Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TOOTHBRUSH
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a toothbrush having a toothbrush head with a top side
to which
cleaning elements for cleaning teeth are arranged.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The utilization of toothbrushes to clean one's teeth has long been known. In
general,
toothbrushes include a head and a handle. The head includes a plurality of
bristle tufts which
extend from a top surface of the head. The bristle tufts generally consist of
a plurality of
filaments which are attached to the head in a suitable fashion. Often it is
desirable to provide a
toothbrush to a consumer which can offer a plurality of benefits. However, in
order to create
such a toothbrush, often times bristle tufts in certain areas of the
toothbrush have to be treated or
manufactured differently than bristle tufts in other areas.
One disadvantage to such toothbrushes is that as the number of benefits
provided by the
toothbrush increase, often so does the complexity in manufacturing increase. A
further
disadvantage of known toothbrushes is that, during brushing, plaque and other
undesired
substances can get caught between the bristles, which are then retained in the
bristle area and
thereby may have a damaging effect on the tooth enamel when teeth are cleaned
and polished.
Therefore, there is a need for a toothbrush which can provide a plurality of
benefits to a
consumer while being arranged to facilitate manufacturing. Additionally, there
is a need for a
toothbrush which can facilitate the removal of plaque and other undesired
items from the bristle
field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention can provide
a user
with a plurality of benefits as well as facilitating manufacturing of the
toothbrush. Additionally,
a toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention can
facilitate the removal of
plaque and/or undesired substances from the bristle field. In some
embodiments, a toothbrush is
provided having a toothbrush head at whose top side first and second cleaning
elements for
cleaning teeth are provided, wherein the first cleaning elements have first
bristle tufts with a
long and a short side and thus, in cross-section, an approximately rectangular
or oval base. This
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can create toothpaste and foam carriers within the elongated tufts, which make
it possible for
foam to escape at the corners of the base where no tufts are arranged. As an
alternative, first
multiple or compound bristle tufts are provided, each of which may have a
circular cross-
section; however, because they are strung together along a straight line each,
the result is a
square or rhombic bristle arrangement. Accordingly, for a rhombus, four
straight lines are
provided, each having several bristle tufts. These tufts are designed to be
longer the than
cleaning elements arranged within the polygon (e.g., the rhombus), resulting
in the formation of
a recessed, in particular trough-like, toothpaste receiving reservoir that is
surrounded by tufts.
This contributes to the toothpaste gradually distributing in the oral cavity
during tooth brushing.
According to the alternative design, the "corners" of the rhombus, square, or
other polygon are
formed by bristle tufts, and according to the embodiment having tufts with a
short and a long
side by interstices without forming a corner in the strictly geometric sense.
In contrast to the conventional rounded, possibly pot-shaped, design of a
recessed
toothpaste receiving region, the polygonal design of this toothpaste receiving
reservoir in the
bristle area makes it easier, after the toothbrush head has been packed with
bristles, to trim the
bristles that border the receiving region on the side to their desired length
and round off their
ends in order to achieve the desired topography of the free bristle ends.
Because in a polygonal
design of the toothpaste receiving region that is recessed on the inside, the
centers of the bristle
tuft forming the polygon as a tuft or as a plurality of tufts lie on a
straight line in each case, it is
possible that adjacent tufts that are not part of the polygon can be more
easily pushed out of the
way by means of deflector plates or displacers in order to trim certain
regions of the bristle area
to the desired length and/or to round off the ends in isolation from other
bristle tufts. In doing so,
the deflector plate is threaded between the bristle tufts of the packed head
and subsequently
pivoted laterally, making it possible to separately trim tufts to the correct
length relative to
adjacent tufts. The polygonal design of the toothbrush receiving region may
certainly also be of
advantage for those toothbrushes that are not produced in this way using
anchor wire tufting but
rather, e.g., without an anchor wire.
An advantageous further design provides the compound/multiple bristle tufts of
the first
bristle tufts and the bristle tufts of the second and third cleaning elements
each have circular
cross sections, wherein immediately adjacent bristle tufts are arranged with
the shortest lateral
distance to one another; in the direction of the longitudinal center axis with
a distant smaller
than 0 mm and in the direction of the transverse axis with a distance of from
0 to 0.5 mm. A
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distant smaller than 0mm along the longitudinal axis of the brush can be
achieved by a shifted
placement of the tufts of the polygon and the tufts inside the polygon. Thus
if the brush is
viewed from the lateral longitudinal side the distance between neighboring
tufts appears to be
overlapping and less than 0mm.
An advantageous further design provides that a plurality of first bristle
tufts are arranged
on the top side in such a way that their combined circumferential surface
forms an
approximately triangular, square, rhombic, or pentagonal base.
An advantageous further design provides that the first bristle tufts are
arranged in such a
way that four first bristle tufts enclose a square base.
An advantageous further design provides that the second cleaning elements have
second
bristle tufts with a circular cross-section and/or elastomer cleaning
elements.
An advantageous further design provides that the first bristle tufts are
designed to be
longer than the second bristle tufts and/or that the first bristle tufts
enclose the second bristle
tufts or the elastomer cleaning elements.
According to a further aspect, a toothbrush is provided having a toothbrush
head with
cleaning elements for cleaning teeth, which are grouped in various care zones
in each case,
having at least one pre-cleaning zone with longer cleaning elements relative
to the cleaning
elements in the cleaning zone, wherein the pre-cleaning zone is arranged at
the free end of the
toothbrush head, and having a polishing zone or massaging zone consisting of
elastomer
cleaning elements and a toothpaste receiving zone designed in a trough-like
shape. In known
bristle areas, multiple care zones are not arranged separated from one
another; rather, differently
effective cleaning elements are mixed with others nearby. Therefore, the care
properties of the
cleaning elements should be arranged according to their various functions at
the head in local
groupings.
Further goals, advantages, features, and possible applications of the present
invention
result from the following descriptions of exemplary embodiments by way of the
drawings. The
subject matter of the present invention is formed from all of the described or
depicted features,
individually or in any meaningful combination, and independently of their
summary in the
claims or their relations of dependence.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
It is shown:
Fig. 1 A top view of the top side of a toothbrush head in a schematic
representation according to the invention,
Fig. 2 A schematic cross-sectional representation along the line A-A in Fig.
4B
of a toothbrush head according to Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 An enlarged representation of section y in Fig. 1,
Figs. 4A-4D A side view, top view of the top side, perspective top view, and
perspective view of the bottom side each of the toothbrush head according to
Figure 1,
Fig. 4E An enlargement of section x in Figure 4B,
Fig. 4F An enlargement of the terminal section of the toothbrush head
according
to Fig. 4B,
Fig. 5A-5E A right side view, top view of the top side, left side view,
perspective top
view, and perspective view of the bottom side each of a toothbrush head
according to the invention, modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 6A-6E A right side view, top view of the top side, left side view, a
perspective
top view, and further perspective top view each of a toothbrush head according
to
the invention, modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 7A-7D A side view, top view of the top side, perspective top view, and
further
perspective top view each of a toothbrush head according to the invention,
modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 8A-8D A side view, top view of the top side, perspective top view, and
perspective back view each of a toothbrush head according to the invention,
modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 9A-9F A right side view, top view of the top side, left side view, view
of the
bottom side, perspective top view, and further top view each of a toothbrush
head
according to the invention, modified in relation to Figure 1,
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Fig. 10A-10D A top view of the top side, side view, perspective top view, and
perspective back view each of a toothbrush head according to the invention,
modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 11 A perspective top view of a toothbrush head according to the
invention, modified
in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 12A-12B A perspective representation and a cross-sectional representation
of an
elastomer cleaning element having a platform with a square base of a
toothbrush
head according to the invention, modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 13 A perspective representation of an elastomer cleaning element having a
platform with an approximately triangular base of a toothbrush head according
to
the invention, modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 14A-14B A perspective representation and a cross-sectional representation
of an
elastomer cleaning element having a platform with a circular base of a
toothbrush
head according to the invention, modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 15A-15C A perspective representation, a longitudinal cross-sectional
representation, and a top view of the top side of a toothbrush head with an
elastomer cleaning element having a platform with a circular base according to
the invention, modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 16A-16C A perspective representation, a longitudinal cross-sectional
representation, and a top view of the top side of a toothbrush head with an
elastomer cleaning element having a platform with a circular base according to
the invention, modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 17A-17C A perspective representation, a longitudinal cross-sectional
representation, and a top view of the top side of a toothbrush head with an
elastomer cleaning element having a platform with a circular base according to
the invention, modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 18A-18C A perspective representation, a longitudinal cross-sectional
representation, and a top view of the top side of a toothbrush head with an
elastomer cleaning element having a platform with an approximately triangular
base according to the invention, modified in relation to Figure 1,
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Fig. 19A-19C A perspective representation, a longitudinal cross-section, and a
top view
of the top side of a toothbrush head according to the invention, modified in
relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 20A-20B A perspective representation of the top side and a perspective
view of the
bottom side of a toothbrush head according to the invention, modified in
relation
to Figure 1,
Fig. 21A-21B A perspective representation of the top side and a perspective
view of the
bottom side of a toothbrush head with a spherical second component according
to
the invention, modified in relation to Figure 1,
Fig. 22 A perspective representation of the top side of a toothbrush head with
a
spherical second component according to the invention, modified in relation to
Figure 1,
Fig. 23 A perspective representation of the top side of a toothbrush head with
a
spherical second component according to the invention, modified in relation to
Figure 1,
Fig. 24A-24B A perspective representation each of a toothbrush head having a
rhombic
toothpaste receiving zone according to the invention, modified in relation to
Figure 1,
Fig. 24C-24D A side view each of a modified toothbrush head having a rhombic
toothpaste receiving zone according to Figure 24a),
Fig. 24E-24F A top view each onto the bristle area of the modified toothbrush
head
having a rhombic toothpaste receiving zone according to Figure 24A, Figure 24F
also schematically showing a handle of the toothbrush, and
Fig. 24G A further top view onto the bristle area of the modified toothbrush
head
having a rhombic toothpaste receiving zone according to Figure 24A with a
representation of the bristle displacers used.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figures 1-24 G show toothbrush heads or sections thereof that are connected
with any
toothbrush neck and handle to form a toothbrush. These heads are equally
suitable for purely
manual toothbrushes and electrically powered ones. Each of the features of the
toothbrush heads
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shown in these embodiments can be designed in reduced form or in a different
combination than
those represented. Although most embodiments show a tongue scraper having a
specific
structure on the underside of the head, all of the embodiments can also be
made without a
tongue scraper or be provided with another tongue scraper structure.
Furthermore, some
embodiments have elastomer cleaning elements 17 (shown in Figure 9F)(elastic
cleaning
elements 17 preferably made of soft material) in combination with bristle tuft
cleaning elements,
while others have only bristle tuft cleaning elements.
Referring to Figures 1-4F, the toothbrush head 1 made of hard material or of a
first
component 2 is provided with a lateral surface or an outside edge 3, which is
interrupted by a
single or several elastomer regions that can be designed as a constriction 4.
The constrictions, in
some embodiments, can be an overmolded soft material layer or a second
component made of
elastomer plastic 5. Referring to Figure 4E, the width bi of the constriction
corresponds to 55%-
85% of the width b2 of the remaining widest outside edge line 6 of the head
when viewed from
above in the center 7 of the constriction. The outside edge line 6 is
generally parallel to a
longitudinal center plane of the toothbrush head 1 and is tangent to an outer
edge of the head
representing the largest width of the head 1. The center 7 of the constriction
4 represents the
smallest width of the head 1, in the related constriction 4 being measured.
The constriction 4 proceeds in a concave manner 8 and is thus directed to the
inside
towards the longitudinal center plane of the toothbrush head. The concave
curvature can be
formed by the angle R and different radii Rx. The effect of a narrow concave
constriction radius
provided with elastomer can be that toothpaste foam 20 is received very well.
The passage of
the foam 20 from a top side 16 of the head 1 to the constriction 4 can further
be influenced by
the angle a..
For example, where the tops side 16 is angled downward toward the constriction
4,
plaque 25 sliding down the cleaning elements 10 during brushing can be moved
more easily
with foam 20 in the direction of the constriction 4. Accordingly, the foam 20
first migrates
partly from the free ends of the cleaning elements 10 to the top side 16 of
the head 1 and then to
a lateral surface of the head 3. Due to the change of direction during
brushing, foam 20 can be
effectively retained and then removed along with the plaque 25 contained
therein from the
constrictions 4 to the preferably convexly curved sections of the same lateral
surfaces 3, which
may be made of hard plastic.
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According to several embodiments shown - see in particular Figures 5 to 10 -
each of
the constrictions divides the brush into different tooth care zones. The care
zones for various
tooth care tasks are arranged at specific local sections of the head, which
can reduce the
likelihood of a mixing of other cleaning elements for other cleaning purposes
within a zone. The
tasks of the care zones can be determined by various types of cleaning
elements, e.g., different
types of filaments, tuft cross-sections, size of bristle tuft cross-sections,
elastomer elements 17,
or the effective length of the cleaning elements.
Each of the zones can be divided into two or more subzones. Each subzone is
designed
and equipped in such a way that various tasks are possible during the brushing
process. As
shown in Figures 5A through 5E, a pre-cleaning zone 500A may be present near a
distal end 520
of a brush head 510 and near a proximal end 530 of the head 510. As shown in
Figure 5A, the
pre-cleaning zone 500A may comprise a plurality of cleaning elements 511 which
are
configured as the outermost cleaning elements adjacent the distal end 520 and
adjacent the
proximal end 530.
The cleaning elements 511 of the pre-cleaning zones 500A may be configured
such that
their heights vary. For example, as shown, the cleaning elements adjacent the
distal end 720
may be configured such that the height of the cleaning elements 511 decreases
in a direction
toward the handle. Additionally, these cleaning elements 511 may be trimmed at
an angle such
that a peak is formed adjacent the cleaning elements 511 nearest the distal
end 520. Similarly,
the cleaning elements 511 in the pre-cleaning zone 500A adjacent the proximal
end 530 may be
configured such that the cleaning elements 511 have varying height. As shown,
the cleaning
elements 511 may decrease in height from the proximal end 530 toward the
distal end 520.
Additionally, these cleaning elements 511 may be trimmed at an angle such that
a peak is
formed adjacent the cleaning elements 511 nearest the proximal end 530.
A cleaning zone 500B may be disposed between the pre-cleaning zones 500A.
Additionally, an interdental zone 500D may be generally disposed in a similar
area as the
cleaning zone 500B. The interdental zone 500D may comprise cleaning elements
513 which are
disposed on either side of cleaning elements 512 for the cleaning zone 500B.
As shown, the
interdental zone 500D may comprise a convex arcuate trim.
As shown, a polishing zone 5000 may comprise a plurality of cleaning elements
514
which are disposed between the cleaning elements 511 for the pre-cleaning zone
500A and the
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cleaning elements 512 for the cleaning zone 500B. The polishing zone 500C may
comprise
cleaning elements 514 which have a larger cross section than those adjacent
thereto.
As shown in Figure 6A-6E, a pre-cleaning zone 600A disposed adjacent a distal
end 620
of a brush head 610 and a proximal end 630 of the head 610 may comprise a
plurality of
cleaning elements 611. The cleaning elements 611 may be configured as the
outermost cleaning
elements adjacent the distal end 620 and adjacent the proximal end 630 of the
head 610. The
pre-cleaning zones 600A may be configured similar to the pre-cleaning zones
500A described
heretofore.
A cleaning zone 600B may be disposed between the pre-cleaning zones 600A.
Additionally, an outer zone 600E may be generally disposed in a similar area
as the cleaning
zone 600B. The outer zone 600E may comprise cleaning elements 615 which are
disposed on
either side of cleaning elements 612 and 613.
As shown, the cleaning zone 600B may comprise a convex arcuate trim, and
similarly,
the outer zone 600E may comprise a convex arcuate trim. In some embodiments,
the cleaning
elements 615 of the outer zone 600E may have a shorter height than the
cleaning elements 613
of the cleaning zone 600B.
As shown, a polishing zone 600C may comprise a plurality of cleaning elements
614
which are disposed between the cleaning elements 611 for the pre-cleaning zone
600A and the
cleaning elements 613 for the cleaning zone 600B. The polishing zone 600C may
comprise
cleaning elements 614 which have a larger cross section than those adjacent
thereto.
Zone 600D may comprise a plurality of cleaning elements 612 disposed adjacent
a
periphery of the head. Additionally, a portion of the plurality of cleaning
elements 612 may be
disposed inboard of the cleaning elements 615 of the outer zone 600E.
As shown in Figures 7A through 7D, in some embodiments, a brush head 710 may
be
divided into a pre-cleaning zone 700A, a cleaning zone 700B, a post-cleaning
zone 700C and a
toothpaste holding zone 700D. As shown, the toothpaste holding zone 700D may
be disposed
within the cleaning zone 700B. For example, as shown, cleaning elements 713 of
the cleaning
zone 700B may surround, at least in part, cleaning elements 712 of the holding
zone 700D. In
some embodiments, the cleaning elements 712 of the holding zone 700D may be
shorter than the
cleaning elements 713 of the cleaning zone 700B. In this manner a recessed
area may be formed
in the cleaning element field which may provide better retention of, for
example, toothpaste.
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The pre-cleaning zone 700A may be configured similar to the pre-cleaning zones
discussed heretofore, e.g. 500A and 600A. The post-cleaning zone 700C may be
configured
such that the cleaning elements 711 increase in height toward a proximal end
730 of the brush
head 710. However, unlike the pre-cleaning zone 700A, the gradual increase in
height may be
slightly less than that present for the cleaning elements 712 of the pre-
cleaning zone 700A.
As shown in Figures 8A through 8D, similar to the configuration of the head
710 shown
in Figures 7A-7D, a head 810 of Figures 8A through 8D may comprise similar
zones, e.g. 800A,
800B, 800C, and 800D. Zone 800A may be configured similar to the pre-cleaning
zones 500A,
600A, and 700A described heretofore. Zone 800B may be configured as described
heretofore
with regard to cleaning zones 500B, 600B, and/or 700B. Zone 800C may be
configured similar
to the post-cleaning zone 700C described heretofore. Zone 800D may be
configured as
described heretofore with regard to the holding zone 700D. In other
embodiments, zone 800D
may be configured similarly to zone 600D or interdental zone 500D.
Additionally, head 810 may comprise a plurality of elastomeric elements 17
which
border a cleaning zone 800B on either one or both sides. The elastomeric
elements 17 may
extend from a common base 817. The base 817, as shown in Figure 2 can be
integrally formed
with the elastomeric material of the tongue cleaner.
As shown in Figures 9A through 9F, a brush head 910 constructed in accordance
with
the present invention may comprise a pre-cleaning zone 900A adjacent a distal
end 920 and a
pre-cleaning zone 900A adjacent a proximal end 930. A cleaning zone 900B may
be disposed
between the pre-cleaning zones 900A. Additionally, a gap 945 may be present
between the pre-
cleaning zones 900A and the cleaning zone 900B. This gap 945 may facilitate
the removal of
the foam 20 (shown in Figure 1) from the cleaning element field toward a
constriction as
described previously.
The pre-cleaning zone 900A may be configured similar to the pre-cleaning zones
500A,
600A, 700A, and/or 800A discussed heretofore. The cleaning zone 900B may be
configured
similar to the cleaning zone 500B, 600B, 700B, and/or 800B described
heretofore. The pre-
cleaning zone 900A may comprise a plurality of cleaning elements 911. The
cleaning zone
900B may comprise a plurality of cleaning elements 912 which are disposed
between the
cleaning elements 911 of the pre-cleaning zones 900A.
Cleaning elements 913 of an outer zone 900D may be positioned between a first
set of
cleaning elements 912 and a second set of cleaning elements 912. The cleaning
elements 913
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may be oriented in any suitable shape. As shown, the cleaning elements 913 may
be arranged
such that the cleaning elements 913 form a diamond shape on the head 910.
Within the diamond
shape of the cleaning elements 913, cleaning elements 914 of a holding zone
900C may be
disposed. The cleaning elements 914 may similarly be configured in a diamond
shape. As
shown, the cleaning elements 913 and the cleaning elements 914 may be
configured such that
they form an outer diamond and an inner diamond shape. Additionally, the
cleaning elements
913 may have a height which is less than the height of the cleaning elements
914.
The head 910 may further comprise a plurality of elastomeric elements 17. A
first set of
elastomeric elements 17A may extend from a first base 917A. The first base
917A may be
integrally formed with the elastomeric material of the tongue cleaner.
Similarly, the first set of
elastomeric elements 17A may be integrally formed from the first base 917A.
The brush head
910 may further comprise a second set of elastomeric elements 17B may extend
from a second
base 917B. The second set of elastomeric elements 17B may be configured
similar to the first
set of elastomeric elements 17A, and the second base 917B may be configured
similar to the
first base 917A.
As shown, the first set of elastomeric elements 17A and/or the second set of
elastomeric
elements 17B may have a height which is shorter than that of the cleaning
elements 913 of the
outer zone 900D. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first set of
elastomeric elements 17A
and/or the second set of elastomeric elements 17B may have an angle of taper.
The angle of
taper may be greater than about 0.5 degrees, greater than about 1 degrees,
greater than about 1.5
degrees, greater than about 2.0 degrees, greater than about 2.5 degrees,
greater than about 3.0
degrees, and/or less than about 3.0 degrees, less than about 2.5 degrees, less
than about 2.0
degrees, less than about 1.5 degrees, less than about 1.0 degrees, or any
number or any range
within the values provided. The angle of taper may be beneficial during the
manufacturing
process. For example, the angle of taper can facilitate the removal of the
elastomeric elements
from an injection mold.
A third set of elastomeric elements 17C may extend from a third base 917C. The
third
set of elastomeric elements 17C may be configured similar to the first set of
elastomeric
elements 917A, and the third base 917C may be configured similar to the first
base 917A. A
fourth set of elastomeric elements 17D may extend from a fourth base 917D. The
fourth set of
elastomeric elements 17D may be configured similar to the first set of
elastomeric elements
17A, and the fourth base 917D may by configured similar to the first base
917A.
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As shown in Figure 10, a brush head 1010 may comprise a pre-cleaning zone
1000A
disposed adjacent a distal end 1020 and a pre-cleaning zone 1000A adjacent a
proximal end
1030. A cleaning zone 1000B may be disposed between the pre-cleaning zones
1000A.
Polishing zones 1000C may be surrounded, at least in part, by cleaning
elements 1011 of the
pre-cleaning zones 1000A. As shown, cleaning elements 1013 of the polishing
zones 1000C are
completely surrounded by cleaning elements 1011.
An inner zone 1000D may be surrounded, at least in part, by cleaning elements
1012 of
the cleaning zone 1000B. As shown, cleaning elements 1014 of the inner zone
1000D may be
completely surrounded by cleaning elements 1012 of the cleaning zone 1000B.
The brush head 1010 may be configured such that a plurality of constrictions
1004 is
present along a periphery of the head 1010. The constrictions 1004 may be
configured as
discussed heretofore with regard to the constrictions 4. Additionally, the pre-
cleaning zones
1000A may be separated from the cleaning zone 1000B by a plurality of
elastomeric elements
17. For example, as shown, a first set of elastomeric elements 1017A may
separate the pre-
cleaning zone 1000A adjacent the distal end 1020 from the cleaning zone 1000B.
Additionally,
a second set of elastomeric elements 1017B may separate the cleaning zone
1000B from the pre-
cleaning zone 1000A adjacent the proximal end 1030 of the brush head 1010.
The pre-cleaning zones 1000A may be configured as discussed heretofore with
regard to
the pre-cleaning zones 500A, 600A, 700A, 800A, and 900A. Additionally, either
one or both of
the pre-cleaning zones 1000A may be configured similar to the post-cleaning
zones 700C and
800C described heretofore. The cleaning zones 1000B may be configured similar
to the
cleaning zones 500B, 600B, 700B, 800B, or 900B.
The various care zones described heretofore may be achieved in a variety of
ways. For
example, as shown in figure 11, a toothbrush head 1110, may realize different
care zones by
arranging shorter tufts 19 in the center of the top side, mixed tufts 21
having long filaments in a
core region and shorter filaments in an edge region of the same tuft 21, and
tufts 24 having
tapered filaments.
In some embodiments, cleaning elements may be provided which perform multiple
functions and as such, a dual care zone may be created. For example, as shown
in figures 12 to
14, elastomer cleaning elements 1226A to 1226C having a platform 1227A to
1227C that are
injection-molded in one piece, may perform both a toothpaste retaining
function and a polishing
function. To achieve the toothpaste retaining function, the free ends of these
elastomer cleaning
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elements may lie lower than the adjacent bristle tufts which exceed them in
height, creating a
trough-like structure. It is possible to join the platforms 1227A to 1227C to
the heads using an
injection molding process or another joining technology.
As shown in Figures 15A through 15C, a toothbrush head 1510 may comprise an
elastomeric element described in Figures 12A-14B. For example, as shown,
toothbrush head
1510 may comprise elastomeric element 1226C. The elastomeric element 1226C may
be
disposed generally in a center of the brush head 1510. As shown, the
elastomeric element
1226C may be surrounded, at least in part, by a plurality of cleaning elements
1512. As
discussed above, the elastomeric element 1226C may have a height which is less
than that of the
cleaning elements 1512 such that a holding zone is created similar to zones
700D, 800D, and
900C.
As shown in Figures 16A through 16C, a toothbrush head 1610 may comprise an
elastomeric element as described in Figures 12A-14B. For example, as shown,
toothbrush head
1610 may comprise elastomeric element 1226C. As shown, the elastomeric element
1226C may
be surrounded, at least in part, by a plurality of cleaning elements 1612. As
shown, the
elastomeric element 1610 may be positioned longitudinally offset from the
center of the brush
head 1610.
Referring to Figures 17A through 17C, a toothbrush head 1710 may comprise a
plurality
of elastomeric elements 1226A. The elastomeric elements 1226A may be
longitudinally offset
from one another and separated by at least one cleaning element. The
elastomeric elements
1226A may be configured such that either one or both form a holding zone, e.g.
have a height
which is less than adjacent cleaning elements.
As shown, brush head 1710 may comprise a fist plurality of cleaning elements
1728
which have a rectangular cross section. The first plurality of cleaning
elements 1728 can be
attached in elongated openings of the head 1710 and can have various width to
depth
proportions. In horizontal cross-section, each of the first plurality of
cleaning elements 1728 can
be approximately rectangular. The first plurality of cleaning elements 1728
can be arranged at
an angle to a longitudinal axis of the head. In some embodiments, the first
plurality of cleaning
elements 1728 can form an angle delta of between 30 to 60 degrees with the
longitudinal axis.
As shown in Figures 18A through 18C, a toothbrush head 1810 may comprise an
elastomeric element 1226B adjacent a distal end 1820 of the head 1810. The
elastomeric
element 1226B may form a portion or all of a pre-cleaning zone as described
heretofore. As
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shown, the elastomeric element 1226B may be angled with respect to a top
surface 1825 of the
head 1810. The angle may be any suitable measure of degrees. The inclination
may be away
from a proximal end 1830. Embodiments are contemplated where a second
elastomeric element
similar to the elastomeric element 1226B is utilized adjacent the proximal end
1830. In such
embodiments, the second elastomeric element may be inclined with respect to
the top surface
1825 away from the distal end 1820.
As shown in Figures 19A through 19C, a toothbrush head 1910 may comprise a
plurality
of cleaning elements which does not include an elastomeric elements arranged
at an angle with
respect to a longitudinal axis 29 of the head 1910. As shown, the head 1910
may comprise a
first plurality of cleaning elements 1928 attached in elongated openings of
the head 1910 and
can have various width to depth proportions. In horizontal cross-section, each
of the first
plurality of cleaning elements 1928 can be approximately rectangular. The
first plurality of
cleaning elements 1728 can be arranged at an angle to a longitudinal axis of
the head. In some
embodiments, the first plurality of cleaning elements 1728 can form an angle
delta of between
30 to 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis 29.
Referring to Figures 20A and 20B, in some embodiments, a toothbrush head 2010
may
comprise a first component 30 and a second component 31A. The first component
30 may
comprise a first material and the second component may comprise a second
material which is
different than the first material. The first material may be harder than the
second material in
some embodiments. The second material may comprise a hard material similar to
that of the
first material. Where the second component 31A comprise a soft material,
embodiments are
contemplated where the second component 31A is integrally formed with the
material of a
tongue cleaner. The first component 30 can have a flat top side or bristle
plate, and may be
provided with cleaning elements. The second component 31A can be made of hard
or soft
plastic and may be flexibly or movably mounted in the first component 30. The
second
component 31A can be designed to be approximately spherical in part and may
terminate with a
flat or likewise spherical top side at which the cleaning elements are
arranged.
As shown in Figures 21A and 21B, a toothbrush head 2110 may comprise a first
component 2130 and a second component 31B. In such embodiments, the first
component 2130
and the second component 31B may comprise similar materials as those described
with regard to
figures 20A and 20B. Additionally, the first component 2130 may comprise an
opening which
extends from a top surface of the first component 2130 to a bottom surface of
the first
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component 2130. The second component 31B may be disposed within the opening
and have a
plurality of cleaning elements attached thereto. The second component 31B may
have a top
surface which is slightly elevated above the top surface of the first
component 2130.
As shown in Figure 22, a toothbrush head 2210 may comprise a first component
2230
and a second component 31C. The first component 2230 may have a distal portion
2220 and a
proximal portion 2231. The distal portion 2220 and the proximal portion 2231
may be
longitudinally separated. The second component 31C may be positioned between
the distal
portion 2220 and the proximal portion 2231. In such embodiments, the second
component 31C
may be integrally formed from the material for a tongue cleaner. The first
component 2230 and
the second component 31C may comprise the materials described heretofore with
regard to
Figures 20A and 20B.
As shown in Figure 23, a toothbrush head 2310 may comprise a first component
2330
and a second component 31B. The first component 2330 may be configured
similarly to the first
component 2230 discussed previously. Namely, the first component 2330 may
comprise a distal
portion 2320 and a proximal portion 2331 which are longitudinally separated
from each other.
The second component 31B may be disposed between the distal portion 2320 and
the proximal
portion 2331. The second component 31B may be integrally formed with the
material of the
tongue cleaner, in some embodiments. The first component 2330 and the second
component
31B may comprise the materials described heretofore with regard to Figures 20A
and 20B.
Each of Figures 24A to 24G shows different views of the same toothbrush head
100,
which is another variant of the preceding toothbrush heads. The already
described features of
the other toothbrush heads according to Figures 1 to 23 can be utilized in the
embodiment
according to Figures 24A to 24G. The toothbrush has a longitudinal center axis
110 and a lateral
axis 111 perpendicular thereto.
According to Figures 24A to 24G, the toothbrush head 100 as well as the neck
102 and
the handle 101 of the toothbrush can be produced from a first hard plastic
component in an
injection molding process. On a back side 2476 of the head 100 or the bottom
side (optional),
the head 100 may comprise cut-outs on lateral surfaces 107 and 108 between a
top side 2475 and
the back side 2476. In a second injection molding step, the cut-outs can be
filled with a soft
plastic component consisting of an elastomer in order to provide a tongue
scraper (optional) on
the back side 2476 and an alternating hard-soft structure on the lateral
surface 107 and 108 of
the head 100. According to this embodiment, the soft plastic at the lateral
surfaces 107 and 108
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may also be the base for lateral soft massaging fingers 103, which are
arranged adjacent to the
bristle area. Two pairs of massaging fingers 103 for massaging the gums can be
provided on
each side of the head. The number of massaging fingers 103 can optionally
vary. The length of
the massaging fingers 103 can be shorter than that of the adjacent bristles.
The neck and handle
can be designed in any way. In one variant, the head, neck, and handle are
each provided with a
hard plastic component and at least one soft plastic component.
As shown in Figures 24E, 24F, and 24G, the shape of the head 100 is designed
in such a
way that the head 100 tapers with regard to the width both towards the free
end 104 and the
opposing end 105 that borders the neck 102. A middle region 106 on the top
side 2475 of the
head 100 can be designed to have the greatest width. Accordingly, the lateral
surfaces 107 and
108 can be convexly curved. In some embodiments, the lateral surfaces 107, 108
comprise a
hard plastic, then, in the base region of the first pair of massaging fingers
103 of soft plastic. In
the direction of the neck at the widest point 106, the lateral surfaces 107
and 108 may comprise
hard plastic, and continuing in the direction of the neck, each lateral
surface 107, 108 of the base
region of each second pair of massaging fingers consists of soft plastic, and
further in the
direction of the neck follows again a hard plastic region at each lateral
surface 107 and 108.
Hard and soft sections thus alternate repeatedly at each lateral surface 107,
108. As a
consequence, there are alternating sections at the lateral surfaces 107 and
108, which have
slightly adhesive properties and distribute the toothpaste foam in the mouth,
and regions along
which the toothpaste foam is not transported as readily with the lateral
surfaces. This may create
an effect that is comparable to that achieved by means of constrictions, as
shown in Figures 1 to
3. The nonlinear shape of the head 100 having convex bulges is likewise
suitable to exert a
positive influence on removing foam.
Having massaging fingers 103 and a tongue scraper 109, the head 100 can offer
at least
two care zones, e.g. one for the treatment of the tongue and the cheeks and
another for the
treatment of the gums. As shown in Figure 24G, the tooth cleaning area of the
head 100 may
comprise further care zones, which can be designed in such a way that
specifically determined
tooth regions are thoroughly cleaned.
For example, provided in one region adjacent to the free end 104 and adjacent
to the
neck 105 are cleaning elements, forming a pre-cleaning zone 2400A. The pre-
cleaning zone
2400A may be configured similar to the pre-cleaning zones described herein.
These cleaning
elements can be somewhat longer and designed to be slightly angled compared
with most of the
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17
typical bristle tufts. Because these cleaning elements are arranged on each
end of the head, these
cleaning elements also automatically pre-clean the teeth.
After the pre-cleaning zone 2400A, a number of cleaning elements follows on
both sides
of the top side 2475 of the head 100, in particular cleaning elements for
interdental cleaning
2400E. These cleaning elements may be designed to be longer than immediately
adjacent
cleaning elements and can be arranged in a row parallel to the transverse
axis.
In a center region of the head 100, cleaning elements are arranged to form the
cleaning
zone 2400B and the polishing zone 2400D. These cleaning elements can be
particularly dense,
offset in relation to one another in the transverse direction, and arranged at
the head in such a
way that the bristles bend slightly and provide an intensive cleaning and
polishing effect. In
contrast, the bristles of the interdental and pre-cleaning zones 2400E and
2400A, respectively,
are less densely arranged and can therefore bend easier, so that the greater
length is not an
unpleasant sensation.
The polishing zone 2400D in this embodiment can be formed by a first plurality
of
cleaning elements, which together form a rhombic configuration or enclose a
rhombic base when
viewed from above. The center points of the drill holes of the first plurality
of cleaning
elements may lie on a straight line 112, 113, 114, and 115 in each case (see
Figure 24E). These
straight lines may likewise enclose a polygon or a rhombus. According to the
Figures 24, each
of the cleaning elements forming the polygon is an approximately circular tuft
in cross-section,
so that several tufts form one side each of the rhombus. By contrast, some of
the zones of
Figures 17, 18, and 19 comprise approximately rectangular or oval bristle
tufts, seen in cross-
section, and in which one side of the rhombus is designed from one or two
tufts. On the inside
of the polishing zone 2400D are cleaning elements, which form the toothpaste
holding zones
2400C. These are shorter than the immediately adjacent tufts of the rhombic
polishing zone
2400D, so that a trough-like recess is created for receiving toothpaste.
Figures 24C and 24D demonstrate that the free ends of the cleaning elements,
with the
exception of the protruding bristle tufts used for interdental cleaning 2400E
and the recessed
tufts in the toothpaste holding zone 2400C, form an approximately double
concave curve along
the longitudinal center axis 110. The interruption of the topography of this
double concave curve
by protruding bristle tufts in the interdental zone 2400E increases the
interdental cleaning effect
because immediately adjacent tufts are especially short, making deep
interdental penetration
possible.
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The head is injection-molded to have tuft holes to be packed with bristle
tufts, into which
the bristle tufts are then packed and attached with an anchor wire, in some
embodiments. In the
region of the free ends, the bristle tufts are subsequently trimmed to the
correct length and end-
rounded. In order for the different bristle tufts to be trimmed to the desired
length, displacers
can be used, which pass laterally through the bristle area and which laterally
displace or bend
certain cleaning elements in such a way that desired tufts can be treated or
trimmed while tufts
which are displaced are not treated. It may be assumed that the configuration
of the head is also
advantageous in anchor free tufting (AFT method).
Shown in Figure 24G are the paths of the displacers 116-125, in some
embodiments.
During the manufacturing process, displacers 118, 119, 124, and 125 are used,
which are
movable in parallel to the transverse axis. The displacers 120, 121, 122, and
123 are moved
diagonally through the bristle area. Because the toothpaste holding zone 2400D
and the tufts
enclosing the same are in the form of a polygon or rhombus, a dense bristle
area with optimum
topography can be provided because the diagonal displacers can be guided in
parallel to the
straight lines of the rhombus 112-115. Furthermore provided are displacers 116
and 117, which
are guided essentially in the longitudinal direction along a curved path.
The following describes further advantages and variants of the above-mentioned
heads.
In one variant, the toothbrush has: a toothbrush head having a first and a
second
component, at each of which cleaning elements are arranged for cleaning teeth,
wherein the
second component has a partly spherical or ball-shaped geometry, wherein each
of the first and
the second component has a flat top side at which the cleaning elements are
arranged and both of
these top sides are arranged to be inclined toward one another, wherein the
second component is
movably mounted relative to the first component, wherein of the first and the
second component
are made of material having different properties, in particular having
different hardnesses,
wherein the second component forms a raised platform relative to the top side
of the first
component.
Advantageously, the constrictions or the different adhesive properties
alternating on the
lateral surfaces remove the foam created during brushing from the bristle area
better and thus
provide better wetting of the foam in the entire oral cavity instead of
retaining the foam in the
bristle area. The continuous removal of freshly created foam furthermore makes
it possible that
additional foam from the applied toothpaste is created without being impeded
by the already
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existing foam. From this it follows that these constrictions make a greater
amount of foam
available for brushing during the entire brushing process compared with
conventional toothbrush
heads. As a result, care substances for tooth enamel, gums, etc. contained in
the toothpaste can
be provided better, faster, and longer-lasting to the desired locations than
is the case with
conventional toothbrush heads.
It has been shown that along constrictions in combination with an elastomer
surface at
the lateral surface of the toothbrush head, foam and plaque are transported
very differently than
at a smooth lateral surface lacking constrictions or elastomer coating. This
effect is amplified
even more if a surface with very different adhesive properties is designed at
the same lateral
surface. This is the case when providing partly a foam-retaining elastomer and
partly a hard
component that glides through foam.
By applying a soft material to the hard material with an angle of inclination
of the
transition region towards the constriction, the flow behavior of the foam can
be influenced as to
whether it can flow slowly or fast from the brush head.
In a further embodiment of the constriction, it extends over the entire
bristle plate and
thus functions as a stopper for the mixture of foam and dirt, which is
produced in the front and
back cleaning zones of the cleaning elements of the head. This mixture of foam
and dirt is then
effectively removed by the geometry of the constrictions. This effect can be
amplified further
with the aid of special stop and drain elements and the application of well-
directed channel
geometry.
Because of the above-describe embodiment, a multifunctional brushing process
can be
achieved that makes it possible to eliminate plaque, optionally polish the
tooth, as well as
provide the tooth and the gums with active substances in one tooth brushing
motion.
An advantageous further design provides that the lateral surface having the
constriction
is covered partly with the elastomer and partly with the hard component.
An advantageous further design provides that the constriction is at least
partly covered
with the elastomer.
An advantageous further design provides that the region of the lateral
surface, which is
arranged adjacent to the constriction, is provided with the hard component -
and not with the
elastomer.
An advantageous further design provides that the lateral surfaces are arranged
along the
longitudinal side of the toothbrush head, are convexly curved to the outside,
and are provided
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with the hard component. A further advantage of the constrictions is better
removal of dirt
particles that were taken up by the foam from the toothbrush bristle area. The
convex curve
adjacent to the constriction achieves that the dirt-binding foam is
continuously removed from the
brushing area, and dirt particles thus cannot damage the tooth during the
ongoing brushing and
polishing process.
According to a further aspect, it is provided that a platform is arranged on
the top side of
the toothbrush head, that the elastomer cleaning elements are attached to this
platform, and that
the elastomer cleaning elements and the platform are made of the same
elastomer. The cleaning
effect of elastomer cleaning elements is linked to the wiping effect along the
tooth. The wiping
surface of a rod-shaped cleaning element is increased when it is designed to
be thinner.
However, depending on the contact force, a negative effect may occur during
brushing due to
elastomer cleaning elements that are too flexible. It is therefore desirable
to determine the
flexibility of elastomer cleaning elements not only according to their
hardness but also according
to how much they yield over their total length. In addition, thin, long
elastomer cleaning
elements are more difficult to produce. It is suggested that the elastomers
are manufactured to
have a platform or socket in a single injection-molding cycle.
An advantageous further design provides that the platform has a square,
rectangular,
oval, or circular base and that an axis of symmetry of the platform base is
arranged within the
longitudinal center plane of the toothbrush.
An advantageous further design provides that the platform extends away
vertically from
the top side between 10% to 90%, in particular from 10 to 50%, in particular
from 10 to 30% of
the total longitudinal extension of the platform having elastomer cleaning
elements. This leads
to a positive wiping behavior of the cleaning elements and good producibility
at the same time.
An advantageous further design provides that the top side of the platform at
which the
elastomer cleaning elements are arranged is designed to be flat and parallel
to the top side of the
toothbrush head, or designed to be spherically arched.
An advantageous further design provides that the elastomer cleaning elements
are
designed to be pin-shaped, in particular cylindrical, or that they taper
conically towards the free
ends.
It is advantageously provided that the free ends of the elastomer cleaning
elements are
arranged adjacent to the bristle cleaning elements, and that the bristle
cleaning elements project
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farther from the top side than the free ends of the elastomer cleaning
elements, so that both
cleaning elements together create a trough-like cross-sectional area for
receiving toothpaste. A
trough-like recess formed by the cleaning elements thus leads to uniform
distribution of
toothpaste in the mouth.
A further aspect provides that the toothbrush head is made of a first and a
second
component, at each of which cleaning elements are arranged, wherein the second
component has
a partly spherical or ball-shaped geometry. The ball-shaped geometry also
causes a changed
flow behavior of toothpaste foam or plaque along this geometry with the above-
described
advantages.
An advantageous further design provides that each first and second component
has a flat
top side, at which cleaning elements are arranged and that these two top sides
are arranged to be
inclined toward one another. Such a design of a second component permits
simplified
manufacture of cleaning elements in special inclined embodiments while
maintaining the
brushing advantages through inclined cleaning elements.
An advantageous further design provides that the second component is movably
mounted
relative to the first component.
An advantageous further design provides that the first and the second
component are
made of material having different properties, in particular having different
hardnesses.
An advantageous further design provides that the second component forms a
raised
platform relative to the top side of the first component.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being
strictly
limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise
specified, each such
dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range
surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is
intended to mean
11 about 40 mm."
