CA2494185C - Toothbrush with fixed and movable cleaning elements - Google Patents
Toothbrush with fixed and movable cleaning elements Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2494185C CA2494185C CA002494185A CA2494185A CA2494185C CA 2494185 C CA2494185 C CA 2494185C CA 002494185 A CA002494185 A CA 002494185A CA 2494185 A CA2494185 A CA 2494185A CA 2494185 C CA2494185 C CA 2494185C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- toothbrush
- head
- carrier
- ball joint
- cleaning elements
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
- A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
- A46B7/06—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body movably during use, i.e. the normal brushing action causing movement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
Abstract
A toothbrush comprises a handle and a head. The head includes a first section having cleaning elements extending outwardly from its outer surface. A ball joint is mounted to the head adjacent to the first section. The ball joint also includes cleaning elements extending outwardly from the outer surface.
The head includes resilient material urging the ball joint to be in its initial position after the pivotal movement of the ball joint cleaning elements.
The head includes resilient material urging the ball joint to be in its initial position after the pivotal movement of the ball joint cleaning elements.
Description
CA 02494185 2008-01-16 62301-2467(S) TOOTHBRUSH WITH FIXED AND MOVABLE CLEANING ELEMENTS
Back.arownd of the Invention The present invention is directed prLmadly to a aasnually held toothbrush which would include a handie aud a head. With conventional manual toothbruahes, cleaning alamerlts, such as tr2fts of bristles, are mounted to the head. 'OVhea toothpaste is applied to the oie-aning elements the user inserts the head into the mouth and brashes the teeth in aImown nxanner.
Conventionally, a toothbrush head is of one piece consttvction which is eiongated and sysriax-etacal in shape on eaokx sidF of the longitudinal center line.
Generally, the head includes fix+rd bristies extendingoutwardly from one suarfwe of the head. -Attempts have been made to pxovide additional flexibility to the bristles by permitting sonxe movement of the bristles during use of the toothbrush- A number of patents, for example, disclose utilizing a pivotal or ball joint mounted on the toothbn3sh head to peaooait such movemant U.S. Patent No. 5,491.866, for example, disecloses an articulate toothbrush wherein a pivot joint connects the handle and head. AII of the bristles are mounted to the pivotable head.
U.S. Pat=t No.
3,398,421 ctiscloses a toothbxush wherein the head ineludes a pair of cariiers each of which Is retained by a ball maniber; altcrnatively, a single ball membez is used for sII of the carxiers.
No other brlstles az~e included in the head. A similar approach is disclosed in patent absmots of Japan publication no. 06327517.
Another approa.ch is to have a pluraii.ty of individually xnounr,gd groups of bxistles secuxed to a respective ball, suah as disclosed in U.S. Patent Na. 2,263,802 and R.ussian patmt STJ
1752336. The head includes no ixed bristles. A similar approach is utilized in a hairbmsh disclosed in U.S. Patient No. 4,114,222.
U.S. Patent No. 4,654,922 discloses a toothbxvsh with a wniversa], joint for two segmmts located outward3.y of the head with the joints being disposed in a longitudinal direction.
Accordingly, the head actualiy includes tha two separate sections which extend outwardly from the head. The head itself may also be attached to the hazidle by a ratchet ball.
U.S. Patent No. 6,088,870 discloses a toothbrush having a flexibly mounted bristles wherein the bristles are mounted on a resilient lattice network.
Summary of the Invention An object of some embodiments of this invention is to provide a toothbrush wherein the toothbrush head includes cleaning elements, such as bristles, mounted on a ball joint to provide an extra degree of motion, in addition to fixed cleaning elements.
In accordance with an embodiment of this invention an elongated head is attached to the end of a handle. The head has an outer surface from which a plurality of cleaning elements extend. In addition, the head includes a further set of cleaning elements mounted to a ball joint located generally perpendicular to the outer surface so that these cleaning elements may move in various directions, including along the longitudinal axis of the head.
In one embodiment of this invention the ball joint is located below the outer surface of the head. The ball joint includes an outwardly extending stem which in its initial position is perpendicular to the outer surface of the head. A carrier for the cleaning elements is mounted to the stem. The stem is surrounded by elastomer material to urge the stem back to its initial position.
The ball joint could be mounted to the head as a separate component which is snapped into place or could be joined into the cavity of the head by a flexible, resilient elastomer. The ball joint might be assembled via insert molding process.
Back.arownd of the Invention The present invention is directed prLmadly to a aasnually held toothbrush which would include a handie aud a head. With conventional manual toothbruahes, cleaning alamerlts, such as tr2fts of bristles, are mounted to the head. 'OVhea toothpaste is applied to the oie-aning elements the user inserts the head into the mouth and brashes the teeth in aImown nxanner.
Conventionally, a toothbrush head is of one piece consttvction which is eiongated and sysriax-etacal in shape on eaokx sidF of the longitudinal center line.
Generally, the head includes fix+rd bristies extendingoutwardly from one suarfwe of the head. -Attempts have been made to pxovide additional flexibility to the bristles by permitting sonxe movement of the bristles during use of the toothbrush- A number of patents, for example, disclose utilizing a pivotal or ball joint mounted on the toothbn3sh head to peaooait such movemant U.S. Patent No. 5,491.866, for example, disecloses an articulate toothbrush wherein a pivot joint connects the handle and head. AII of the bristles are mounted to the pivotable head.
U.S. Pat=t No.
3,398,421 ctiscloses a toothbxush wherein the head ineludes a pair of cariiers each of which Is retained by a ball maniber; altcrnatively, a single ball membez is used for sII of the carxiers.
No other brlstles az~e included in the head. A similar approach is disclosed in patent absmots of Japan publication no. 06327517.
Another approa.ch is to have a pluraii.ty of individually xnounr,gd groups of bxistles secuxed to a respective ball, suah as disclosed in U.S. Patent Na. 2,263,802 and R.ussian patmt STJ
1752336. The head includes no ixed bristles. A similar approach is utilized in a hairbmsh disclosed in U.S. Patient No. 4,114,222.
U.S. Patent No. 4,654,922 discloses a toothbxvsh with a wniversa], joint for two segmmts located outward3.y of the head with the joints being disposed in a longitudinal direction.
Accordingly, the head actualiy includes tha two separate sections which extend outwardly from the head. The head itself may also be attached to the hazidle by a ratchet ball.
U.S. Patent No. 6,088,870 discloses a toothbrush having a flexibly mounted bristles wherein the bristles are mounted on a resilient lattice network.
Summary of the Invention An object of some embodiments of this invention is to provide a toothbrush wherein the toothbrush head includes cleaning elements, such as bristles, mounted on a ball joint to provide an extra degree of motion, in addition to fixed cleaning elements.
In accordance with an embodiment of this invention an elongated head is attached to the end of a handle. The head has an outer surface from which a plurality of cleaning elements extend. In addition, the head includes a further set of cleaning elements mounted to a ball joint located generally perpendicular to the outer surface so that these cleaning elements may move in various directions, including along the longitudinal axis of the head.
In one embodiment of this invention the ball joint is located below the outer surface of the head. The ball joint includes an outwardly extending stem which in its initial position is perpendicular to the outer surface of the head. A carrier for the cleaning elements is mounted to the stem. The stem is surrounded by elastomer material to urge the stem back to its initial position.
The ball joint could be mounted to the head as a separate component which is snapped into place or could be joined into the cavity of the head by a flexible, resilient elastomer. The ball joint might be assembled via insert molding process.
62301-2467(S) An aspect of the invention provides a toothbrush comprising: a handle; an elongated head mounted to said handle, said head having an outer surface, a longitudinal axis, a first section, and a second section; fixed cleaning elements mounted to said first section and extending outwardly from said outer surface; a ball joint mounted to said second section, said ball joint including a carrier;
cleaning elements mounted to said carrier and extending in a direction outwardly from said outer surface; resilient material disposed against the ball joint; wherein said ball joint has an initial position generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and is movable away from said initial position in response to said ball joint cleaning elements contacting the teeth of the user whereby said carrier and said ball joint cleaning elements are also movable.
There is also provided a toothbrush comprising a handle, an elongated head mounted to said handle, said head having an outer surface, a socket in said head disposed at said outer surface, a ball joint movably mounted in said socket located inwardly of said outer surface, a recess in said outer surface communicating with said socket, a stem extending from said ball joint through said recess and to at least said outer surface, said ball joint and said stem having an initial position wherein said stem is generally perpendicular to said outer surface, a carrier mounted to said stem, cleaning elements mounted to said carrier extending outwardly from said outer surface, said ball joint and said stem being movable away from said initial position in response to said cleaning elements contacting the teeth of a user, and biasing structure in said recess disposed against said stem to urge said stem to said initial position.
2a According to one particular aspect of the invention, there is provided a toothbrush head comprising: a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface and an opening defined therebetween; a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the first outer surface; and a carrier including a restricted end and a second cleaning element opposite the restricted end, the carrier movably mounted within the opening, the second cleaning element movable relative to the first outer surface; wherein the opening comprises a constriction that represents the smallest cross-section of the opening and that retains the carrier in the opening or prevents the carrier from passing through the second outer surface;
wherein the restricted end of the carrier is positioned between said constriction and a plane defined along said second outer surface; and wherein the carrier enables movement of the second cleaning element from a first position perpendicular to the first outer surface, to a second position angled relative to the first outer surface.
There is also provided a power toothbrush comprising: a power source; and a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface and an opening defined therebetween; a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the first outer surface; and a carrier including a restricted end and a second cleaning element opposite the restricted end, the carrier movably mounted within the opening, the second cleaning element movable relative to the first outer surface; wherein the opening comprises a constriction that represents the smallest cross-section of the opening and that retains the carrier in the opening or prevents the carrier from passing through the second outer surface; wherein the restricted end of the carrier is positioned between said constriction and a 2b plane defined along said second outer surface; and wherein the carrier enables movement of the second cleaning element from a first position perpendicular to the first outer surface, to a second position angled relative to the first outer surf ace .
Another aspect of the invention provides a toothbrush comprising: a handle, an elongated head mounted to said handle, said head having an outer surface, fixed cleaning elements mounted to said head and extending outwardly from said outer surface, and movable cleaning elements mounted to said head by at least one movable carrier and extending outwardly from said outer surface, the carrier being connected by a stem to a pivotable joint that is pivotally received in a socket located in an underside of the head that is opposite to the outer surface of the head, wherein said movable cleaning elements can be pivoted away from an initial position generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head in response to said movable cleaning elements contacting the teeth of the user causing pivotal movement of the pivotable joint in the socket.
2c 62301-2467(S) 'rhe Drawf=:
^ Mgure 1 is a perspeative view of a toothbrush in accordsnce wi,th this invention;
S ^ Rgvre 2 aas' a side elevational view of the toothbscush shown in Figurc 1;
^ Figuro 3 is a front elevational view of the toothbrush shown in Figures 1-2;
a p'igura 4 is a cross-sectional view taken through Figure 3 along the line 4-4;
^ F'igttre 5 is avxew similar to Figure 4 in a di,ffceat phase of operation;
R Fi,gtu^z 6 is a view similar to Plguros 4-5 of an a]texnative fonn of this fnveniion;
^ Figuin 7 is a plan view of the alteanative shown in Figctre 6; and It Ifture 8 is a front elevational view of a ftirthetr toothbrush in accordance with this invention.
Detai'Iea DeseriRtion The pr+eseut invention is diseeted to toothbrushes which sra iuserted in the mouth duxiring use.
Although the dzawings Ulustrate a toothbru.sh which is msnuall.y opmated, it is to be uadcrstood that the teachings of this invention could be incorporated In power operated or electzic toothTxmshes wherein a portion of the tootbbrush head is, for example, oscill,ated such as by means of the type of drive illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 5,625,916.
Such a toothbrush would include at least one oscillating or rotating section and would also include at least one section wherein the cleaning elements are mounted on a ball joint as later described.
Fqp= 1-3 show a toothbrush.10 in accordance with tttis iu-veation. As siLown ther+ein toothbrush 10 includes a handle 12 and a head.14. Head 14 includes a fixed seerion 16 having an outer surface 18 from which various cleami.ng elem:ents 19,20 extend. Heac114 also includes a section located near handie 12 whi.ch i.nciudes a ball joint 22 having cleaning elements 24. The utilization of the balt joint 22 introduces an r.xtra degree of motion oth,er than f lexina the bristie strarids where brxsties are used a.s the cleaning elements.
The baIl joint 22 could be mounted to hEad 14 in any suitable znanner. Figure 4, for example, illustrates a soclcet 261ocated in a recess 28 on the underside of head 14, that is the side opposite outer surface 18. The ball joint 22 includes a neck or stem 30 connected to a carrier 32 with the cleaning elements 24 mounted to carrier 32. Stem 30 could be surrounded by elastomeric materia134 to fill the opening in head 14 necessary to accommodate the ball joint while still permitting universal type movement of ball joint 22.
As shown in Figure 4 the bottom of carrier 32 is concave to coniplement the corivex outer surface of elastomer 34 and head 14 to facilitate the pivoting of carrier 32.
As also shown, ball joint 22, stem 30 and carrier 32 are integral.
Figure 5 illustrates ball joint 22 in its condition during use where the ball joint'22 has pivoted in a direction toward handle 12.
An advantage of incorporating elastomeric material such as elastomeric material 34 or the resilient pad 38 (Figure 6) around the stem 30 of the ball joint 22 is that the elastomer 34 or 38 provides extra motion in returning the ball joint 22 to its initial rest position where the stem 30 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or outer surface of head 14.
Figures 6-7 illustrate an alternative manner of mounting the ball joint 22. As shown therein a socket 36 which is generally spherical in shape is formed in head 14. A
resilient pad formed of elastomeric 38 is mounted over socket 36. Carrier 32 has depending ribs 40 which press against pad 38. During assembly, ball joint 22 is snapped into place through a central hole in the pad 38. When ball joint 22 is in socket 36, ribs 40 contact pad 38.
Instead of forming the ball joint structure as a separate component, the ball joint could be incorporated in the head 14 via insert molding process.
In both of the embodiments of Figures 1-5 and Figures 6-7, the ball joint 22 is located recessed below the outer surface of head 14. The cleaning element carrier 32 is disposed above the outer surface and mounted for pivotal movement by its connection to stena 30.
Stem 30 is surrounded by elastomeric material 34 or elastomeric pad 38 to bias stem 30 to its initial position perpendicular to the outer surface of head 14.
cleaning elements mounted to said carrier and extending in a direction outwardly from said outer surface; resilient material disposed against the ball joint; wherein said ball joint has an initial position generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and is movable away from said initial position in response to said ball joint cleaning elements contacting the teeth of the user whereby said carrier and said ball joint cleaning elements are also movable.
There is also provided a toothbrush comprising a handle, an elongated head mounted to said handle, said head having an outer surface, a socket in said head disposed at said outer surface, a ball joint movably mounted in said socket located inwardly of said outer surface, a recess in said outer surface communicating with said socket, a stem extending from said ball joint through said recess and to at least said outer surface, said ball joint and said stem having an initial position wherein said stem is generally perpendicular to said outer surface, a carrier mounted to said stem, cleaning elements mounted to said carrier extending outwardly from said outer surface, said ball joint and said stem being movable away from said initial position in response to said cleaning elements contacting the teeth of a user, and biasing structure in said recess disposed against said stem to urge said stem to said initial position.
2a According to one particular aspect of the invention, there is provided a toothbrush head comprising: a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface and an opening defined therebetween; a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the first outer surface; and a carrier including a restricted end and a second cleaning element opposite the restricted end, the carrier movably mounted within the opening, the second cleaning element movable relative to the first outer surface; wherein the opening comprises a constriction that represents the smallest cross-section of the opening and that retains the carrier in the opening or prevents the carrier from passing through the second outer surface;
wherein the restricted end of the carrier is positioned between said constriction and a plane defined along said second outer surface; and wherein the carrier enables movement of the second cleaning element from a first position perpendicular to the first outer surface, to a second position angled relative to the first outer surface.
There is also provided a power toothbrush comprising: a power source; and a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface and an opening defined therebetween; a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the first outer surface; and a carrier including a restricted end and a second cleaning element opposite the restricted end, the carrier movably mounted within the opening, the second cleaning element movable relative to the first outer surface; wherein the opening comprises a constriction that represents the smallest cross-section of the opening and that retains the carrier in the opening or prevents the carrier from passing through the second outer surface; wherein the restricted end of the carrier is positioned between said constriction and a 2b plane defined along said second outer surface; and wherein the carrier enables movement of the second cleaning element from a first position perpendicular to the first outer surface, to a second position angled relative to the first outer surf ace .
Another aspect of the invention provides a toothbrush comprising: a handle, an elongated head mounted to said handle, said head having an outer surface, fixed cleaning elements mounted to said head and extending outwardly from said outer surface, and movable cleaning elements mounted to said head by at least one movable carrier and extending outwardly from said outer surface, the carrier being connected by a stem to a pivotable joint that is pivotally received in a socket located in an underside of the head that is opposite to the outer surface of the head, wherein said movable cleaning elements can be pivoted away from an initial position generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head in response to said movable cleaning elements contacting the teeth of the user causing pivotal movement of the pivotable joint in the socket.
2c 62301-2467(S) 'rhe Drawf=:
^ Mgure 1 is a perspeative view of a toothbrush in accordsnce wi,th this invention;
S ^ Rgvre 2 aas' a side elevational view of the toothbscush shown in Figurc 1;
^ Figuro 3 is a front elevational view of the toothbrush shown in Figures 1-2;
a p'igura 4 is a cross-sectional view taken through Figure 3 along the line 4-4;
^ F'igttre 5 is avxew similar to Figure 4 in a di,ffceat phase of operation;
R Fi,gtu^z 6 is a view similar to Plguros 4-5 of an a]texnative fonn of this fnveniion;
^ Figuin 7 is a plan view of the alteanative shown in Figctre 6; and It Ifture 8 is a front elevational view of a ftirthetr toothbrush in accordance with this invention.
Detai'Iea DeseriRtion The pr+eseut invention is diseeted to toothbrushes which sra iuserted in the mouth duxiring use.
Although the dzawings Ulustrate a toothbru.sh which is msnuall.y opmated, it is to be uadcrstood that the teachings of this invention could be incorporated In power operated or electzic toothTxmshes wherein a portion of the tootbbrush head is, for example, oscill,ated such as by means of the type of drive illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 5,625,916.
Such a toothbrush would include at least one oscillating or rotating section and would also include at least one section wherein the cleaning elements are mounted on a ball joint as later described.
Fqp= 1-3 show a toothbrush.10 in accordance with tttis iu-veation. As siLown ther+ein toothbrush 10 includes a handle 12 and a head.14. Head 14 includes a fixed seerion 16 having an outer surface 18 from which various cleami.ng elem:ents 19,20 extend. Heac114 also includes a section located near handie 12 whi.ch i.nciudes a ball joint 22 having cleaning elements 24. The utilization of the balt joint 22 introduces an r.xtra degree of motion oth,er than f lexina the bristie strarids where brxsties are used a.s the cleaning elements.
The baIl joint 22 could be mounted to hEad 14 in any suitable znanner. Figure 4, for example, illustrates a soclcet 261ocated in a recess 28 on the underside of head 14, that is the side opposite outer surface 18. The ball joint 22 includes a neck or stem 30 connected to a carrier 32 with the cleaning elements 24 mounted to carrier 32. Stem 30 could be surrounded by elastomeric materia134 to fill the opening in head 14 necessary to accommodate the ball joint while still permitting universal type movement of ball joint 22.
As shown in Figure 4 the bottom of carrier 32 is concave to coniplement the corivex outer surface of elastomer 34 and head 14 to facilitate the pivoting of carrier 32.
As also shown, ball joint 22, stem 30 and carrier 32 are integral.
Figure 5 illustrates ball joint 22 in its condition during use where the ball joint'22 has pivoted in a direction toward handle 12.
An advantage of incorporating elastomeric material such as elastomeric material 34 or the resilient pad 38 (Figure 6) around the stem 30 of the ball joint 22 is that the elastomer 34 or 38 provides extra motion in returning the ball joint 22 to its initial rest position where the stem 30 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or outer surface of head 14.
Figures 6-7 illustrate an alternative manner of mounting the ball joint 22. As shown therein a socket 36 which is generally spherical in shape is formed in head 14. A
resilient pad formed of elastomeric 38 is mounted over socket 36. Carrier 32 has depending ribs 40 which press against pad 38. During assembly, ball joint 22 is snapped into place through a central hole in the pad 38. When ball joint 22 is in socket 36, ribs 40 contact pad 38.
Instead of forming the ball joint structure as a separate component, the ball joint could be incorporated in the head 14 via insert molding process.
In both of the embodiments of Figures 1-5 and Figures 6-7, the ball joint 22 is located recessed below the outer surface of head 14. The cleaning element carrier 32 is disposed above the outer surface and mounted for pivotal movement by its connection to stena 30.
Stem 30 is surrounded by elastomeric material 34 or elastomeric pad 38 to bias stem 30 to its initial position perpendicular to the outer surface of head 14.
Although Figures 1-3 illustrate the ball joint 22 and its cleaning elements 24 to be located between the fixed section 16 and the handle 12, other arrangements are possible such as by having a further fixed section on the opposite side of ball joint 22 or by having the ball joint located at the remote or distal end and the fixed section located between the ball joint and the handle. Similarly, while Figures 1-3 illustrate only a single ball joint the invention could be practiced with multiple ball joints.
As best illustrated in Figure 3 the cleaning elements 20 are located along the periphery of fixed section 16 in a generally U-shaped pattern. Cleaning elements 19 are located within the U-shape. Cleaning elements 19 may be shorter than cleaning elements 20 to create a cup-like outer surface of the ends of the cleaning elements 19,20 to help retain toothpaste on the cleaning elements. Cleaning elements 19 might be bristle bundles, while cleaning elements might be in-molded technology bristles.
If desired, as shown in Figure 2, the outer surface 18 of head 14 could include a concave depression 46 to accommodate a complementary shaped surface 44 of the ball joint structure.
Alternatively, the outer surface 18 may have a convex protrusion, which would accommodate a complementary shape concave portion of the ball joint structure, as shown in Figure 4.
These complementary surfaces facilitate the smooth movement of the ball joint carrier 32.
As shown in Figures 4-5 the outer surface of head 14 includes a recess 29 through which the stem 30 extends. The shape and dimension of recess 29 controls or limits the degree of pivoting that the cleaning elements 24 can make. In that regard, where the head 14 is generally formed from conventional hard plastic material the edges of the recess would function as a stop to limit the degree of pivoting action of the ball joint structure. Figure 5, for example, shows the ball joint structure pivoted almost to the limit that would result where upon continued movement stem 30 contacts the edge of recess 29.
As shown in Figure 6 head 14 includes a recess 43 into which the pad 38 would be rnounted.
The degree of pivoting pertnitted for the ball joint structure would be controlled by the size and dimension of the various components. Thus, the outer surface of head 14 would prevent further pivoting action of ball joint 22 when the carrier 32 contacts the outer surface 18.
As best illustrated in Figure 3 the cleaning elements 20 are located along the periphery of fixed section 16 in a generally U-shaped pattern. Cleaning elements 19 are located within the U-shape. Cleaning elements 19 may be shorter than cleaning elements 20 to create a cup-like outer surface of the ends of the cleaning elements 19,20 to help retain toothpaste on the cleaning elements. Cleaning elements 19 might be bristle bundles, while cleaning elements might be in-molded technology bristles.
If desired, as shown in Figure 2, the outer surface 18 of head 14 could include a concave depression 46 to accommodate a complementary shaped surface 44 of the ball joint structure.
Alternatively, the outer surface 18 may have a convex protrusion, which would accommodate a complementary shape concave portion of the ball joint structure, as shown in Figure 4.
These complementary surfaces facilitate the smooth movement of the ball joint carrier 32.
As shown in Figures 4-5 the outer surface of head 14 includes a recess 29 through which the stem 30 extends. The shape and dimension of recess 29 controls or limits the degree of pivoting that the cleaning elements 24 can make. In that regard, where the head 14 is generally formed from conventional hard plastic material the edges of the recess would function as a stop to limit the degree of pivoting action of the ball joint structure. Figure 5, for example, shows the ball joint structure pivoted almost to the limit that would result where upon continued movement stem 30 contacts the edge of recess 29.
As shown in Figure 6 head 14 includes a recess 43 into which the pad 38 would be rnounted.
The degree of pivoting pertnitted for the ball joint structure would be controlled by the size and dimension of the various components. Thus, the outer surface of head 14 would prevent further pivoting action of ball joint 22 when the carrier 32 contacts the outer surface 18.
As illustrated in Figures 4-5 the elastomer material 34 completely fills the open area in recess 29, thus, effectively functioning as biasing structure to urge the ball joint 22 back to its initial position where it is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of head 14.
Although Figure 3 illustrates the cleaning elements 20 to be a single row of tufts of bristles it is to be understood that the cleaning elements could be arranged in a plurality of rows. What is desired in the illustrated embodiment is that there should be an open area to accommodate cleaning elements 19.
Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used as the cleaning elements 19, 20 and 24.
The term "cleaning elements" is intended to be used in a generic sense which could include conventional fiber bristles or massage elements or other forms of cleaning elements such as elastomeric fingers or walls arranged in a circular cross-sectional shape or any type of desired shape including straight portions or sinusoidal portions. Where bristles are used, 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.
It is to be understood that the specific illustration of the cleaning elements is merely for exemplary purposes. The invention can be practiced with various combinations of the same or different cleaning element configurations (such as stapled or in-molded technology bristles, etc.) and/or with the same bristle or cleaning element materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.) Similarly, while Figure 2 illustrates the cleaning elements to be generally perpendicular to the outer surface 18 of head 14 some or all of the cleaning elements may be angled at various angles with respect to the outer surface of head 14. It is thereby possible to select the combination of cleaning element configurations, materials and orientations to achieve specific intended results to deliver additional oral health benefits, like enhanced cleaning tooth polishing, tooth whitening and/or massaging of the gums.
Although Figures 1-7 illustrate a manually operated toothbrush, the invention may also be practiced where the head includes one or more power or electrically operated movable sections carrying cleaning elements. Such movable section may oscillate in a rotational 62301-2467 (S) mann= or may oscill ate Iinearly izL a longitucYinai direction with respect to the longitudinal sxis of the head or uxay osci.Ilate Iinegdy in a lateral or tranbwerse dirr.ction with mspact to the longibuu-al axis of the lxead. The movable section may oscillate in and out in a dirocti,oa toward and away fram the outer surface of the head. 'rhe movable section may zvr-k back and forth with respect tc, the outer suYface of the hea.d. The :tnovable section may rotate continuously in the same direction, rather than oscillaate. Any suitable drive meGharism may be used for imparting the desired motion to tbo rnovable section. Where plural movable sections a.te used, aU of the movable secti.ons may havc the same type and direchon of movemcnt, or combinations of different movaments may be used.
Pigura 8 i3.lusorates a toothbxxnsh 10A whioh iricludes a power di'iven movable disc or section 50 having cleaning clements. The movable section 50 could be osr.iliated rotationally such as by using the type of dtive mechaniam ahown in U.S. Patent No. 5.625,916, or could move in and out using the type of drive mechanism shown in U.S. Patent No. Re35,941.
Alternatively, the other types of drives referred to above could move section 50 in other manners and directions. Although Figure 8 shows movable section 50 to be at the distal end of the head, the movable section(s) could be located at any desired location on the head.
As should be sppateaat the tootlnbrasb, 10 or 10A provides a hcad wherain there is an extm degree of motion to the cleaning elezamts. This extrAL degtee of motion is accomplisbed by prmviding cleaping elemrRts on a balt joint stra~ in such a manuer that the Cleaning olemeats rnay freely move in viztually any dixection from its initial non-use position.
Although Figure 3 illustrates the cleaning elements 20 to be a single row of tufts of bristles it is to be understood that the cleaning elements could be arranged in a plurality of rows. What is desired in the illustrated embodiment is that there should be an open area to accommodate cleaning elements 19.
Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used as the cleaning elements 19, 20 and 24.
The term "cleaning elements" is intended to be used in a generic sense which could include conventional fiber bristles or massage elements or other forms of cleaning elements such as elastomeric fingers or walls arranged in a circular cross-sectional shape or any type of desired shape including straight portions or sinusoidal portions. Where bristles are used, 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.
It is to be understood that the specific illustration of the cleaning elements is merely for exemplary purposes. The invention can be practiced with various combinations of the same or different cleaning element configurations (such as stapled or in-molded technology bristles, etc.) and/or with the same bristle or cleaning element materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.) Similarly, while Figure 2 illustrates the cleaning elements to be generally perpendicular to the outer surface 18 of head 14 some or all of the cleaning elements may be angled at various angles with respect to the outer surface of head 14. It is thereby possible to select the combination of cleaning element configurations, materials and orientations to achieve specific intended results to deliver additional oral health benefits, like enhanced cleaning tooth polishing, tooth whitening and/or massaging of the gums.
Although Figures 1-7 illustrate a manually operated toothbrush, the invention may also be practiced where the head includes one or more power or electrically operated movable sections carrying cleaning elements. Such movable section may oscillate in a rotational 62301-2467 (S) mann= or may oscill ate Iinearly izL a longitucYinai direction with respect to the longitudinal sxis of the head or uxay osci.Ilate Iinegdy in a lateral or tranbwerse dirr.ction with mspact to the longibuu-al axis of the lxead. The movable section may oscillate in and out in a dirocti,oa toward and away fram the outer surface of the head. 'rhe movable section may zvr-k back and forth with respect tc, the outer suYface of the hea.d. The :tnovable section may rotate continuously in the same direction, rather than oscillaate. Any suitable drive meGharism may be used for imparting the desired motion to tbo rnovable section. Where plural movable sections a.te used, aU of the movable secti.ons may havc the same type and direchon of movemcnt, or combinations of different movaments may be used.
Pigura 8 i3.lusorates a toothbxxnsh 10A whioh iricludes a power di'iven movable disc or section 50 having cleaning clements. The movable section 50 could be osr.iliated rotationally such as by using the type of dtive mechaniam ahown in U.S. Patent No. 5.625,916, or could move in and out using the type of drive mechanism shown in U.S. Patent No. Re35,941.
Alternatively, the other types of drives referred to above could move section 50 in other manners and directions. Although Figure 8 shows movable section 50 to be at the distal end of the head, the movable section(s) could be located at any desired location on the head.
As should be sppateaat the tootlnbrasb, 10 or 10A provides a hcad wherain there is an extm degree of motion to the cleaning elezamts. This extrAL degtee of motion is accomplisbed by prmviding cleaping elemrRts on a balt joint stra~ in such a manuer that the Cleaning olemeats rnay freely move in viztually any dixection from its initial non-use position.
Claims (38)
1. A toothbrush comprising:
a handle;
an elongated head mounted to said handle, said head having an outer surface, a longitudinal axis, a first section, and a second section;
fixed cleaning elements mounted to said first section and extending outwardly from said outer surface;
a ball joint mounted to said second section, said ball joint including a carrier;
cleaning elements mounted to said carrier and extending in a direction outwardly from said outer surface;
resilient material disposed against the ball joint;
wherein said ball joint has an initial position generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and is movable away from said initial position in response to said ball joint cleaning elements contacting the teeth of the user whereby said carrier and said ball joint cleaning elements are also movable.
a handle;
an elongated head mounted to said handle, said head having an outer surface, a longitudinal axis, a first section, and a second section;
fixed cleaning elements mounted to said first section and extending outwardly from said outer surface;
a ball joint mounted to said second section, said ball joint including a carrier;
cleaning elements mounted to said carrier and extending in a direction outwardly from said outer surface;
resilient material disposed against the ball joint;
wherein said ball joint has an initial position generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and is movable away from said initial position in response to said ball joint cleaning elements contacting the teeth of the user whereby said carrier and said ball joint cleaning elements are also movable.
2. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said head comprises a biasing structure comprising the resilient material for urging said ball joint to return to said initial position.
3. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said ball joint includes a stem, said carrier mounted to said stem, and said resilient material being disposed against said stem.
4. The toothbrush of claim 3 wherein said head includes a socket, and said ball joint is mounted to said head by being snapped into said socket.
5. The toothbrush of claim 4 wherein said ball joint extends completely through said head with a portion of said ball joint being exposed from a surface of said head opposite said outer surface.
6. The toothbrush of claim 3 wherein said head includes a depression on a surface of said head opposite said outer surface, an exposed portion of said ball joint being located in said depression, said outer surface of said head having a recess, said stem extending through said recess, and said resilient material being an elastomer material filling said recess.
7. The toothbrush of claim 3 wherein said outer surface includes a recess, a resilient pad being mounted in said recess, said resilient pad comprising said resilient material, said resilient pad including an opening, and said stem extending through said opening.
8. The toothbrush of claim 7 wherein said ball joint is mounted in a socket in said head, and said carrier having a plurality of downwardly extending ribs disposed against said resilient pad.
9. The toothbrush of claim 3 wherein said carrier and said resilient material have arcuate contacting surfaces.
10. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said first section cleaning elements include a first set of cleaning elements disposed in a generally U-shaped pattern, and a second set of cleaning elements disposed within said U-shaped pattern.
11. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein said first set of cleaning elements extends outwardly from said outer surface a greater distance than said second set of cleaning elements.
12. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said first section cleaning elements are tufts of bristles.
13. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said ball joint cleaning elements are tufts of bristles.
14. A toothbrush head comprising:
a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface and an opening defined therebetween;
a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the first outer surface; and a carrier including a restricted end and a second cleaning element opposite the restricted end, the carrier movably mounted within the opening, the second cleaning element movable relative to the first outer surface;
wherein the opening comprises a constriction that represents the smallest cross-section of the opening and that retains the carrier in the opening or prevents the carrier from passing through the second outer surface;
wherein the restricted end of the carrier is positioned between said constriction and a plane defined along said second outer surface; and wherein the carrier enables movement of the second cleaning element from a first position perpendicular to the first outer surface, to a second position angled relative to the first outer surface.
a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface and an opening defined therebetween;
a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the first outer surface; and a carrier including a restricted end and a second cleaning element opposite the restricted end, the carrier movably mounted within the opening, the second cleaning element movable relative to the first outer surface;
wherein the opening comprises a constriction that represents the smallest cross-section of the opening and that retains the carrier in the opening or prevents the carrier from passing through the second outer surface;
wherein the restricted end of the carrier is positioned between said constriction and a plane defined along said second outer surface; and wherein the carrier enables movement of the second cleaning element from a first position perpendicular to the first outer surface, to a second position angled relative to the first outer surface.
15. The toothbrush head of claim 14, wherein the carrier includes a rounded profile along at least one side thereof.
16. The toothbrush head of claim 14, wherein the carrier is a ball joint.
17. The toothbrush head of claim 14, wherein the second cleaning element is elastomeric.
18. The toothbrush head of claim 14, wherein the second cleaning element includes a massaging element.
19. The toothbrush head of claim 14, wherein the carrier extends beyond a plane defined by the first surface such that the second cleaning element extends from a position that is spaced from the first surface.
20. The toothbrush head of claim 14, the carrier further comprising a platform from which extends the second cleaning element.
21. The toothbrush head of claim 20, wherein the platform is wider than the second cleaning element at a junction of the second cleaning element and the platform.
22. A power toothbrush comprising:
a power source; and a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface and an opening defined therebetween;
a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the first outer surface; and a carrier including a restricted end and a second cleaning element opposite the restricted end, the carrier movably mounted within the opening, the second cleaning element movable relative to the first outer surface;
wherein the opening comprises a constriction that represents the smallest cross-section of the opening and that retains the carrier in the opening or prevents the carrier from passing through the second outer surface;
wherein the restricted end of the carrier is positioned between said constriction and a plane defined along said second outer surface; and wherein the carrier enables movement of the second cleaning element from a first position perpendicular to the first outer surface, to a second position angled relative to the first outer surface.
a power source; and a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface and an opening defined therebetween;
a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the first outer surface; and a carrier including a restricted end and a second cleaning element opposite the restricted end, the carrier movably mounted within the opening, the second cleaning element movable relative to the first outer surface;
wherein the opening comprises a constriction that represents the smallest cross-section of the opening and that retains the carrier in the opening or prevents the carrier from passing through the second outer surface;
wherein the restricted end of the carrier is positioned between said constriction and a plane defined along said second outer surface; and wherein the carrier enables movement of the second cleaning element from a first position perpendicular to the first outer surface, to a second position angled relative to the first outer surface.
23. The power toothbrush of claim 22, wherein the carrier includes a rounded profile along at least one side thereof.
24. The power toothbrush of claim 22, wherein the carrier is a ball joint.
25. The power toothbrush of claim 22, wherein the second cleaning element is elastomeric.
26. The power toothbrush of claim 22, wherein the second cleaning element includes a massaging element.
27. The power toothbrush of claim 22, wherein the carrier extends beyond a plane defined by the first outer surface such that the second cleaning element extends from a position that is spaced from the first outer surface.
28. The power toothbrush of claim 22, the carrier further comprising a platform from which extends the second cleaning element.
29. The power toothbrush of claim 22, further comprising a power driven cleaning element driven by the power source.
30. The power toothbrush of claim 29, wherein the power driven cleaning element rotates.
31. The power toothbrush of claim 30, wherein the power driven cleaning element oscillates.
32. A toothbrush comprising:
a handle, an elongated head mounted to said handle, said head having an outer surface, fixed cleaning elements mounted to said head and extending outwardly from said outer surface, and movable cleaning elements mounted to said head by at least one movable carrier and extending outwardly from said outer surface, the carrier being connected by a stem to a pivotable joint that is pivotally received in a socket located in an underside of the head that is opposite to the outer surface of the head, wherein said movable cleaning elements can be pivoted away from an initial position generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head in response to said movable cleaning elements contacting the teeth of the user causing pivotal movement of the pivotable joint in the socket.
a handle, an elongated head mounted to said handle, said head having an outer surface, fixed cleaning elements mounted to said head and extending outwardly from said outer surface, and movable cleaning elements mounted to said head by at least one movable carrier and extending outwardly from said outer surface, the carrier being connected by a stem to a pivotable joint that is pivotally received in a socket located in an underside of the head that is opposite to the outer surface of the head, wherein said movable cleaning elements can be pivoted away from an initial position generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head in response to said movable cleaning elements contacting the teeth of the user causing pivotal movement of the pivotable joint in the socket.
33. The toothbrush of claim 32, wherein the pivotable joint is snapped in the socket.
34. The toothbrush of claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the carrier is disposed above the outer surface.
35. The toothbrush of any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein a portion of said pivotable joint is exposed from a surface of said underside of the head.
36. The toothbrush of claim 35 wherein the pivotable joint is recessed below the surface of the underside of the head.
37. The toothbrush of any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the carrier, stem and pivotable joint are integral.
38. The toothbrush of claim 37, wherein the integral stem and pivotable joint extend completely through said head from said outer surface to said underside.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2618892A CA2618892C (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2003-08-08 | Toothbrush with fixed and movable cleaning elements |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
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|---|---|---|---|
| US40216402P | 2002-08-09 | 2002-08-09 | |
| US60/402,164 | 2002-08-09 | ||
| US10/442,307 | 2003-05-20 | ||
| US10/442,307 US6931688B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2003-05-20 | Toothbrush |
| PCT/US2003/024979 WO2004014249A2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2003-08-08 | Toothbrush |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2618892A Division CA2618892C (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2003-08-08 | Toothbrush with fixed and movable cleaning elements |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2494185A1 CA2494185A1 (en) | 2004-02-19 |
| CA2494185C true CA2494185C (en) | 2009-01-06 |
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| CA002494185A Expired - Fee Related CA2494185C (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2003-08-08 | Toothbrush with fixed and movable cleaning elements |
Country Status (11)
| Country | Link |
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| US (3) | US6931688B2 (en) |
| EP (2) | EP1528876A4 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100900102B1 (en) |
| CN (2) | CN101103861B (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2003255245B2 (en) |
| BR (2) | BR0313318B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2494185C (en) |
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| MX (1) | MXPA05001588A (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2327401C2 (en) |
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2003
- 2003-05-20 US US10/442,307 patent/US6931688B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-08-08 MX MXPA05001588A patent/MXPA05001588A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-08-08 RU RU2005106293/12A patent/RU2327401C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-08-08 BR BRPI0313318-4A patent/BR0313318B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-08-08 CA CA002494185A patent/CA2494185C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-08-08 CN CN2007101270262A patent/CN101103861B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-08-08 AU AU2003255245A patent/AU2003255245B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-08-08 EP EP03785116A patent/EP1528876A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-08-08 BR BRBR122012024173-3A patent/BR122012024173B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-08-08 CN CNB038191865A patent/CN100398033C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-08-08 EP EP15162036.6A patent/EP2904934A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-08-08 WO PCT/US2003/024979 patent/WO2004014249A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-08-08 KR KR1020057002290A patent/KR100900102B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2005
- 2005-08-22 US US11/208,683 patent/US7251849B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-01-18 HK HK06100842.4A patent/HK1080698A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2007
- 2007-07-23 US US11/781,589 patent/US7607190B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| KR20050065522A (en) | 2005-06-29 |
| WO2004014249A3 (en) | 2004-03-18 |
| US20080250593A1 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
| BR0313318A (en) | 2005-06-21 |
| US20040025274A1 (en) | 2004-02-12 |
| WO2004014249A2 (en) | 2004-02-19 |
| RU2327401C2 (en) | 2008-06-27 |
| KR100900102B1 (en) | 2009-06-01 |
| US7251849B2 (en) | 2007-08-07 |
| BR0313318B1 (en) | 2013-02-19 |
| EP2904934A1 (en) | 2015-08-12 |
| US6931688B2 (en) | 2005-08-23 |
| HK1080698A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
| CA2494185A1 (en) | 2004-02-19 |
| CN101103861A (en) | 2008-01-16 |
| US20050273961A1 (en) | 2005-12-15 |
| AU2003255245A2 (en) | 2004-02-25 |
| EP1528876A4 (en) | 2008-07-23 |
| AU2003255245A1 (en) | 2004-02-25 |
| CN1674809A (en) | 2005-09-28 |
| AU2003255245B2 (en) | 2009-09-24 |
| EP1528876A2 (en) | 2005-05-11 |
| CN100398033C (en) | 2008-07-02 |
| MXPA05001588A (en) | 2005-04-25 |
| BR122012024173B1 (en) | 2015-06-23 |
| RU2005106293A (en) | 2005-08-10 |
| US7607190B2 (en) | 2009-10-27 |
| CN101103861B (en) | 2011-03-09 |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |
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