fourth embodiment of bristle configuration is
shown in Figures 25 to 30.
The bristles can be considered to fall into three
groups 355, 375 and 395, separated by lines 356 and 376
in Figures 27 and 28 for ease of description. The ends
of the bristles in the group 355 provide a convex curved
surface 357 when the toothbrush is viewed in side
elevation. The ends of the bristles in the group 375
provide a concave curved surface 377 when the toothbrush
is viewed in side elevation. The curves 357 and 377 flow
smoothly into each other and the line 356 is at the point
of inflexion between the curves. The group 395 provides
a castellated tooth engaging surface 397 afforded by
alternating transverse rows of longer bristles 400, 420,
440, 460 and shorter bristles 380, 410, 430, 450, 470 and
a single centre rearmost tuft 480.
in each of the four longer rows 400, 420, 440, 460
the bristles are of the same length which is slightly
shorter than the longest bristles in the group 355 namely
bristles in the tufts 361, 362 and 365.
Similarly the bristles in each of the shorter rows
380, 410, 430, 450 and 470 and the tufts 480 are all the
same length.
The ratio of the bristle length (LL) from the
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surface 46 to the ends of the long bristles for the
bristles in the rows 400, 420, 440, 460 to the bristle
length (LS) for the short bristles in the rows 380, 410,
430, 450, 470 is 1.15:1. More broadly it is in the range
1.05:1 to 1.5:1 e.g. 1.1:1 to 1.4:1.
The group 355 has a central front tuft 360 and side
tufts 361 and 363 on one side and 362 and 364 on the
other side and a central tuft 365 between and slightly
forwardly of the tufts 363 and 364. The rear of these
tufts also afford part of the group 375.
As can be readily seen from Figures 29 and 30 tufts
363, 365 and 364 are the same height and are slightly
longer than the tufts in the rows 400, 420, 440 and 460.
The ratio of the heights of these tufts 363, 364,
365 to the longer rows 400 etc is 1.04:1 or more broadly
1.02:1 to 1.3:1; whilst their ratio to the shorter rows
380, 410 etc. is 1.2:1 or more broadly 1.1:1 to 1.5:1.
The group 375 is made up of the rearmost portions of
the tufts 363, 365 and 364 and a row 379 of three tufts
which afford a concave rearwardly facing tooth engaging
surf ace .
Referring to Figure 28 the length of the bristle
configuration in plan view or in side elevation, namely
the length parallel to the surface 46 of the teeth
engaging ends of the bristles in 8.7 units. 16's of this
length is provided by bristles the teeth engaging ends of
which lie in a curved line when the toothbrush is viewed
in side elevation the group 355 occupies 1.4 units, and
the group 375 occupies 0.9 units, 355 being convex and
375 being concave. The ratio of convex to concave is
thus 1.4:0.9 or 1.55:1 or more broadly 1:1 to 2:1.
The height of the bristles in the tufts 364, 365,
363 close to the head end of the bristle configuration is
3.6 units when measured in a direction perpendicular to
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the surface 46. The height of the bristles in the tufts
380 is 2.9 units when measured in a direction
perpendicular to the surface 46.
The ratio of the lengths of the longest bristles to
the shortest bristles is thus 1.25:1.
The row 379 is made up of two side tufts 372 and 374
and a central tuft 373 which is positioned very slightly
forwardly of the tufts 372 and 374. These tufts 372 and
374 are also positioned very slightly inwardly of the
tufts 363 and 364.
The separation of the group of tufts 360-365 and row
379 from the castellated group 380 to 480 is as follows:
there is a gap (A) between row 379 and 380;
there is a gap (B) between row 380 and 400;
(B) is less than (A);
there is a gap (C) between row 400 and 410;
(C) is less than (A) or (B);
there is no gap between row 410 and 420, they touch;
there is a gap (D) between row 420 and 430;
(D) is similar to (A) and (B) ;
there is no gap between rows 430 and 440, they
interdigitate;
there is no gap between rows 440 and 450, they
touch;
there is no gap between rows 450 and 460, they
interdigitate;
there is no gap between rows 460 and 470 or rows 470
and the rear bristle 480, they touch.
Figures 31 and 32 are views similar to Figures 6 and
7 but showing the bristle configuration of a first
modification of the embodiment of Figure 25.
Figures 31 and 32 show plan view and side elevations
of a first modification of the fourth embodiment of
bristle configuration shown in Figures 25 to 30.
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The bristles can be considered to fall into three
groups 355, 375 and 395, separated by lines 356 and 376
in Figures 31 and 32 for ease of description. The ends
of the bristles in the group 355 provide a convex curved
surface 357 when the toothbrush is viewed in side
elevation. The ends of the bristles in the group 375
provide a concave curved surface 377 when the toothbrush
is viewed in side elevation. The curves 357 and 377 flow
smoothly into each other and the line 356 is at the point
of inflexion between the curves. The group 395 provides
a castellated tooth engaging surface 397 afforded by
alternating transverse rows of longer bristles 400, 420,
440, 460 and shorter bristles 380, 410, 430 and 450.
In each of the four longer rows 400, 420, 440, 460
the bristles are of the same length which is slightly
shorter'than the longest bristles in the group 355 namely
bristles in the tufts 361, 362, 363 and 364.
Similarly the bristles in each of the shorter rows
380, 410, 430 and 450 are all the same length.
The'ratio of the bristle length (LL) from the
surface 46 to the ends of the long bristles for the
bristles in the rows 400, 420, 440, 460 to the bristle
length (LS) for the short bristles in the rows 380, 410,
430, 450 is 1.15:1. More broadly it is in the range
1.05:1 to 1.5:1 e.g. 1.1:1 to 1.4:1.
The group 355 has a pair of transversely disposed
tufts 361 and 363 and three transversely disposed tufts
363, 364 and 365.
As can be readily seen from Figure 32 the longest
bristles in the tufts 361 to 365 are the same height and
are longer than the tufts in the rows 400, 420, 440 and
460.
The ratio of the heights of these bristles in the
tufts 361, 365 to the longer rows 400 etc is 1.14:1 or
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more broadly 1.04:1 to 1.4:1; whilst their ratio to the
shorter rows 380, 410 etc. is 1.28:1 or more broadly
1.2:1 to 1.6:1.
The group 375 is made up of a row 379 of three tufts
5 372, 373 and 374 which afford a concave rearwardly facing
tooth engaging surface.
The modification of the bristle configuration is at
the front end of the head.
The central bristle tuft 360 is omitted. The tufts
10 361 and 362 are retained. The tufts 363, 365 and 364 are
aligned to form a transverse row at right angles to the
longitudinal axis of the head. The tufts 372, 373 and
374 on the row 379 are aligned to form a transverse row
at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the head.
15 The tufts 372 and 374 are moved transversely outwardly so
that relative to the _ longitudinal axis they are
positioned outwardly of the tufts 363 and 364.
The bristles 361, 362, 363, 364, 372, 373 and 374
form a four sided figure.
20 The separation of the group of tufts 361-365 and
372-374 from the castellated group 380 to 480 is as
follows:
there are clear gaps between each row;
there is a gap (A) between rows 379 and 380 of about
5.5 units;
the gap (B) between rows 380 and 400 is 5.5 units;
the gap (C) between rows 400 and 410 is 5 units as
are the remaining gaps (D), (E), (F), (G) and (H).
Alternatively the gap (B) can be 5 units, when the
ratio of A:B would be 1.1:1.
Referring to Figure 32 the length of the bristle
configuration in plan view or in side elevation, namely
the length parallel to the surface 46 of the teeth
engaging ends of the bristles is 7.4 units. 24% of this
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length is provided by bristles the teeth engaging ends of
which lie in a curved line when the toothbrush is viewed
in side elevation. The group 355 occupies 1.1 units, and
the group 375 occupies 0.8 units, 355 being convex and
375 being concave. The ratio of convex to concave is
thus 1.4:1 or more broadly 1:1 to 2:1.
The height of the highest bristles in the tufts 361
- 365 close to the head end of the bristle configuration
is 3.2 units when measured in a direction perpendicular
to the surface 46. The height of the bristles in the
tufts 380 is 2.9 units when measured in a direction
perpendicular to the surface 46.
The ratio of the lengths of the longest bristles to
the shortest bristles is thus 1.28:1.
Referring to Figures 33 and 34 this shows a second
modification of H15RV1 the fourth embodiment. It is
similar to the first modification. The bristle tuft
configuration is the same and the difference is in the
ends of the bristle tufts 361-365 and 372-374. The tufts
361 and 362 instead of being curved up from the front to
a peak at their rear edges are inclined upwardly and
backwardly affording a transverse forward facing flat
surface 357A which is not curved.
The tufts 363, 365 and 364 instead of being curved
down from a peak at the front to their rear edges are
inclined downwardly and backwardly affording a transverse
rearward facing flat surface 357B which is not curved.
The tufts 361, 362 and 363 to 365 thus provide inverted
V-shaped tooth engaging surfaces 357A and 357B, the angle
of each of which is about 45 to the vertical or more
broadly 30 to 60 .
The tufts 372-374 in the row 379 have inclined ends
forming a transverse rearwardly facing flat surface 377
which is not curved. The flat surface 377 is a
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conti.nuacion of the surface 357B.
The front group 355 is now made up of the bristle
tufts 361 and 362, the second group 375 is made up of the
tufts 363, 364 and 365 and 372, 373 and 374, the line 356
lies between the first and second rows.
Referring to Figures 35 and 36 this shows a third
modification of the fourth embodiment. Tt is similar to
the first modification. The bristle tuft configuration
is the same. The difference is in the ends of the
bri.stle tufts 361-365 and 372-374.
The tufts 361 to 365 have flat tops all of the same
height which is greater than the tufts 400 etc.
The tufts 372-374 in the row 379-have inclined ends
forming a transverse rearwardly facing flat surface 377
which is not curved.
The front group 355 is now made up of the bristle
tufts 361 and 362 and 363, 364 and 365, the second group
375 is made up of the tufts 372, 373 and 374, the line
356 lies between the second and third rows.
Referring to Figures 37 and 38 this shows a fourth
modification of the fourth embodiment. It is similar to
the first modification. The bristle tuft configuration
is the same. The difference is in the ends of the tufts
361-365 and 372-379.
The tufts 361 and 362 have flat tops as in Figure 36
but the tufts 363-365 and 372 to 374 are as in Figure 34.
Figure 39 shows a modified bristle configuration on
a much enlarged scale. in this modification (which can
be used for each of the first to fourth modifications of
the fourth embodiment) the gap (A) between the rows 379
and 380 is greater than the gaps (B), (C), (D), (E), (F),
(G) or (H) (which are all the same) between the rows 380
to 480.
The gap (A) is 7 units, B is 5 units i.e. the ratio
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is 1.4:1 or more broadly (A) is greater than (B) e.g. A:B
is preferably 1.05:1 to 1.6:1 e.g. 1.1:1 to 1.5:1 or more
preferably 1.1:1 to 1.4:1.
It will be noted that in the specific embodiments of
bristle configurations shown in the drawings the ends of
the bristles at any particular transverse location, i.e.
along the line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the head, all lie at the same distance from the surface
46, i.e. in a straight line transverse to the head and
parallel to the surface 46.
