Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ORAL CARE IMPLEMENT HAVING DIVERGING CLEANING
ELEMENTS
100011
Field of the Invention
100021 The present invention relates generally to ansate oral care implements,
and
specifically to toothbrushes, either manual or powered, that have a handle and
a head having
cleaning elements for oral cleaning.
Background of the Invention
= [0003J A toothbrush is used to clean teeth by removing plaque and debris
from the surfaces.
Conventional toothbrushes are provided with a flat bristle trim that limit
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.
[0004] While substantial efforts have been made to modify the cleaning
elements of
toothbrushes to improve the aforementioned deficiencies, the industry
continues to pursue
arrangements of cleaning elements that will improve upon the preceding
technology.
[0005] An example of an early attempt to improve the cleaning elements of a
toothbrush is
disclosed in an existing oral care implement having two or three circular
brush sections which
are arranged within holders that may be screwed into mating receptacles in the
tooth brush
handle so that they can be removed and replaced as needed. Each brush section
contains stiff
cleaning elements and is spaced from the other along the longitudinal axis of
the handle at a
distance less than the thickness of a tooth so that the brush operates on both
the lingual
(inside) and facial (outside) surfaces of the teeth.
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[0006] Another example is a toothbrush with a head containing a flexible,
rubber-like
prophylaxis polishing cup or "prophy cup" similar to that used by dental
personnel to
professionally clean teeth. This prophy cup is loaded with toothpaste by the
user and applied
to the teeth. According to this patent, the "soft rubber-like prophy cup
device follows the
contours of teeth more effectively than bristles." A ring of cleaning elements
("bristle tufts")
are placed about the periphery of the toothbrush head which co-act with the
prophy cups to
clean the user's teeth and gums.
[0007] More recently, the strategic arrangement and combination of cleaning
elements in the
form of elastomeric prophy cups and bristle tufts has become more common as a
way of
improving cleaning efficiency and maintaining the dentifrice in place during
brushing. One
example of the combined use and strategic arrangement of elastomeric prophy
cups and
bristle tufts is a toothbrush having a head portion comprising a plurality of
inner loops
formed by elastomeric walls. The central inner loop is surrounded by an outer
loops formed
of bristles. A central cleaning element, formed as a bristle tuft, is located
within the
elastomeric inner loops.
[0008] Another example of the combined use and strategic arrangement of
elastomeric
prophy cups and bristle tufts can be found in a toothbrush having a head
portion comprising a
plurality of soft elastomer prophy cups surrounded by bristle rings. In
another embodiment, a
toothbrush is disclosed wherein the centralized prophy cups are formed by
groups of densely
packed cleaning elements that are surrounded by bristle rings. The bristle
rings in this
embodiment are also disclosed as having one or more tufts at an inclination.
Summary of the Invention =
[0009] In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising:
a handle; a
head connected to the handle, the head comprising a first surface and a second
surface
opposite the first surface, and an axis extending from the first surface; and
a plurality of
cleaning elements extending from the first surface of the head and arranged in
a ring about
the axis, wherein each of the cleaning elements extends from the first surface
of the head at
an inclined orientation so as to radially diverge from the axis; a cleaning
element wall
extending from the first surface of the head, the cleaning element wall
circumferentially
surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements; and the cleaning elements
extending beyond a
top surface of the cleaning element wall. The cleaning element wall may be an
elastomeric
wall.
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[0010] In another aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement
comprising: a handle; a
head connected to the handle, the head comprising a first surface; and a
plurality of cleaning
elements arranged on the first surface so as to form a ring about an axis
extending from the
first surface of the head, wherein each of the cleaning elements extend from
the first surface
,5 of the head at an inclined orientation so as to diverge from the axis.
[0010a] In another aspect, the invention may relate to an oral care implement
comprising: a
handle; a head connected to the handle, the head comprising a first surface
and second surface
opposite the first surface; a plurality of cleaning elements extending from
the first surface of
the head and forming a ring about an axis extending from the first surface,
wherein each of the
cleaning elements extend from the first surface of the head at an inclined
orientation so as to
radially diverge from the axis; and a cleaning element wall extending from the
first surface of
the head and surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements so as to surround
the ring,
wherein the cleaning element wall is an elastomeric wall.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement
comprising: a
handle; a head connected to the handle, the head comprising a first surface
and a second
surface opposite the second surface; a hollow cleaning element cone extending
from the first
surface of the head, the hollow cleaning element cone circumferentially
surrounding an axis
extending from the first surface of the head, wherein the hollow cleaning
element cone
extends from the first surface of the head so as to radially diverge from the
axis; and a
cleaning element wall extending from the first surface of the head and
circumferentially
surrounding the hollow cleaning element cone. The cleaning element wall may be
an
elastomeric wall.
[0012] In still another aspect, the invention can be an apparatus for
incorporation into an
ansate oral care implement comprising: a base having a first surface: a hollow
cleaning
element cone extending from the first surface of the head and arranged so as
to
circumferentially surround an axis extending from the first surface of the
base, wherein the
hollow cleaning element cone extends upward from the first surface of the head
so as to
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diverge from the axis; and a cleaning element wall extending upward from the
first surface of
the head and circumferentially surrounding the hollow cleaning element cone.
= [0013] In a further aspect, the invention can be an apparatus for
incorporation into an ansate
oral care implement comprising: a base having a first surface: a plurality of
cleaning elements
arranged on the first surface so as to form a ring about an axis extending
from the first surface
of the head, wherein each of the cleaning elements extends upward from the
first surface of
the head at an inclined orientation so as to diverge from the axis; and a
cleaning element wall
extending upward from the first surface of the head and surrounding the
plurality of cleaning
elements so as to form a substantially closed loop.
[0014] In a yet further aspect, the invention can be an apparatus for
incorporation into an
ansate oral care implement comprising: a base having a first surface: a
plurality of cleaning
elements arranged on the first surface so as to form a ring about an axis
extending from the
first surface of the base, wherein each of the cleaning elements extend upward
from the first
surface of the base at an inclined orientation so as to diverge from the axis.
[0015] In a still further aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement
comprising: a
handle; a head connected to the handle, the head comprising a first surface; a
plurality of
3a
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cleaning elements arranged on the first surface so as to circumferentially
surround an axis
extending from the first surface of the head, wherein each of the cleaning
elements extends
upward from the first surface of the head at an inclined orientation so as to
diverge from the
axis; and a cleaning element wall extending upward from the first surface of
the head and
circumferentially surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements.
, , =
100161 In an even further aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement
comprising: a
handle; a head connected to the handle, the heal comprising a first surface; a
plurality of
circumferentially spaced-apart cleaning elements extending from the first
surface of the head
and arranged equidistant from an axis extending from the first surface of the
head, wherein
the cleaning elements extend from the first surface of the head at an inclined
orientation so as
to radially diverge from the axis; and a cleaning element wall extending from
the first surface
of the head and circumferentially surrounding the plurality of cleaning
elements. The
cleaning element wall may be an elastomeric wall.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[00171 This invention is capable of use in a broad array of oral care
implements and hygiene
products. The drawings illustrate one use of the invention and are not to be
construed as the
only embodiment of the invention.
[00181 Figure 1 is a perspective view of an ansate oral care implement, in the
form of a
manual toothbrush, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[00191 Figure 2 is a front view of the toothbrush of Figure I.
[0020] Figure 3 is a right-side view the toothbrush of Figure 1, the left-side
view of which is
a mirror image.
[00211 Figure 4 is a top view of the toothbrush of Figure I.
[0022] Figure 5 is a close-up perspective view of the head of the toothbrush
of Figure l.
[00231 Figure 6 is a front view of the head of the toothbrush of Figure 5.
= [00241 Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush
of Figure 5 along view
VII-VII of Figure 6.
[0025] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of
Figure 5 along view
VIII-VIII of Figure 6.
[00261 Figure 9A is a perspective view of an ansate oral care implement, in
the form of a
manual toothbrush, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 9B is a close-up front view of the head of the toothbrush of
Figure 9A..
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100281 Figure 10A is a perspective view of an ansate oral care implement, in
the form of a
manual toothbrush, according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[00291 Figure 10B is a close-up front view of the head of the toothbrush of
Figure 10A.
100301 Figure 11 A is a perspective view of an ansate oral care implement, in
the form of a
manual toothbrush, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 11B is a close-up front view of the head of the toothbrush of
Figure 11 A.
[00321 Figure 12A is a perspective view of an ansate oral care implement, in
the form of a
manual toothbrush, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[00331 Figure 12B is a close-up perspective view of the head of the toothbrush
of Figure
12A.
[00341 Figure 12C is a front view of the toothbrush of Figure 12A.
[00351 Figure 13 is a perspective view of a cleaning element disc according to
an
embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
[00361 In the following description, the invention is discussed in terms of a
manual
toothbrush incorporating the novel arrangement of cleaning elements. However,
in other
forms, the invention could be in the form of other oral care implements
including a soft-tissue
cleansing implement, a powered toothbrush, or other ansate implement designed
for oral care.
Additionally, the invention can take the form of disc-like plates that
incorporate the novel
arrangement of cleaning elements for operable cooperation with a manual or
powered oral
care implement, such as a toothbrush or soft-tissue cleansing implement.
[0037] Referring first to Figures 1-4 concurrently, a toothbrush 100 is
illustrated according to
one embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush 100 generally
comprises a handle
110 and a head 120. The handle 110 provides the user with a mechanism by which
he/she
can readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 100. The handle 110 is
generically illustrated
and may be formed of many different shapes, sizes, materials and a variety of
manufacturing
methods that are well-known to those skilled in the art. If desired, the
handle 110 may
include a suitable textured grip (not shown) made of elastomeric material or
can be a multi-
part construction. Stated simply, the details of the handle 110 are not
limiting of the present
invention and, thus, require no further discussion for purposes of the present
invention.
[0038] The toothbrush 100 extends from a proximal end 112 to a distal end 113
along a
longitudinal axis A-A (illustrated in FIG. 2 and as point A in FIG. 4). For
purposes of
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simplicity, the longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush 100 is considered to
be coaxial with
the longitudinal axis of the head 120. However, it is of course possible for
the longitudinal
axis of the head 120 and the toothbrush 100 to not be coaxial with each other.
The head 120
is operably connected to a distal end of the handle 110. The head 110 and
handle 120 of the
toothbrush are preferably formed as a single unitary structure using a
molding, milling,
machining or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments, the handle
110 and
head 120 may be formed as separate components which are operably connected at
a later
stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art,
including
without limitation thermal welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve,
adhesion, or
fasteners. Whether the head 120 and handle 110 are of a unitary or multi-piece
construction
(including connection techniques) is not limiting of the present invention.
[0039] It should be noted at this time that relative terms such as distal,
middle, proximal,
upper, lower, top, bottom, left, right etc. are merely used to delineate
relative positions of the
components of the toothbrush 100 with respect to one anther and are not
intended to be in any
further way limiting of the present invention.
[0040] The head 120 generally comprises a front surface 121, a rear surface
122 and a
peripheral surface 123. The front surface 121 and the rear surface 122 of the
head 120 can
take on a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of
the present
invention. For example, the front and rear surfaces 121, 122 can be planar,
contoured or
combinations thereof. Moreover, if desired, the rear surface 122 may also
comprise
additional structures for oral cleaning, such as a soft tissue cleanser, such
as the one disclosed
in U.S. Patent 7,143,462, issued December 5, 2006 to the assignee of the
present application,
the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Furthermore, while
the head 120 is
normally widened relative to the neck 111 of the handle 110, it could in some
constructions
simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the handle 110.
[0041] The front surface 121 comprises a collection of cleaning elements 130
extending
therefrom for cleaning contact with an oral surface. While the collection of
cleaning
elements 130 is particularly suited for brushing teeth, the collection of
cleaning elements 130
can be also be used to clean oral soft tissue, such as a tongue, gums, or
cheeks instead of or in
addition to teeth. As used herein, the term "cleaning element" is used in a
generic sense to
refer to any structure that can be used to clean or massage an oral surface
through relative
surface contact. Common examples of "cleaning elements" include, without
limitation,
filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber
bristles, elastomeric
protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, co-extruded filaments, flag
bristles, crimped
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bristles, anti-bacterial bristles and combinations thereof and/or structures
containing such
materials or combinations.
[0042] Generally, the collection of cleaning elements 130 comprises a first
set 131 of
cleaning elements, a second set 132 of cleaning elements and a third set 138
of cleaning
elements. The third set 138 of cleaning elements generally comprise a
prophylaxis polishing
cup 133 (a prophy cup) and a conical arrangement 134 of elongated cleaning
elements. The
conical arrangement 134 is located within and surrounded by the prophy cup
133.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 concurrently, the details of the novel
arrangement and
orientation of the cleaning elements on the head 120 of the toothbrush 100
will now be
discussed according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be
understood
that the concepts and arrangements of particular subsets of the collection of
cleaning
elements will be described below in relation to certain shapes, axes, and
hypothetical regions
or zones. It is to be understood, however, that such concepts and arrangements
can be
described in a wide variety of terms and manners.
[0044] Conceptually, the head 120 comprises a distal region 124, a middle
region 125 and a
proximal region 126. The first set of cleaning elements 131a-.j extend from
the distal region
124 of the head 120. The second set of cleaning elements 132a-j extend from
the proximal
region 126 of the head 120. The third set of cleaning elements, which consists
of the prophy
cup 133a-b, a plurality of angled cleaning elements 134a-f, and a central
cleaning element
135, extend from the middle region 125 of the head.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j of
the first and
second sets are tufts or arcuate walls of densely packed fibrous bristles.
However, one or
more (or various subsets) of the cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j of the first
and second sets
can take on other forms, such as elastomeric walls or fingers.
[0046] When bristle tufts are used as the desired cleaning elements, the
bristle tufts can be
connected to the head 120 in any manner known in the art. For example, anchor
free tufting
(AFT) could be used to mount the cleaning elements. In AFT, a plate or
membrane is
secured to the brush head such as by ultrasonic welding. The bristles extend
through the plate
or membrane. The free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or
membrane perform the
cleaning function. The ends of the bristles on the other side of the plate or
membrane are
melted together by heat to be anchored in place. Any suitable form of cleaning
elements may
be used in the broad practice of this invention. Alternatively, the bristles
could be mounted to
tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft
blocks so that the
base of the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block.
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[0047] The particular arrangement and number of the cleaning elements 131a-j,
132a-j of the
first and second sets within the distal and proximal regions 124, 126 can vary
greatly as
desired, and should not be consider as a limitation of the present invention
unless specifically
recited in the claims. In fact, in certain embodiments of the present
invention, the first and
second sets of the cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j may be omitted all
together or
substantially altered. Nonetheless, a particularly useful and effective
arrangement of the first
and second sets of the cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j has been developed
(discussed below
in relation to FIGS.5-6) and is to be considered as part of the invention in
certain
embodiments.
[0048] The middle region 125 of the head comprises an arrangement of cleaning
elements
that is specifically designed to improve the efficacy of cleaning oral
surfaces, retain dentifrice
on the head 120 of the toothbrush during brushing and/or massaging, and
distribute the
dentifrice among the collection of cleaning elements on the head 120. As
mentioned above,
the middle region 125 comprises a prophy cup 133 (which is formed by arcuate
cleaning
element walls 133a-b, angled elongated cleaning elements 134a-f and central
elongated
cleaning element 135. Preferably, the cleaning element walls 133a-b are
elastomeric walls
while the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f, 135 are tufts of densely packed
fibrous
bristles. In other embodiments, however, the prophy cup 133 can be formed by
densely
packed walls of fibrous bristles and/or the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f
can be
elastomeric fingers.
[0049] Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilient
material suitable
for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as
cleaning
benefits, the elastomeric material preferably has a hardness property in the
range of A5 to
A40 Shore hardness, and most preferably A25 Shore hardness. One preferred
elastomeric
material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS)
manufactured by GLS
Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other
materials within
and outside the noted hardness range could be used.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS 6-8 concurrently, the details and structural
cooperation of the
prophy cup 133, the cleaning elements 134a-f, and the central cleaning element
135 will be
described. The cleaning elements 134a-f extend from the front surface 121 of
the head in an
angled (i.e., inclined) manner (relative to a general plane formed by the top
surface 121). The
cleaning elements 134a-f are arranged in a spaced-apart manner that forms a
ring that
circumferentially surrounds an axis B-B. The axis B-B extends from the front
surface 121 of
the head 120 in a direction away from the rear surface 122 of the head 120. In
the preferred
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embodiment, the axis B-B extends from the front surface 121 of the head 120 in
a
substantially normal orientation. Of course, in other embodiments, the axis B-
B may be at an
angle other than normal to the front surface 121. Each of the cleaning
elements 134a-f is
inclined so as to radially diverge from the axis B-B at an angle 0 as it
extends away from the
front surface 121 of the head 120. Preferably, for each cleaning element 134a-
f, the angle 0
is in a range of 1 to 15 degrees, more preferably 3 to 5 degrees, and most
preferably 4
degrees. While all of the cleaning elements 134a-f radially diverge from the
axis B-B at the
same angle in the illustrated embodiment, it is possible for the angles of
radial divergence
to vary among the cleaning elements 134a-f. Furthermore, while six cleaning
elements 134a-
fare illustrated as forming the hollow cone, any number of cleaning elements
can be used in
other embodiments.
[0051] Conceptually, the cleaning elements 134a-f collectively form a hollow
cone structure
(which in the illustrated embodiment is a truncated cone). As used herein, the
term "cone" is
not limited to a circular cross-section and is intended to include truncated
cones. The hollow
cone structure formed by cleaning elements 134a-f forms a funnel-like internal
cavity 136 for
receiving a dentifrice. The cleaning elements 134a-fare equidistantly
circumferentially
spaced from one another so that a space exists between adjacent cleaning
elements 134a-f.
While in the illustrated embodiments, the hollow cone is formed by spaced
apart cleaning
elements, in alternative embodiments the hollow cone can be formed by an
angled wall (or
angled wall segments) formed by an elastomer or densely packed bristles.
[00521 The hollow cone formed by the cleaning elements 134a-f is
concentrically arranged
about the axis B-B and is congruent with the conical axis. The elongated
central cleaning
element 135 extends from the front surface 121 of the head 120 along the axis
B-B within the
funnel-like cavity 136. The central cleaning element 135 is preferably a tuft
of densely
packed fibrous bristles but can also be an elastomer finger or other material
or structure. Of
course, the central cleaning element 135 may even be omitted in certain
embodiments of the
invention.
[0053] The hollow cone formed by the cleaning elements 134a-f is
circumferentially
surrounded by a cleaning element wall (formed by arcuate sections of cleaning
element walls
133a-b). Collectively, the cleaning element walls 133a-b form the prophy cup
as a
substantially closed loop that concentrically surrounds the hollow cone formed
by the
elongated cleaning elements 134a-f. While the prophy cup is formed by two
arcuate sections
of cleaning element walls 133a-b in the illustrated embodiment, the prophy cup
(and the
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substantially closed-loop) can be formed by a single wall section or by more
than two wall
sections in other embodiments.
[0054] As a result of being circumferentially surrounded by the prophy cup
(which is formed
by the arcuate cleaning element walls 133a-b), an annular channel 137 exists
between the
hollow cone (formed by the cleaning elements 134a-f) and the cleaning element
wall (formed
by arcuate cleaning element walls 133a-b). The arcuate cleaning element walls
133a-b are
circumferentially spaced from one another so that gaps 139 exist along the
longitudinal axis
A-A of the head 120.
[0055] Referring solely now to FIG. 7, each of the cleaning elements 134a-f
extends at an
incline from the first surface 121 of the head 120 and terminate in cleaning
ends 144a-f
respectively. The prophy cup (which consists of arcuate cleaning element walls
133a-b)
extends normally from the first surface 121 of the head 120 and terminates in
top surfaces
143a-b. In other embodiments, the prophy cup (which consists of arcuate
cleaning element
walls 133a-b) may extend from the first surface 121 of the head 120 at an
inclined
orientation, either inclined toward or away from the axis B-B.
[0056] The cleaning elements 134a-f (and thus the hollow cone) has a height H1
while the
prophy cup (and, thus, the arcuate cleaning element walls 133a-b) has a height
H2 (measured
relative to the front surface 121 of the head 120). The height H1 is
preferably greater than the
height H2. In one embodiment, the height H1 is preferably in the range of 7 to
13
millimeters, most preferably 10 millimeters, while the height H2 is preferably
in the range of
to 11 millimeters, most preferably 6.5 millimeters. Thought of another way,
cleaning
element walls 133a-b circumferentially surround only a base portion of the
cleaning elements
134a-f while a top portion of the cleaning elements 134a-f extends beyond the
top surfaces
143a-b of the cleaning element walls 133a-b.
[0057] In a preferred construction, the cleaning elements 134a-f are
preferably located within
a range of 3 to 6 millimeters from the axis B-B, and most preferably 4
millimeters (measured
from the base of the cleaning elements 134a-f). The walls 133a-b of the prophy
cup are
preferably located within a range of 6 to 12 millimeters from the axis B-B,
and most
preferably about 8 millimeters. As a result of the inclined/diverging
orientation of the
cleaning elements 134a-f and their close proximity to the walls 133a-b of the
prophy cup,
the inner top top edge of the walls 133a-b of the prophy cup abut against one
or more of the
cleaning elements 134a-f. In one preferred embodiment, the width of the prophy
cup 133
extends the substantial entirety of the width of the head 120.
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100581 Referring now to FIGS. 5-8 concurrently, the mechanism of action of the
novel
cleaning element arrangement of the toothbrush 100 will be described. The
following
discussion is set forth as an explanation of the improved operation of the
present invention.
The following discussion is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention, unless
specifically recited in the claims.
100591 A dentifrice is initially applied to the head 120 of the toothbrush 100
which fills the
cavity 136 formed by the hollow cleaning element cone (which is formed by the
elongated
cleaning elements 134a-f). The funnel shape of the cavity 136 helps capture,
hold and direct
the dentifrice into the toothbrush during dentifrice application and
subsequent brushing. The
central elongated cleaning element 135 may further assist with dentifrice
maintenance and
dispersion. Once the dentifrice fills the cavity 136, it can flow through the
spaces between
adjacent elongated cleaning elements 134a-f and into the annular channel 137
formed
between the hollow cleaning element cone (which is formed by the elongated
cleaning
elements 134a-f) and the prophy cup (consisting of arcuate walls 133a-b). The
inclined
orientation of the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f results in the annular
channel 137
having a substantially closed roof (at least in certain sections), thereby
further helping to keep
the dentifrice within the toothbrush 100. The dentifrice then flows through
the gaps 139
formed between the arcuate sections 133a-b. Because the gaps 139 are located
only along
the longitudinal axis A-A of the head, the dentifrice escaping from the prohpy
cup via the
gaps 139 is forced into the first and second sets 131a-j, 132a-j where it is
further distributed
during the brushing and/or massaging of oral surfaces.
100601 Finally, by surrounding the hollow cleaning element cone (which is
formed by the
elongated cleaning elements 134a-f) with a shorter prophy cup (formed by
arcuate walls
133a-b), the prophy cup can provide additional support and rigidity to the
elongated cleaning
elements 134a-f during brushing. More specifically, when the elongated
cleaning elements
134a-f are not under the standard forces imparted during brushing (i.e., in a
non-use state),
the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f are either slightly spaced from the
arcuate walls
133a-b or abutted against the top inner edges of the arcuate walls 133a-b in a
non-forced
state. However, when the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f are subjected to
standard
forces imparted during brushing, the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f flex
outwardly from
the axis B-B and come into contact with the arcuate walls 133a-b, which
provide additional
support for the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f so tha more effective
cleaning can be
achieved. In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning elements 134a-f are
also taller than
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any of the cleaning elements of the first and second sets that are immediately
adjacent the
prophy cup (not illustrated).
100611 Additionally, when the arcuate walls 133a-b are constructed of an
elastomeric
material, additional benefits are achieved. Specifically, the arcuate shaped
elastomeric
elements 133a-b help spread toothpaste onto the tubules of the teeth. This
helps reduce the
sensitivity of the tooth because the tubules are thereby reduced in size. This
is also a benefit
with whitening because the toothpaste is spread onto the tubules. Moreover,
elastomeric
walls are better than bristles at this wiping toothpaste into the tubules of
the teeth.
[0062] Referring back to FIGS. 5-6 and 8 concurrently, a preferred arrangement
of the
cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j of the first and second sets 131, 132 within
the distal and
proximal regions 124, 126 of the head 120 will be described according to one
embodiment of
the present invention. All of the cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j extend from
the front
surface 121 of the head in a substantially normal orientation.
[0063] The first set 131 comprises a first grouping consisting of cleaning
element walls 131c-
e and elongated cleaning elements 131a-b, 131f-g. This first grouping of
cleaning elements
131a-131g is disposed in a par-elliptical arrangement along the distal
periphery of the head
120. The elongated cleaning elements 131a-b, 131f-g are preferably cylindrical
bristle tufts
whose free ends taper to a point. The cleaning element walls 131c-e are
preferably walls of
densely packed bristles. The height of the cleaning element walls 131c-e
increase toward the
distal end of the head 120, thereby forming a tapered edge at the distal edge
of the cleaning
element field.
[0064] Similarly, the second set 132 comprises a first grouping consisting of
cleaning
element walls 132c-e and elongated cleaning elements 132a-b, 132f-g. This
first grouping of
cleaning elements 132a-132g is disposed in a par-elliptical arrangement along
the distal
periphery of the head 120. The elongated cleaning elements 132a-b, 132f-g are
preferably
cylindrical bristle tufts whose free ends taper to a point. The cleaning
element walls 132c-e
are preferably walls of densely packed bristles. The height of the cleaning
element walls
132c-e increase toward the distal end of the head 120, thereby forming a
tapered edge at the
distal edge of the cleaning element field.
100651 The first set 131 also comprises a second grouping, consisting of
arcuate cleaning
element walls 131b, 131j and central cleaning element 131i.. The arcuate
cleaning element
walls 131b, 131j are arranged so as to form a loop about a center point from
which the
central cleaning element 1311 extends. The arcuate cleaning element walls
131b, 131j are
preferably elastomeric walls but can be densely packed bristles. This second
grouping of
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cleaning element 131h-j is located within the par-elliptical shape formed by
the first grouping
of cleaning elements 131a-g. The central cleaning element 131i extends a
height that is
greater than the height of the arcuate cleaning element walls 131h, 131j. The
height of the
central cleaning element 131j is less than the height of the central cleaning
element 135 of the
third set 138. However, the height of the arcuate cleaning element walls 131h,
131j is grater
than the height of the arcuate wall elements 133a-b of the third set 38.
[0066] Similarly, the second set 132 also comprises a second grouping,
consisting of arcuate
cleaning element walls 132h, 132j and central cleaning element 132i . The
arcuate cleaning
element walls 132h, 132j are arranged so as to form a loop about a center
point from which
the central cleaning element 132i extends. The arcuate cleaning element walls
132h, 132j are
preferably elastomeric walls but can be densely packed bristles. This second
grouping of
cleaning element 132h-j is located within the par-elliptical shape formed by
the first grouping
of cleaning elements 132a-g. The central cleaning element 132i extends a
height that is
greater than the height of the arcuate cleaning element walls 132h, 132j. The
height of the
central cleaning element 132j is less than the height of the central cleaning
element 135 of the
third set 138. However, the height of the arcuate cleaning element walls 132h,
132j is grater
than the height of the arcuate wall elements 133a-b of the third set 38.
[0067] Both of the loops formed by the arcuate cleaning element walls 132h,
132j and 131h,
131j respectively are located so that their center points are located along
the longitudinal axis
A-A of the head 120.
[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9B concurrently, a manual toothbrush 200
according to a
second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The toothbrush 200
is identical to
the toothbrush 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8 except that the
central cleaning
element 135 is omitted. In order to avoid redundancy, a further detailed
description of the
toothbrush 200 and its functioning is omitted with the understanding that the
corresponding
elements of toothbrush 200 are numbered the same as the toothbrush 100 except
that they are
in the "200 series." The above discussion with respect to toothbrush 100 is
thus applicable
to the toothbrush 200.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS 10A-10B concurrently, a manual toothbrush 300
according to
a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The toothbrush 300
is identical to
the toothbrush 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8 except that the
hollow cone
structure 334 is formed by eight elongated cleaning elements rather than six.
In order to
avoid redundancy, a further detailed description of the toothbrush 300 and its
functioning is
omitted with the understanding that the corresponding elements of toothbrush
300 are
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numbered the same as the toothbrush 100 except that they are in the "300
series." The above
discussion with respect to toothbrush 100 is thus applicable to the toothbrush
300.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS 11A-11B concurrently, a manual toothbrush 400
according to
a fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The toothbrush
400 is identical to
the toothbrush 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8 except that the
hollow cone
structure 434 is formed by ten elongated cleaning elements rather than six. In
order to avoid
redundancy, a further detailed description of the toothbrush 400 and its
functioning is omitted
with the understanding that the corresponding elements of toothbrush 400 are
numbered the
same as the toothbrush 100 except that they are in the "400 series." The above
discussion
with respect to toothbrush 100 is thus applicable to the toothbrush 400.
100711 Referring now to FIGS 12A-12C concurrently, a manual toothbrush 500
according to
a fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The toothbrush 500
is identical to
the toothbrush 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8 except that the
central cleaning
elements 135 is omitted and the elongated cleaning elements 534a-f that form
the hollow
cone structure 534 converge upon the axis B-B, thereby forming a full cone
rather than a
truncated cone. In order to avoid redundancy, a further detailed description
of the toothbrush
500 and its functioning is omitted with the understanding that the
corresponding elements of
toothbrush 500 are numbered the same as the toothbrush 100 except that they
are in the "500
series." The above discussion with respect to toothbrush 100 is thus
applicable to the
toothbrush 400.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 13, a cleaning element disc 600 for incorporation
into an ansate
oral care implement is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The
cleaning element disc 600 is essentially a plate-like disc that incorporates
the third set 138 of
cleaning elements described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8. The apparatus 600
generally
comprises a circular base plate 601 and the third set 138 of cleaning elements
described
above with respect to FIGS. 1-8. In order to avoid redundancy, a further
detailed description
of the third set 138 of cleaning elements is omitted. However, it is to be
understood that the
cleaning element disc 600 can utilize any of the variations of the cleaning
element
arrangement disclosed above with respect to FIGS. 9A-12C.
[0073] The cleaning element disc 600 is particularly suited for use with
powered
toothbrushes wherein the cleaning element disc 600 will lock into place on the
powered
toothbrush and be operably coupled to a rotary element. The cleaning element
disc 600,
however, can also be used in manual toothbrushes wherein the cleaning element
disc 600 can
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snap lock/unlock into and out of the head of the toothbrush for replacement.
Such techniques
are known in the art.
= [00741 Finally, it should be noted that in certain embodiments of the
invention, a plurality of
the third sets 138 of cleaning elements can be arranged on the head 120 of the
toothbrush
100. In such an embodiment, the third sets 138 of cleaning elements are
preferably aligned
along the longitudinal. axis A-A of the head 120. Moreover, in such an
embodiment, any of
the embodiments of the third sets can be used.
[00751 While a number of embodiments of the current invention have been
described and
illustrated in detail, various alternatives and modifications will become
readily apparent to
those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of* invention. As
various changes could be made in the above methods, compositions and
structures without
departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in this
application, including all mechanisms and/or modes of interaction described
above, shall be
interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting in any way the scope of the
appended claims.
=
