Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TOOTHBRUSH WITH CLEANING ELEMENTS DEFINING A LOOP
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[01] The present invention pertains to a toothbrush with an enhanced cleaning
head.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[02] A toothbrush is used to clean the teeth by removing plaque and debris
from the tooth
surfaces. Conventional toothbrushes provided with a flat bristle trim are
limited in their
ability to conform to the curvature of the teeth, to penetrate into the
interproximal areas
between the teeth, to sweep away the plaque and debris, and to clean along the
gum line.
Additionally, such toothbrushes have a limited ability to retain dentifrice
for cleaning the
teeth. During the brushing process, the dentifrice typically slips through the
tufts of bristles
and away from the contact between the bristles and the teeth. As a result, the
dentifrice often
is spread around the mouth, rather than being concentrated on the contact of
the bristles with
the teeth. Therefore, the efficiency of the cleaning process is reduced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[03] Some aspects of the invention pertain to a toothbrush with a novel
arrangement of cleaning elements to provide a superior cleaning of the teeth.
[04] In one aspect of the invention, a toothbrush includes a head having a
plurality of tooth
cleaning elements extending from a base surface. The tooth cleaning elements
generally
define a loop arrangement to better retain the dentifrice proximate to the
contact between the
bristles and the teeth for more effective cleaning. In one preferred
construction, each loop is
formed by a plurality of independently flexible cleaning elements so as to
maintain user
comfort and provide improved cleaning of the teeth.
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[05] In another aspect of the invention, other cleaning elements
are
disposed within the cleaning elements forming the loop. In this construction,
these
central cleaning elements are strategically located to maximize the cleaning
effect of
the retained dentifrice.
[06] In another aspect of the invention, tooth cleaning elements are
positioned along the periphery of the head. In one preferred construction,
these
peripheral cleaning elements are stepped and tapered to clean along the gum
line
and reach the interproximal areas between the teeth.
[06a] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head coupled to the handle and including a
base
surface, and a pair of opposite side edges; and a plurality of tooth cleaning
elements
extending from the base surface of the head, the tooth cleaning elements
including:
a first plurality of elastomeric walls that collectively define a first
substantially closed
loop, each elastomeric wall having a concave surface and separated from an
adjacent elastomeric wall in the first plurality of elastomeric walls by a
gap, the first
substantially closed loop having a first center generally equidistant from the
concave
surface of each of the elastomeric walls of the first plurality of elastomeric
walls; a
first central cleaning element of bristles disposed within the first
substantially closed
loop; a plurality of arcuate-shaped cleaning elements of bristles that
collectively
define an outer loop, each arcuate-shaped cleaning element having an inner
concave
surface defining at least an inner portion of the outer loop and an outer
convex
surface defining at least an outer portion of the outer loop, each arcuate-
shaped
cleaning element separated from an adjacent arcuate-shaped cleaning element by
a
gap, the outer loop having a second center generally equidistant from each of
the
concave surfaces of each of the arcuate-shaped cleaning elements, wherein the
first
center and the second center are generally concentric.
[06b] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head coupled to the handle; and a plurality
of
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tooth cleaning elements extending from the head, the tooth cleaning elements
including a first set of cleaning elements and a second set of cleaning
elements, each
of said sets including a plurality of arcuate cleaning elements arranged with
generally
opposing concave surfaces facing each other, said sets being generally
concentric to
each other and a central cleaning element disposed in about the center of the
arcuate cleaning elements.
[06c] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head coupled to the handle, the head
including a
base surface; and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the
base
surface of the head, the tooth cleaning elements including: an outer loop
comprising
a plurality of arcuate-shaped bristle tufts, each arcuate-shaped bristle tuft
having a
concave surface defining an internal side of the outer loop and a convex
surface
defining an external side of the outer loop, and separated from an adjacent
arcuate-shaped bristle tuft of the plurality of arcuate-shaped bristle tufts
by an outer
loop gap; a first substantially closed loop being disposed within the outer
loop, the
first substantially closed loop including a first plurality of elastomeric arc
segments,
each elastomeric arc segment having a convex surface and being separated from
an
adjacent elastomeric arc segment of the first plurality of elastomeric arc
segments by
a first loop gap, in which at least one first loop gap faces the concave
surface of an
arcuate-shaped bristle tuft of the outer loop; and a fluid pathway being
defined
between the convex surface of the first substantially closed loop and the
concave
surface of the outer loop for allowing a fluid to flow therein.
[06d] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided
a toothbrush comprising: a head having a longitudinal axis that extends from a
proximal end of the head to a distal end of the head; a handle coupled to and
extending from the proximal end of the head; and a plurality of tooth cleaning
elements extending from a surface of the head, the tooth cleaning elements
including: a plurality of groups of elastomeric walls collectively defining a
plurality of
substantially closed configurations disposed along the longitudinal axis of
the head,
the elastomeric walls within each group separated from an adjacent elastomeric
wall
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by a gap, each of the substantially closed configurations comprising at least
one gap
located on the longitudinal axis of the head; a central cleaning element
disposed
within each of the substantially closed configurations; and a plurality of
bristles
disposed outside of the substantially closed configurations.
[06e] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided
a toothbrush comprising: a head having a longitudinal axis that extends from a
proximal end of the head to a distal end of the head; and a plurality of tooth
cleaning
elements extending from a surface of the head, the tooth cleaning elements
including: a first group of elastomeric walls collectively defining a first
substantially
closed configuration located on the longitudinal axis of the head, wherein
gaps exists
between adjacent elastomeric walls of the first group; a second group of
elastomeric
walls collectively defining a second substantially closed configuration
located on the
longitudinal axis of the head, wherein gaps exists between adjacent
elastomeric walls
of the second group; and wherein each of the first and second substantially
closed
configurations comprise at least one gap located on the longitudinal axis and
at least
one gap that is not located on the longitudinal axis.
[06f] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided
a toothbrush comprising: a head having a longitudinal axis that extends from a
proximal end of the head to a distal end of the head; and a plurality of tooth
cleaning
elements extending from a surface of the head, the tooth cleaning elements
including: a plurality of groups of elastomeric walls collectively defining a
plurality of
substantially closed configurations disposed non-concentrically along the
longitudinal
axis of the head, the elastomeric walls within each group separated from an
adjacent
elastomeric wall by a gap, each of the substantially closed configurations
comprising
at least one gap located on the longitudinal axis of the head and at least one
gap that
is not located on the longitudinal axis of the head; and a plurality of
bristles disposed
outside of the substantially closed configurations, the bristles comprising at
least one
distal cleaning element located at the distal end of the head and at least one
proximal
cleaning element located at the proximal end of the head.
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[07] Some aspects of the present invention also pertain to combinations of
different kinds of cleaning elements on a single head that cooperate to
provide a
pattern for overall improved cleaning of the teeth, including effective
cleaning of the
rear teeth, the interproximal areas between the teeth, along the gum line, and
the
lingual and facial side surfaces of the teeth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[08] A more complete understanding of the present invention and the
advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description
in
consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers
indicate like features, and wherein:
[09] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush according to one or
more
aspects of an illustrative embodiment;
[10] Figure 2 is an enlarged plan view of a head section of the toothbrush
of
FIG. 1;
[11] Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of a head section of the toothbrush
of
FIG. 1;
[12] Figure 4 is a section view of the head section taken along line 4-4 in
FIG. 2;
[13] Figure 5 is a partial section view of the head section similar to FIG.
4
showing a tooth cleaning element arrangement in isolation for clarity;
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[14] Figure 6 is a partial section view of the head section similar to FIG. 4
showing
another tooth cleaning element arrangement in isolation for clarity; and
[15] Figure 7 is a distal end view of the head section of the toothbrush of
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[16] Figures 1-7 illustrate a toothbrush 100 having a support 101 including a
handle 103
and a head 105, and tooth cleaning elements 200 for cleaning the user's teeth.
Handle 103 is
provided for the user to readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 100, and
may be formed
of many different shapes and with a variety of constructions. Head 105 is the
end portion of
the support provided with tooth cleaning elements 200. The tooth cleaning
elements can be
attached to a base surface 109 of head 105 by any known means.
[17] In a preferred construction, base surface 109 is provided with at least
one group of
cleaning elements 209 that collectively define a loop configuration 214 to
better retain
dentifrice among the tooth cleaning elements 200 and specifically between the
contact of the
cleaning elements and the teeth. While the loop configuration is preferably a
circle, it could
be in the form of a myriad of different closed loops including without
limitation ovals,
squares and irregular shapes. It is believed that the use of interior concave
wall surfaces 210
within the loop will best retain and move the dentifrice on the teeth
especially when the
toothbrush is generally moved in the desired small circular motions to brush
the teeth.
Nevertheless, other shapes can be used. The loop should simply define a
substantially closed
configuration to retain the dentifrice.
[18] To better retain the dentifrice, each loop configuration is preferably
defined by
cleaning elements composed of elastomeric wall members. Although the loop
configurations
could be formed by tightly packed, elongate bristle tufts, such arrangements
will permit a
greater escape o f the dentifrice than the e lastomeric w all m embers. F
urther, although the
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loop configurations could be completely closed structures, they are preferably
only
substantially closed and each formed by a plurality of independently flexible
cleaning
elements 209a-d. In this way, the cleaning elements are able to provide a
limited and
controlled flow of the dentifrice to the outer cleaning elements and maintain
sufficient
flexibility to provide greater user comfort and improved cleaning by elements
209. In the
preferred construction, as seen in Figure 2, each loop construction is defined
by four
elastomeric wall members 209a-d each defining an arc segment that is
approximately a
quarter of a circle. As noted above, adjacent arc segments are spaced apart to
define gaps
212 that permit a limited outward flow of dentifrice and independent flexing
of each wall
member. The g aps also aid the cleaning of cleaning elements 209 by permitting
water to
flush through the loops. The gaps, however, are preferably kept small to limit
the escape of
the dentifrice. While four segments have been illustrated to define each loop,
other numbers
of segments could be used. The wall members can be formed of any elastomeric
material
known for use as tooth cleaning elements. Finally, although the arc segments
are preferably
independent cleaning members, the loop could also be formed as a single member
provided
with slits to define gaps 212 and independently flexible cleaning elements
209a-d.
[19] As best seen in Figure 2, the preferred embodiment includes three loops
214a-c that
are each positioned front to back along longitudinal axis a-a. In this way, a
large portion of
the dentifrice applied to the tooth cleaning elements can be retained to clean
the user's teeth.
Nevertheless, one, two or more than three loops could be used. Moreover, the
loops could be
arranged in other patterns including non-aligned arrangements or positioned
off of axis a-a.
[20] In a preferred construction, a central cleaning element 207 is disposed
within each
loop 214; although more than one central cleaning element 207 could be
provided within
each loop when larger loops are used. With this arrangement, dentifrice stays
near the tips of
cleaning elements 207 during a brushing operation for efficient cleaning. In
the preferred
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construction, the concave nature of the inside surfaces 210 of cleaning
elements 209a-d
directs the dentifrice to cleaning elements 207a-c during the sweeping or
oscillating motion of
head 105.
[21] Central cleaning elements 207 are each preferably formed as bristle tufts
for
effectively cleaning the teeth. Nevertheless, one or more elastomer members
may be used to
form the distal cleaning elements in lieu of or in addition to the use of
bristles.
[22] The bristles of cleaning elements 203 as well as the bristles of other
tufts discussed
below are preferably composed of a nylon made from a material such as, for
example, a
nylon material marketed by Dupont under the name BRILLIANCE. Nevertheless,
other
materials could be used. The bristles in toothbrush 100 also preferably have a
circular cross-
sectional shape, but could have other cross-sections as well. The round
bristles in toothbrush
may be composed on a nylon marketed by Dupont under the name of TYNEX. The
diameter
of the round bristles are preferably 0.007 inches - 0.008 inches thick or have
other
thicknesses depending on the desired cleaning action of the bristles. The
tooth cleaning
elements are connected to the toothbrush using known manufacturing methods for
oral care
products.
[23] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an additional outer ring of cleaning
elements 211a,
211b is disposed in a central region of head 105 in a generally arcuate
arrangement about
cleaning elements 209a-d of Oentral loop 214b. These outer arcuate cleaning
elements 211a-b
are preferably defined by two opposing arcuate cleaning elements which are
arranged
generally symmetrical on each side of the longitudinal axis a-a of head 105.
As shown in
Figure 2, the outer cleaning elements 211a-b surround the loop cleaning
elements 209a-d in
the central region of head 105 to effectively use this space on the head. In a
preferred '
arrangement, the loop cleaning elements 209a-d in the central region may be
disposed
generally concentrically within outer cleaning elements 211a-b. The dentifrice
flowing
through gaps 212 in the sides of loop 214b will be used by outer cleaning
elements 211.
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While the outer arcuate cleaning elements 211a, b are preferably defined by
elongate bristle
tufts for effective brushing of the teeth, they c ould be formed of one or
more elastomeric
members in lieu of or in addition to the bristles.
[24] Figures 4-6 are sectional views of head 105 that reveal the preferred
height
characteristics of cleaning elements 207, 209 and 211. In the preferred
construction, central
cleaning elements 207a and 207c are shorter than cleaning elements 209 forming
loops 214a,
214c to facilitate enhanced brushing of the lingual and facial tooth surfaces
with the
dentifrice retained by loops 214a, c. The difference between the first height
H1 of cleaning
elements 207a, c and the second height H2 of cleaning elements 209 is
preferably about 0.20-
2.0 mm, but there could be other variations. Central cleaning element 207b is
taller than
cleaning elements 209 forming central loop 214b to facilitate better
interproximal cleaning as
well as cleaning of the crowns of the molars. The difference between the third
height H3 of
cleaning element 207b and the second height H2 of cleaning elements 209 is
preferably about
0.20-2.0 mm, but other variations could be used. While this construction is
preferred to
maximize the cleaning of various surfaces in the mouth, other variations in
the heights of the
cleaning elements could be used as desired. For example, central cleaning
elements 207
could all have the same heights with each other and as loop cleaning elements
209, or have
heights that are higher or lower than the loop cleaning elements in different
ways. In another
example, the central cleaning elements 209 may have heights that are higher
than the loop
cleaning elements 209 in a staple configuration of toothbrush 100.
[25] Head 105 also includes distal cleaning elements 203a-b at the free end
107. In the
preferred construction, a pair of adjacent distal cleaning elements 203a, 203b
straddle
longitudinal axis a-a, although they could be formed by one or more than two
cleaning
elements. Distal cleaning elements 203a-b protrude higher from base surface
109 than the
tips of the other tooth cleaning elements. The tips of each bristle tuft 203a-
b collectively
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define an outermost cleaning surface 204 that is angled with respect to base
surface 109 of
head 105. By way of example, cleaning surface 204 is preferably at an angle 0
of about 30
degrees to base surface 109, but may also range between 10-50 degrees. It
should be
recognized that other angular values are possible. The extension and angular
orientation of
cleaning surface 204 of distal cleaning elements 203a-b better enable the user
to reach and
better clean the teeth in the back of the mouth. Cleaning elements 203a-b also
can be used to
dig into the crevices between the teeth and into the crown portions of the
molars. Finally, as
can been seen in Figure 7, the outermost cleaning surface 204 also preferably
is sloped
laterally downward (to form a crowned surface) to assist in the removal of
debris from the
teeth.
[26] Peripheral cleaning elements 205a-c are positioned near free end 107 and
along each
side 108 of head 105. These peripheral cleaning elements 205a-c are preferably
formed by a
plurality of bristle tufts that are arranged generally symmetrical with
respect to the
longitudinal axis a-a. Cleaning elements 205a-c are positioned rearward and
laterally of
distal cleaning elements 203a-b. Similarly, peripheral cleaning elements 215a-
c are also
positioned symmetrically about axis a-a along each side 108 near proximal end
111 of head
105. These two groups of cleaning elements 205a-c, 215a-c are generally mirror
images of
each other, but could have other constructions. Both the distal and proximal
peripheral
cleaning elements 205a-c, 215a-c are generally configured to enable the user
to clean along
the gum line and in the crevices between the teeth. In the illustrative
embodiment, three
bristle tufts form each group of peripheral cleaning elements 205a-c, 215a-c.
Nevertheless,
more or fewer bristle tufts in these groups may be used. Further, one or more
elastomeric
elements may be used to define the peripheral cleaning elements in place of or
with the
bristles.
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[27] As shown in Figure 3, the tips of the peripheral cleaning elements 205a-c
and 215a-c
protrude higher from base surface 109 than the tips of the interior c leaning
elements 207,
209, 211. In a preferred embodiment, two groups of peripheral cleaning
elements 205, 215
are arranged along each side 108 of head 105. Each group of peripheral
cleaning elements
includes three generally aligned tufts of bristles, although other numbers of
tufts could be
used. The center tuft of cleaning elements 205b, 215b in each group of
peripheral cleaning
elements protrudes outward farther from base surface 109 than the others tufts
205a, 205c,
215a, 215c. This arrangement allows deeper engagement of the tooth surfaces
along the gum
line with cleaning elements 205b or 215b, while stimulating the gums with
cleaning elements
205a, 205c and 215a, 215c. Moreover, each of the tufts has tapered ends 206,
216 to improve
the cleaning of the interproximal areas and along the gum line.
[28] Proximal cleaning elements 213a-b are positioned near the proximal end
111 of head
105. Preferably a pair of bristle tufts straddle longitudinal axis a-a, but
one or more than two
cleaning elements could be formed at the proximal end of the head. These
proximal cleaning
elements 213a,b are preferably defined by bristle tufts, but could also
include or be defined
by one or more elastomeric members.
[29] The inventive aspects may be practiced for a manual toothbrush or a
powered
toothbrush. In operation, the previously described features, individually
and/or in any
combination, improves cleaning performance of toothbrushes. These advantages
are also
achieved by the cleaning elements and the synergistic effects. While the
various features of
the toothbrush 100 work together to achieve the advantages previously
described, it is
recognized that individual features and sub-combinations of these features can
be used to
obtain some of the aforementioned advantages without the necessity to adopt
all of these
features. This unique combination of elements gives exceptional cleaning power
in a compact
head space.
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[30] While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples
including
presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the
art will
appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above
described
systems and techniques. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be
construed
broadly as set forth in the appended claims.
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