CA2649958A1 - Toothbrush head with flexible cleaning elements - Google Patents
Toothbrush head with flexible cleaning elements Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2649958A1 CA2649958A1 CA002649958A CA2649958A CA2649958A1 CA 2649958 A1 CA2649958 A1 CA 2649958A1 CA 002649958 A CA002649958 A CA 002649958A CA 2649958 A CA2649958 A CA 2649958A CA 2649958 A1 CA2649958 A1 CA 2649958A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- oral care
- pod
- care implement
- central
- pods
- 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.)
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Links
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
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
- A46B5/0025—Brushes with elastically deformable heads that change shape during use
- A46B5/0029—Head made of soft plastics, rubber or rubber inserts in plastics matrix
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
- A46B5/0025—Brushes with elastically deformable heads that change shape during use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
-
- 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
- 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
- A46B9/026—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups where the surface of the brush body or carrier is not in one plane, e.g. not flat
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0055—Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0055—Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
- A46B15/0081—Brushes with a scraper, e.g. tongue scraper
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
- A46B3/04—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier by mouldable materials, e.g. metals, cellulose derivatives, plastics
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
- A46B3/06—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier by welding together bristles made of metal wires or plastic materials
Abstract
An oral care implement (610) is provided having a handle (612) and a head (614) with tooth cleaning elements (618) extending from fixed pods (616, 620). Additional tooth cleaning elements (626) extend from one or more central pods (622, 624) suspended between the fixed pods (616, 620) via a bridge (636). The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central pods (622, 624) to move from an initial position toward the head during use. The central pods (622, 624), the bridge (636) and outer portions of the fixed pods (616, 620) may be formed as a unitary structure.' When a single central pod is employed, a flexible section may be disposed in the middle of the central pod so that cleaning elements extending from either end of the central pod can move toward one another daring use.
Description
ORAL CARE ENIPLEME~~T
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
1.01) This is a continuation in pan of U.S. Application 11/256,790, filed October which is a continuation in part of U.S. Application 11I122,224 filed May 5, 2005, which is a corzti~~iatiozz in part of U.S. Application 101768,363, filed January 30, 2004, which is a eontinuatiou in part of U.S. Application 1.0I697,2I3, tiled October 30, 2003.
[021 Further, this is a continuation in part of U.S. Application 1 l./01.9,671, filed Deeernber 23, 2004, which: (1) is a continuation in part of U.S. Application 10/869,922, filed June 18, 2004, which is a continuation in part of U.S. Application 10/601,106, filed June 20, 2003; (2) is a continuation in part of International Application PCT/US031030633 filed September 26, 2003, which claims the benefit oFU.S. Appiicatiou.60/414,117 filed September 27, 2002, U.S.
Application 6()/418,776, filed October 16, 2002, and U.S. Application 60/419,425, filed October 18, 2002; (3) is a continuation in part of international Application PCT/US2003/029497, filed September 17, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Application 60/412,290, filed September 20, 2002, (4) is a continuation in part of U.S. Application 291189,729, filed September 10, 2043;
and (5) is a continuation-inLLpart of U.S. Application 10/989,267. filed November 17, 2004, which is a contintration-in-pax-c application of U.S. Application 29/209,242, filed July 14,2004, 1031 Additionally, this application is a continuation in part application of U.S. Application 10/989,267, filed November 17, 2004, which is a continuation in part application of U.&
Application Serial No. 29/209,242, f-iied July 14, 2004, and a continuation in part application of U.S. Application 291209,244, filed July 14, 2004.
[041 Further, this application is a continuation in part application of U.S.
Application 10/902,257, 2004, filed July 30, 7004. which (1) is a continuation in part of International Ai3plic.lrion PCT/US'2(}03/02_9497, filed September 17, 2003, which c:i;ain~z priority of U&
60i412a290, filed September20,2002: and (?,~ isaco~-iE:nt, rti)rz inpart ofU,S.
Appiia"zion 2911 S9. 729. filed September 10, 2003.
"05'1 in addition, this application is a continuation in pa:rt of U.S. AppliÃ
.ation 1 II0,53,5$3, filed February 8, 2005, which is a continuation of intemationai Appficatiorl PCTCUTS20031024878, - i_ filed August 8, 2003, which claii-ns priority to U.S. Applications 60/402,162 filed August 9, 2002, 60/402,170 filed August 9, 2002 and 60/4-02,670 filed August 12, 2002.
[06] Further. this application is a contiiiuation in part of U.S. Application 11/053,589, filed Febrctary 4, 1.005, which is a continuation of Intematianal Application PCT/t.IS20031024879, filed August 8, 2003, which claims priority to U.S. Applica.tion 60/402,165 filed ALagust 9, 2t~?.
[.07] The contenti of the above-noted applications are each expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[08] The present invention pertains to an oral care implement having various features that may include a cleaner for cleaning soft tissue surtaces in a user's niputh, tooth cleaning or tooth treating elements, movable cleaning features, vibratory mechanisms, and/or handle grippin;
features.
BACKGROUND
[09] A variety of toothbrush configurations exist that have stationary and/or mecha.n.ical l y-driven movable cleaning elements. These conventional toothbrushes are dedicated to tooth cleaning/polishing operations and typically include a head portion directed to the cleaning/polishing operations, and ahan.dle portion. The head typically has a flat or slightly altered surface to which the cleaning elements are attached, or to which mechanically-driven movable carriers for the cleaning elements are attached.
[101 Tongue scrapers exist as devices for removing micro debris disposed on a user's tongue.
Conventional tongue scrapers are stand-alone devices directed to the singula.r purpose of scraping a user's tongue. These conventional devices typically include a handle and scraper portion without including other cleaning elements.
E 11 ~ L ,~-rs manipulate conventional toothbrushes and tongue scrapers by gra4ping their handle portioas. T-Ae handles are typically simple, liaear rods of a relatively rIgkc-17 T~ which are iiÃ:ither conifoilE,}-_,: the user nor give-n to easy As these devices are commonly Ãzsecl in wet conditions, their handles are often slippery during use.
[12] Many people use multiple oral care implements, such as t.ocÃtltbrtÃshes and tongue scrapers, on a daily basis to accomplish multiple oral care tasks. For instance, a user may use a tocathbnjsh to clean his teeth and then use a tongue scraper to remove debris from his tongue.
The user may then re-use the toothbrush to further clean his tongue. Thus, the user may 5witclz between various oral care implements during a single session in a wet environment.
[ 131 CoÃiventianal t othbrnslZes have cleanincr elements that extend from a rigid head. Teeth and gums by natLÃre have a cor-oplex intricate contour. Due to the rigid nature of the attachment of the cleaning elements to the head of the toothbrush, the orientation of the cleaning elements is not flexible aÃ-id thus conventioÃial toothbrLÃshes do not provide optinial cleaning of teeth and gums. Conventional toothbrushes therefore have great difficulty in contacting areas of the teeth located at a greater distance from the head, including interproximal spaces between teeth.
SUMMARY
[14 J The present invention pertains to an oral care irnplernerÃt that provides several advantages and that may be used for multiple turÃctions. In one embodiment of the invention, an oral care implement is provided that has a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the head, which are attached to a support that is flexibly attached to the head. The cleaning elements may include forward angled cleanin~ elements and/or rearward angled cleaning elements. The cleaning elements may fÃ.irther include a central support at a central portion of the support.
[151 Embodiments of the invention niay be rnulti-functional and irÃcitÃde various combinations of features in advantageous combinations. Some embodiments include a soft tissue cleaner in combination with tooth cleaning features and/or in combination with gripping features on the handle that improve the user's grip and handling thereof. The embodimeTits may be manual or mechanically-driven devices, or combinations thereof.
BRIEF LsESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW:iNCS
~, ~o1 A more c,-frnlsie-.te understanclÃng of the present 'knventÃor~ and the advantages thereof rrÃav be acqttired to the foilowiner description ir~ conNideration o4f the acconipanying drawings, in which tike refereÃice s-iurrxlaers indicate like features.
~
__,_ 1171 Figtire 1 is a perspective view of ar~. embodiment of an oral care implemetit sLich as a toothbrush in accordance with this invention.
[ 18'1 Figure 2 is a side elevational view, in partial section, of the toothbrush shown in Figure 1.
1191 Figure 3 is a top, plan view of the toothbrush shown in Figures tand 2.
f 20'1 Figure 4 is a sicle elevational view sii-nilar to Figure 2 shown partially broken away.
[21] Figure 5 is a side e.levational view showing a subassembly of the bristle containing portion of a brush head in accordance with an aspect of the invention.
[22] Figure 6 is a side elevational view, in partial section, showing t.he sulaassembly of Figure incorporated in a completed toothbrush according to an embodiment of the invention.
1231 Figure 7 is a perspective view of a head portion of an oral care implement in accorda.n.ce with an embodiment of the invention.
[241 Figure 8 is a side view of the head portion shown in Figure 7.
[ 2 5 ] Figure 9 is a top view of the head portion shown in Figures 7 and S.
[26] Figure 10 is a side view of a head portion of an oral care irnplernent in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[271 Figure 11 is a top view of the head portion shown in Figtire 10.
(28] Figure 12 is a top view of a soft tissue cleaner side of an oral care implement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.
1291 Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the oral care implement of Figure 12 without tooth cleaning clement4_ [ 301 Figure 14 is a top view of an oral care implement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.
[31 ~ Figure 15 is a -L.r Ne view of the oral care implemeiit of Figure 14 witino t tooth cleaniqg elements.
1.314] Figure 16 :s a partial perspective, view of am oral care zrnplement according to a further embadirnc.iit of the invention without tooth cleaning elements.
(331 Figure 17 is a top view of an oral care impicnieiit in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.
[34] Fiaure 18 is apaa tial perspective view of the oral care implement of Ficure 17 without tooth cleaning elements.
[351 Figure 19 is partial perspective view of an oral care implement according to an embodiment of ti-ie invention.
[361 Figure 20 is a side r.icvationai view of the oral care implement of FigLire 19.
[37j Figure 21. is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of an oral care irnpiement, [34[ Figure 22A is a side elevational view of aiiother embodiment of an oral care inipiement.
[39] Figure 22B shows the oral care implement of Figure 22A while engaging a tooth.
[40.] Fi~ure 23A is a top view of an oral care implement according to another embodiment of the invention.
1411 Figure ?3B is a 4ide clevaticsnal view of the oral care implement of FiÃ;ure23A.
[42j Figure 24A is a top view of an oral care implement accord.in- to another embodiment of the invention.
[431 Figure 24B is a side elevational view of the oral care irniaiement of Fi~ure 24A, (44] Figure 25A is a top view of aheacf of an oral care implement according to another embodiment of the invention.
[.45J Figure 25B is a side elevational view of the oral care implement of Figure 25A.
[416] Fi-are ' 15C is a top view of aheaci of an oral care implement according to anothe-r embodiment of the invention.
[.47~[ Figure 251) is a si~e elevational view of tb.eoral care implement of Figure 25C.
148', Fiauz=e 2 5E is a top view of a head of an oral care i-zipiÃ:ment ac.corali.n~ to another cmbodiinen_ ~.~ .., ii:~~~eritior~.
[49] Fig~are 26 is a bottom perspective view of ahe"ad of ati oral care iinpiement according to another embodiment of the i~ivcntion.
_5 -[501 Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the oral care implement of Figure 26.
[511 Figure 28 is a side elevational view of the oral care implement according to another enibodirne:nt of the invention.
[52] Figure. 29 is a bottom perspective view of a head of an oral care zmplement according to another embodiment of the invention.
[53] The following embodiments describe aspects of the invention in the form of various oral care implement configurations that provide a variety of features and functions. Although these aspects are disclosed in the context of particular exemplary embadin-ients, the invention provides an oral care implement that includes one or more of the features described herein. The oral care implement may include a first feature described in one example configuration herein, as well as a second feature described in another example configuration herein.
[54] In other words, the invention contemplates mixing and matching features from the disclosed embodiments in various combinations into a single oral care implement. The present invention thus makes it possible to select a combination of cleanin- element configurations, tissue cleaner configurations, handle features, gripping features, mechanical drivine features, materials and orientations, etc. to achieve intended results, and to deliver additional oral health benefits, such as enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, tongue cleaning, massaging of gurns, etc.
[551 The term "cleaning elements" is intended to be used in a generic sense which could include elements for cleaning, treating, polishing, whitening, scraping, scrubbing, etc. Cleaning eiements may include, but are not limited to, nylon or fiber bristles, massage elements, and ciastarneric fingers or walls arranged i-n a circular cross-sectional shape or any type of desired shape inciudingstraight portions or sinusoidal portions. In the ioriii of bristles, the cieaninc, L-iemeais rriay ,- ,ecureei to a iiexibfe. membra.ne or web via t,~c:hnoic~gy, mc,,i:;ting thw tuft blocks or sby extending thein through saital?ie opening- in ti-ic i'IexibIe ~r ai:--,, or other inechanisms.
1561 A variety of oral care implement cc~nfigtirations are disclosed herein.
One configuration is an oral care implement having multiple groupings of cleaning elements that are tiniqueiy mounted to the head of the oral care imgleanent to facilitate flexible orientation of some groupings relative to the teeth and gums being cleaned. For exampie, groLipinbs of the head niay cooperate to "u-rap around" iiidividuaI teeth resulting in deeper penetration of c[eaning/treatina elements between teeth. Such configurations can provide effective overall cleaning, for example, by iiidepen.dent movement of groups of cleaning elements relative to the head x1d each other. This configuration and others are described below.
[571 Figures 1-4 illustrate a toothbrush 610 in accordance with one embodiment of this invention. As shown therein toothbrush 610 includes an elongated handle 612 with a head 614 connected to and extending from the handle. The head 614 is divided into apIuratity of separate cleaning areas which are spaced from each other. As illustrated the cleaning areas include a base 616 located at the distal end of the head 614 and projecting outwardly from the main body pui-tion 930 (Figure 4) of the head.. Base 616 includes at least one and preferably a plurality of cleaning elements 618. Head 614 further includes a base or supporting member 620 at the proximal end of head 614. Cleaning elements 618 also extend outwardly from base 620.
(.581 Mounted between the cleaning areas that incorporate bases 616 and 620 are a pair of pods 622, 624. Each pod is provided with at least one and preferably a plurality of cleaning elements.
As later described the pods 622, 624 have greater degrees of freedom than do the bases 616, 620.
In a preferred practice of the invention the pods 622, 624 are resilient members so that the pod cleaning elements add a motion rance beyond. the cleaning elements 618 which are generally static or non-mavable. Because the various cleaning elements are separated frorn each other such as by channels 728, which extend completely across head 614 in a transverse direction, and becatise of the elastic nature of pods 622, 624, the cleaning elements 626 may be capable of 360 degrees rotation about the vertical axis of each individLaal pod. The angle of the bend may be dictated i?vthc ability of the material to bend.
15 9 1 TcOLibl ,~i"i 610 thus provides aheaci 6 t-: =: i ~~ __~ the front (distal end) and the back (proximal end~ L~eas are in a reiativciy fixed position anti. ~&,,he.rein the c.leanin gdtreaÃing c.iements, such as bristle strands, 618 do not hwve any extra degree of motion. The inidrIli:
portion of head 614, however, has two areas of cleaning elements 626, which are capable of 360 degree rotation.
[60] As shown in Figure 4, the head 614 includes a main body portion 934 which supports the bases and pods. Body portion 93Ã1 and bases 616 and 620 are preferably macie frorn conventional hard plastic materials, such as polypropylene for example, cornnioniy used in the mak-ing of toothbrLish handles and heads. Pods 622, 624, however, are made so as to be resilierit. In a preferred practice of this invention, the resiliency of pods 622, 624 is achievcd by providiniz a thin diameter beam 932 which extends from the main body portion 930 of the head of the toothbrush. Beam 932 is joined into the bottom of a thin pad or plate 934 which provides a support area onto which the cleaning elements 626 are affixed. The manner of mounting the cleaning clemcnt_s 626 to the support pads 934 can be achieved utilizing various cleaning elr:ments, such as bristles and other cleaning materials, in known attachment methods.
[611 The desired flexibility or resiliency of the pods 622, 624 is enhanced by enclosing the thin beams 932 in elastic material 936 dur'rng a multi-injection niolding process. The elastic material 936 is resilient such that the beams 931- to their original form or initiat position. This return action creates an active motion in the opposite direction of the beam bend which aids in the cleaning of teeth by introducing extra brushing strokes.
[621 As best shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4 the pods 622, 624 include a widened portion disposed toward the body 930. The support pads 934 are also widcned. Each pod has a narrow or redLiced diameter central portion 938 longitudinally intermediate the lcngth of each pod.
Thus, each pod is of generally mushroom shape.
163] Beam 932 could be of any suitable shape such as having a cross-section which is circula.r, square or any other geometric shape that provides a thin dimcnkion or thin diameter to the beam to facilitate the bendability of the beam. The eiastomcr 936 may be considered as a cpntinuoLr.s Liver of any suitable thickracss which covers thc entire central area of head 61.4 as illustrated so ')oth pods 622, 624 are inuorporated as part of the sarne elastic material.
`Phe portion of the iead 61.4 which inciudcs, pods 622, 624 may bc forrned as ascparatc suba~iembIy similar to the a.~
sabsembiv later described with respect to Figiores 5 and. 6.
1641 Althouiz,h the invention caLild be practiced with a single base and a single pod and cou ld be practiced with the base having some, but a lesser degree of flexibility than the pod, the invention is preferably practiced wherein the base is generally static or non-movable. In addition, the invention is preferably practiced where there are a plurality of such bases and a plurality of pods. The drawings illustrate a configuration of the invention where there are a total of four separate cleaninc, areas with the pods being located in the central portion of head 614.
The invention may be practiced in a configuration in which the cleaning elements comprise a plurality of bristles or strands on each base and each pod.
[651 As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 each base 616 and 620 and each pod 622 and 624 may have ageneralIy oval outer surface. The bases and pods are longitudinally aligned, but spaced from each other by the depressions or open areas which I'orrri the channels 728_ As also illustrated in Figure 3 the pods may have a iarger outer surface or cleaning element carrying surface than do the bases.
166] As shown in Figure 2 the terminal surfaces of the cleaning elements 618 and 626 are tapered so that the terminal surfaces of the cleaning elements 6 l8 taper outwardly in a direction toward the center of head 614 while the terminal surfaces of cleaning elements 626 taper outwardly in a direction away from the center of head 614. Thus, the highest points of each set of cleaning elements 618 and its adjacent set of cleaning elements 626 are generally disposed toward each other for each pair of base and pod 616, 622 and 620, 624.
[67] Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used as the cleaning elenients 6.18 and 626 in the broad practice of this invention. The term "cl.eaning elements" is intended to be used m a generic sense as described abave, Using different cleaning materials as cleaning elements of the toofih.bnishes may yield different effects. In an attempt to provide better stain removal, a rubber-like material or elastomer can be itsed in combination with conventional bristles or used by itself to "briahten/whiten" the teeth.
1.681 It is to be understood that ehe ~pecffic. illustration of the cIeatnin, 1: r :! ~~'nere:Iy for cxemplary purposes. The invention can be .vlt.il various wr~rrll~~~ :.ti _ tla.e sarne or different cleaning cIerncnt configurations (such as stapled, anchor-free tufted t;1FT) bristles or in-ÃrtolÃIed techiioloity (INW) bristles. etc.) and/or with the same bristle or cleaning elements 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 of head 614, some or all of the e 1eaning elements may be an~led at various an~los with respect to the otiter surface of head 614. 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.
1691 Figures 5-6 illustrate a further embodiment of this invention. The toothbrush 11 IO.A has the ability to provide ~texiblo stipport for the bristles 1 026A., 1126A in designated areas. The flexibility is provided by designing the tuft holding areas 1034A, ! 134A as plates, which in combination with the stems 1038A, i 138A form pods ol, mushroom shape. The mushroom stem 1(}38A, 113 8A is made flexilale to allow the plate; 1034A, 1134A populated w ith bristles or cleaning elements 1026A, 1126A to move in different directions while brushing, as described v4ith respect to the flexible pods of Figures 1-4.
j701 Figures 5-6 show the toothbrush I 1 10A and in pa-ticular the cleaning element or bristle carrying portion 1023, 111.3 of the head 1114A. As shown in Figure 5, the bristle or cleaning element carrying portion 1023 forms an initial subassembly. This subassembly is inade by introducing the cleaning elements 1026A into the mold cavity into which a plastic material is injected. As the material injected cools off it pornla.nently traps th.e bristles or cleanin,-, elements 1.026A to form a brush or subassembly 1023_ ['71 ] To achieve afunetional flexibility and proper tuft retention the portion of the bristle holding part or subassernbly 1023 which comprises the plates 1034A, stems 1038A and interconnecting support 1025 is preferably a blend of polypropylene (PP) and soft TPE. Once the FP/TFF blend is combined with the bristles 1026A the snba..ssenibly 1023 is formed. The subasseniblv 10"13 is tb.en overmoldeci with an entire toothbrush handle 1.112A and head 1114A
during asecoi r;.~ n c= cle to form the completed toatlZb;-u~r :7 10Ashc~-vvii in Figure s. If desired uc ~, :,..,...~ ~-:anclle I 112A and head i a 1=1A ab~,-i~t the subassembly 1123 could be made first anÃ1 Li: or bristle reta.ininc, portion 1123 ia-iade -socond.
Az'hile an IMT
process has been described, the subassembly could aiNo be forrneel using an AFT process, - i t7 -wherein the cleaning elements are fused together and thzn captured within the plates, for example.
[721 It is to be understood that the i-nventian described in Figures 5-6 could be practiced wliere all portions of the head I. I 14A include the tlexibie mushroom sections without having less flexible base portiorts Such as bases 616 and 620 of Figures 1-4. Similarly, the subassembty two shot techniques of Figures 5-6 cotild be utaii7ed in the embodiment of Figures 1-4 for forming the two or more central pods as a single subassembly itiitially made separate from the remainder of the head I 114A. The final toothbrush would be made in a second injection molding process wherein the subasseinialy having interconnected laod5 622, 624 would be rnoldecf to the handle 612 and head 614 made of more ri~id material.
[73 1 As noted, Figure 2 illustrates the terminal surfaces of the cleaning elements 618 and 626 to be tapered in an up and down or zigzag manner. Figures 5-6 show an attern.ative taper wherein the terminal surfaces form a smooth, gentle, cnncave shape. If desired, other shapes niay be used such as a planar shape for the terminal surfaces or a convex shape as well as the zigzag or up and down shape shown in Figure 2. Similarly, the terminal ends of the cleaning elements in the Figures 1-4 embodiment, as well as those of Figures 5-6, could have the various shapes such as zigzag, convex, concave or planar.
1741 Figtires 7-25E show additional embodiments of the invention that further illustrate the combinability of various aspects, features and functions disclosed herein into single oral care implement configurations. Figures 7-25E disclose oral care implement configurations that provide a tooth cleaner having separate groups of cleaning elements, which may each be mounted on a fixed base or aflexib1e pod, and which may provide a soft tissue cleaner in addition to the tooth cleaner. The cotifi;LEratians may be powered or matiual devices, and the handles may include gripping features. As scich, the oral care implements disclosed in Figures 7-25F gencrallv include the aspects discussed along with Fig~res 1-6 pertaining to groups of at :i3 r ;I:c _,._~: tiLi6te por~
cleani-ag elements 1.
:. ;.< tI` '_ zt:ure5 may used 'rllt7T3o with as Ix`IeL.L..1,,~ IA. C t'; ~! in cc]-peI7dI.ne applications 111122,224 -and I0/7168,363 (i.e., thc heads of the varioLl>
embodiments described - li -herein cottid be vibrating heads) and tooth cleaning features discttssed throughout the speciftcatian.
[75:1 Figures 7-9 iliustrate an oral care implement 9910, such as a torathbrusla, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown therein, toothbrush 991(1 includes a head 9914 and a handle 8103. Handle 8103 may he formed in accordance with the teachings of U.S.
Application 10/902,257, filed July 30, 2004, incorporated by reference herein, aithough Qther handle configurations may be used, such as handle 612, 1112A shown in Figures 1-6, Head 9914 is generally the san-ie as head 614 discussed along with Figures 1-6, with the exception of cleaning elements 9918 and the contoured surface 9940 disposed on an opposite side of the head from the cleaning elements. Thus, head 9914 generally inclcides bases 616 and 620 that respectively support cleaning elements 9942 and 9944 in a substantially static configuration.
Head 9914 also includes pods 622 and 624 disposed between the bases for respectively supporting cleaning elements 9946 and 9948. As discussed along with Figttres 1-6, pods 622 and 624 can provide flexible mounts for cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 attached thereto, and may permit rotation and/or oscillation of the cleaning elements 9946 and 9948.
[76] Figure 7 shows a contoured surface 9940 disposed on an opposite side of the head from the cleaning elements. Contoured surface 9940 includes hills 9950 and valleys 9952 to provide a ro[lirtg or undulating surface on a rear face of the head.. Surface 9940 may be relatively smooth for use with massaging oral tissues and, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 12-1.8, the surface may include soft tissue cleaning elements for engaging soft oral tissues and provide cleaning benefits thereto.
1771 Figure 9 is top view of head 9914, wliieh shows a corrfiguratic~n of tooth cleaning elements 9918 for use with head 991.4. Cleaning elements 9918 may be formed of elastomeric wall members, elongate bristle tufts, or other types of cleaning elements, which are iztdependetitly flexible. In this wa.y, the cteaiiÃng elements are able to provide a i=mited and cc :,;:oileelftow of th( =t~~, i~ee a4 well as main:~.in a'lexibility to kl4 improved . . . .
C:~ ..T :~ Ã>T a ~.~ser_: ;i:i~.iat~Ãan ot,_t., -Ms v;a theciea-Mn` T1,, ;~
r:..
Cleaning elements 9918 are oriented f.`or engaging surfaces to be cleaned in a generaiiy iptended application direction A(see Figure 8), which is generally perpetxÃi.icular to the face of -1?-head 9914. Cleaning elements 9918, however, include a mixture of cleaning elements that are aligned with (iion-anglecf) and oblique to direction A(angied). The arrangement of angled and non-an,gIed cleaning elements provides effeetive engagement and cleaning of oral srtrtace4, which is further enhanced by the movable pods configuration. The cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 nlounted on pods 622 and 624 are adapted to engage a user's teeth, gums al1d other surfaces in a various ways that take advantage of their flexible support configuration.
As such, cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 include forward eteinent-s 9950 angled toward the tip end of the head, and rearward elements 9952 angled toward the handle. As shown, the forward and rearward elements 9950, 9952 are ~referabiy placed aii the forward and rearward sides of their respective pods, and more preferably, are placed in the ccarner regions of the pods. Such a location and orientation increases the likelihood that elements 9950 and 9952 will initially engage a surface to be cleaned prior to other cleaning elements on the respective pod, which encourages the respective pod to flex as the remaining cleaning elements thereon are engaging the surface.
[79] For instance, as oral care implement 9910 is moved forward such that head 99141ea.cis the toothbrush, forward elements 9950 will initially engage su.rfaces to be, cleaned prior to rearward elements 9952 or other cleaning elements disposed between elements 9950 and 9952.
The forward angle of elements 9950 will encourage pods 622 and 624 to bend rearward when the forward elements contact a surface to be cleaned while the toothbrush is moving forward.. The rearward bending of the pods, and their action of springing forward in response to the bending, enhan.ces the cleaning effectiveness of the cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 disposed on the pods. The angled configuration of elements 9950 and 9952 improves the ber7diiig of the pods in comparison with alternate embodiments wherein the cleaning elements are disposed perpendicular to the toothbrush face 9954 and are angled neither forward nor rearward, [80] Cleaning elements 9946 aiid 9948 of the pods also include non-angled cleaning elements 9954, which are beneficial for penetrating surfaces to be cleaned. In additian, cleaning elements 9946 ~,nd 9948 include a pair of beflt !.epstanding walk, 9956 in a central portion of the pf'&.
Stich walls could he formed as a &~is= i naAvd bristle tu4 h ; _`-d- f proc: .
~ ~
waIis coulci inciLide eiasiomerie elcmc ,v,;. Other coni'igU, .:Crn,j ~C L
:,ch (_ the walls in the pair 9950 has a conca~~e side opposing thi~concave side of the other %,ait in the pair. The bent confi-ura.tion and opposed convex sides of upstanding walls 9956 improve . 13 -retention of dentifricc therebctrveen dtirin~ use of the oral care implement.
In additic~n., the bent configuration provides a pair of rigid walls, which, in their central location of the pod, supports the pod to prevent ovcrllcxing of the cleaning elements 9946, 9948.
[8:I] Cleaning elements 9942 and 9944 disposed on static bases 616 and 620 are configiired to cooperate with cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 on the movable pods, as well as to effectively clean oral surfaces. The ha-ws each include a bristle 9960, a series of upstanding walls 9962, and angled cica.nine, elements 9964, 9966. Bristle 9960 is generally a non-angled coIunm that effectively penetrates gaps and recesses between oral structures (c.g., tceth).
[821 The series of upstanding walls 9962 are arranged to generally form a concave wall directed toward the remaining cleaning elements 9918. Thus, the concave wall 9962 of the front base 616 has its concave side directed rearward toward the handle, and the concave wall on the rear base 620 has its concave side directed forward toward the remainder of bristles 9918. In such a configuration, the opposing concave walls work in concert to retain dentifrice within the field of bristles 9918 via their concave shape that cups the dentifrice, as well as via small gaps between the upstanding walls that form the concave walls, which redticc the flow of dentifrice therebetween. f.n addition, the upstanding walls forming the concave walls are nan-anglled cleaning elements that provide support to the head 9914 during use and resist overflexing of the cicaning, elements when excessive downward force is applied by the user.
[831 Angled cleaning elements 9962 and 9964 are angled toward the movable pods 622 and 624 to cooperate with cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 attached thereto for effectively cleaning oral surfaces. As such, rear base 620 includes forward angled elements 9964, and front base 616 includes rearward angled elements 9966. Angled cleaning clemczits 9962 and 9964 are disposed close to one another inward of a respective pair of angled cleaning elements 9950 and 9952 of the movable pods. Thus, as the pods flex back and forth, angled cleaning elements 9962 and 9964 interpose between correslaonding angled cleaning elements 9964 and 9966.
This provides a lr liCv ;..tl:a)n [z .i ~nhw-ice ndavoid rence Ãic.twC:,C'..n i 9964. and 9,9Q, 91)64- that nnay iimii: rn. ovemcnt ot the pods.
[841 TIic cIcanina clcrracnts described in connection with the embodiment of F~~gUres 7-9, as well as the embodiments to fclIow, are preferably formed using an AFT
tcchnique as is known in the art. This technique facilitates the arrangement of cleaning element constructions that depart from the traditional stapled perpendicular tuft. With AFT teclinolagy, the anchored ends of the cleaning elements are melted together to form a block of cleaning elements, that can then be arranged on a head plate with various dimensions, angles and arientations.
Thus, the blocks of cleaning elements are generally captured within the pod structures, not embedded in asupp<arting medium.
1851 Referring now to Figures 10-13, an oral care implement 10210 is shown in accordance with aurther embodiment of the invention_ As shown therein, oral care implement 10210 includes a handle 8103, a head 10214 having cleaning elements 10218 attached thereto on a first side of the head, and a soft tissue cleaner 102180 disposed on a second side of the head that is opposite to the first side. Oral care implement 10210 generally includes the aspects and features of oral care implernent. 99 10, except as pertaining to the configuration of cleaning elements and the soft tissue cleaning features. Cleaning elements 1021.8 primarily include upstanding walls, which may include an elaston-teric elernent, or may be 1"oarmed as a densely packed bristle tuft by an IMT or AFl' process. Other configurations are contemplated. The upstanding walls provide beneficial wiping and polishing of teeth, in addition to cleaning benefits.
Clealting elements 10218 also include a central columnar cleaning element 10270, which may be a bristle, for penetrating oral surfaces. As shown in Figure 10, each central cleaning element 10270 extends beyond other cleaning elements proxizn.ate tlaereto on the same pod. In addition, central cleaning element has a pointed tip. As such, central cleaning element 10270 effectively penetrates and eng.ages oral surfaces and gaps between surfaces.
[.86] Similar to the configuration of Figures 4 and 7, and as shown in Figure 11, the tips or terminal ends of cleaning elements 10218 are tapered such that the pods are respectively encouraged toward their adjacent static base Nxzhile engaging surfaces to be cleaned. Thus, during use, cleaning elenients 9948 are generally biased toward engagement with cleaning elements 9944- on rea, b: ~1-0, and cleaning elements 9946 are generally biased toward engagement LL ;z t'$iIe I ' I72~~i4 9942 on front base 616. ~Is bias can work = i=~i~'.
.'t~li'. IG of t12~ pods that ;; xrttparted via engagement of angle,d cleaning elements with cleaning ,~,,rfaces when the device is being moved. Iiicreasing movement and the flexing of bases 622 and 624 further enhances tlte cleatiing wfl'ectiveitess of the oral care implement.
- i5-[87] The soft tissue cleaner 10280 includes a plurality of projections 10281 extending from a face 10284 on a second side of head 10 ? 14õ which is geiaerally opposite from the direction in which tooth cleaning elements 10218 exteiid. Soft tissue cleaner 10280 is disposed on a contoured surface, such as contoured surface 9940 shown iu. Figure 7, which includes hills 9950 and valleys 9952 to provide a rcrlling or undulating surface on a second face of the head.
Projections 10281 may be separately molded and glued tc, the contoured surface or otherwise attached thereto. In addition, they may be integrally formed with the head 10214. The projections could each be made from a material different frorn other projections and/or different from other parts. Soft 9-iaterials, such as a"I'P1r' or the like, ca. be fixed to head 10214 to forrn the projections. However, a harder material or virtually any known material used to make oral care implements may be appropriate for the projections.
(88] Projections 10281 include a plurality of nubs 10282, which extend from contoured surface 9940 to engage the soft tissue in a user's mouth. The projections 10281 could have a variety of shapes, patterns, cross-sections, configurations, etc.. and the soft tissue cleaner could have avarÃet.y of configurations for t.he projections.
[89.1 As shown in Figure 13, nubs 10282 generally cover rear face 10284 in a cleaner field 10288, which extends from a region opposite the rear base 620 at a lower portion of the head to a region opposite the front base 616 at a tip portion of the head. The nubs are dispersed in a substantially coutirtudus pattem over the cleaner field. The cleaner field includes hills 10290 proximate edge portions of face 10284, and valleys 10292 disposed between the 11i11s and at a central portion of the face. The configuration of hills and valleys enhances the effectiveness of the soft tissue cleaner by concentrating the applied force at ttie hill portions during initial contact with a user's soft tissue, which can increase penetration into the soft tissue versus a relatively tlat configuration. As the user applies additional force, the valleys contact the soft tissue to aid in c1eanine the soft tissues. If excessive force is appliLd, the valleys help to limit excessive pent~tration. When the uubs in the vaile9, regions engage the soft ti4sue tl.~
prnvi&~ x.fit added ~ (-.
9 _ y.A{q^ q, kq;y /$e . 1. the di~t 1.;.i1S~ l.#ellgy'~ 1 by 6j.13t.S~
of pr,;cc:tions on ).<c hills and vj1_evs work 'iti concer-t to I,..1~ :Fnci then ci:~iod~~c clcbris in a user's soft tissue.
i6-[.901 Figures 14 and 15 illustratc another embodiment 1.061(3 of an oral care implement according to the invention. Oral care implement 10610 generally includes the same aspects and features of oral care implement 10210, except with respect to the cotifiguratiQn of projections on the soft tissue cleaner 10680. Rather than having nubs across the cleaner field, soft tissue cleaner 10680 only includes nubs 10282 on the hills 10288. Instead, multiple ridges 10294 are disposed in some of the valley regions 1(}290 including a central portion of face 10284. The ridges can be made from the same or a different material than the nubs. For instance, the nubs and ridges may be made of the same type of clastomer; however, the elastomer for the ridges may be more rigid than that for the nubs.
1911 Ridges 10294 have variable lengths that provide variable levels of soft tissue engagement durinc, use. As such, longer and shorter ridges can work in concert to loosen and dislodge debris as the different lengths of ridges successively engage portions of soft tissue. Ridges 10294 taper from a wide base region disposed proximate the face 102$4, to anarrowcr tip 10696. Thus, increasing levels of soft tissue engagement are provided depending on the amount of user force applied.
11921 Figure 16 illustrates another embodiment 10810 of an oral care implement according to the invention. Oral care implement 10810 generally includes the same aspect and fcattires of oral care implement 10610, except with respect to the configuration of projections on the soft tissue cleaner 10880. Soft tissue cleaner 10880 differs from soft tissue cleaner 10680 in that it does not include ridcres 10294. Thus, soft tissue cleaner includes nubs 10282 that are only located on hills 10288 along the side portions of face 10284, As such, gentle cleaning is provided via the nubs located on the hills. The gentle cleaning is beneficial for simultaneous liinctionality of the oral care implement, such as when attser cleans his teeth while simultaneously e-ngaging soft tissues inside his cheek via soft tissue cleaner 10880. The gentle en-agetncnt can provide pleasant sensory stimulation along with ocntle cleaning of the soft tissucs.
[931 17 and iS illustrate anoth.f ~-rnbociimcnt 10910 ai"an oral care implement accordir~g lo thc irivcntion. Oral care ir,il>~cr.icnt 10910 generally includes the same aspects and features of oral care implement 10610, except with respect to the configuration of projections on - l7_ the soft tissue cleaner 10980. Soft tissue cleaner 1.0380 differs from yQft tissue cleaner 10680 in that ridges 10994 are not provided in the central portion of face 10284, but are provided in valleys 1.0290 disposed between adjacent pairs of hills 10288. In addition, ridges 10994 are generaily smaller than ridges I0294. As such, ge-ntle cieaning is provided, which, similar to oral care iiiipltirÃent 10810, can be beneficial during simultaneous functionality of the device.
(341 Referring now to Figures 19-20 an oral care in-iplerrrent 12000 is shown in accordance with a further embodiTnent of the itrvention. As shown therein, oral care iniplement 12000 includes a handle 8103, a head 12002 having a frame 12104, bases or pods 12010, 12020, 12032 and 12034 on a front side of the head, cleaning elements 12218 extending from the pods, and a sai't tisstte cleaner 12280 disposed on a rear side of the head that is opposite to the front side.
Oral care implement 12000 generally includes the aspects and features of oral care implement 10210 shown in Figures 10-13, except as discussed hereafter. The soft tissue clean.er 12280 is generally the same as soft tissue cleaner 102180. However, various soft tissue cleaner configurations may he used, such as, for example, the soft tissue cleaners of Figures 14-18.
[951 Oral care implement. 12000 shown in Figures 19 and 20 is illustrated as having four pods:
a proxianal pod f2010, a distal pod 12020 and two central pods 1.2032 and 12034. The proximal and distal pods extend from frame 12004, which is on a rear portion of the head. The embodiment shown in Figures 19 and 20 differs from the embodiments shown in Figures 1-1 8 in that the central pods 12032 and I2034 are not connected directly to the rear, frame portion of head 12002, but rather are suspended between the proximal pod 12010 azid the distal pod 121020.
The proximal pod and the distal pod are attached to the frame, whereas the central pods are suspended over the frame. As sLic;h, the central pods are spaced from the frame such that a gap 12050 is disposed therebetween.
[96] Central pods 12032 and 12034 are suspended via bridge supports 12060, which may include a pair of sO-;tantially paraliel stippcarts 12067 separated by a gap 12065. A first bridge sapporc t;xten&= ~c <<.~dinaliy between tR~.e prox>r_~,al pod 120 10 and central pod 12034, a.nd a second pair of bri~ ~~ -,upports cxtend-~ lcar~gi. ~: ,u(: bem::c:-rz disU pod 12020 and central pod 12034. in addktion. a bridge support extends Ican~ ituria~~al~ ~~ ~~etween central pods 1'0322 and 12034. Thus each central pod is supported by a pair of opposite bridge suppvrts.
(971 While the illustrated embodiment shows pairs of supports 12067 on each side of each central pod, other configurations are contemplated. For example, instead of a pair of supports 12067. a single bridge element may be disposod between the proxii-nal or distal pod and the ,e could be wider than adjacent central pod, at-id between the two central pods. Such a single bridg each of the individual pair of supports 12067 such that the width of the single bridge support generally equals the width of the pair of supports plus gap 12065 therebetween.
1981 The central pods 12032 and 12034 generally have greater degrees of freedom than do the proximal and distal pods. In one confi~uratian, brid~e siipport~; 12060 and 1207[1 are substantially rigid. Even so, the suspension arrangement can provide a moderate amount of flexibility to the central pods. In a preferred, more flexible configuration, bridge supports 12060 and 12070 are flexible features that perm.it the cleaning elements extending from the central pods 12032 and 121034 to have a much larger range of motion than the cleaning elements extending from the proximal and d.istal pods 12010 and 1.2020, respectively, which are generally static or non-movable. The flexible bridge stipports may be formed from a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. Other rubber-like materials may be used, such as other thermoplastics, or a thermoplastic urethaiie, or a plast.orner, or any combination thereof.
[99] In a flexible configuration, bridge supports 12060 and 12070 are resilient and allow the central pods to twist about their sLipport axis andJor move toward frame 12004 when downward force is applied to the central pods during use of the implement. Further, the elastic nature of the bridge supports may permit the central pods to return to their original form or initial position when the force is decreased. In addition, when the oral care implement is moved in a longitudinal direction para.llel to the handle 8103, the central pods can deflect longitudinally as they engage a surface to be ctea.ned. The deflection of the central pods in the longitudinal direction may also be due to the elastic nature of the support bridges 12060 and 12070. Such return action can create an active motion in the opposite direction of the direction of movement, wiiirh aids in the cleaziing of teeth by introducing extra bru3hina strokes.
a{! fhc: disiance L~.le Presxsrnai pod, 12010 and th:: -- i,11 pod 12020 may be greater than the width of the each of the central pods 1 Z`~31- and 12034, and in the il lustÃated einbodiment of Figure 19 is approximately twice the width of one of the central pods. Further, in -19u the illustrated ernbodiment, the central pods 12032 and 1,2034 are suspended away from the frame a distance sli-htly less than the thickness of the central pods 120321 and 12034. The length of the support bridges 12060 and 12070 may be sia-nilicantly less than the length of the central pods 12032 and 12034, and, in the configuration shown in Figures 1.9 and 2(}, is approximately 1/5 the length of the central pods. As a result, with two central pods of the configuration shown in Figitres 19 and 20, the suppport bridges 12060 and 12070 span less than 25%
of the total distance between the proximal and distal pods 12010 and. 12020, respectively.
[ 101 I In addition, the configuration shown in Figures 19 and 20 includes a unitary assertxbly 12500 (reference number not shown) that forms a top portion of proximal pod 12010, the top of distal pod 12020, bridge supports 12060 and 12070 and central pods 12032 and 12034. The unitary assembly 12500 may be made from an elastomeric material, such as a soft thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Again, other rubber-like materials may be used, such as other thermoplastics, or a thermoplastic urethane, or a plastomer, or any combination thereof. The top portions 12033 and 12035 of the proximal and distal pods can be attached to protrusions (not shown) extending from the underlying la.ead. I2002, tliereby providing sufficient support and strength to the proximal and distal pods 12032 and 12034. The top portions may also be formed as unitary features along with the frame of the head, such as frorn a unitary plastic mold. When formed as differentiated features. the proximal and distal pods ccrtild be formed from the same or different materials than the frame, the bridge supports and/or the central pods. For instance, the bridge supports and central pods eQtild be made from a first thermoplastic material, and the proximal and distal pods could be formmed separately from a second thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene. In such a configuration, the bridge siipporrs and the central pods could be made as a unitary construction that is welded or adhered to the proximal and distal pods. FtirtlZer, the bridge supports, the central pods, and the top portions of the proxir.aal and distal pods could be formed as a unitary nierrmber that is attached to the frame.
( i0''1 As disc:us~~~ ~.~~:ih regard to the embodiment 5hrswti in Figures i ancl 8, the cleaning , Il: ~ cviitra.l pods can b atl..i Wetla.
other surfaces in i~.:Jiou, v..:~~ that take advar.tage ra: their llexibsc 5up; ort conti~uratic~n. For instance, as,shown in Figure 1.9. the c:leaiiÃiig elements provided on the centra,l pods can include forward elements 121090 angled toward the tip end of the head, and rearward elements 12092 -~~-angled toward the handle enci. The location and orientation of these forward and rearward elements can increase the likelihood sLich elements will initially enc~age a surface to be cleaned prior to other cleaning elements on the respective pod, thereby ericottragizzg the respective pod to flcx as the remaining cleaning elements thereon eirgage the snrface.
[1031 As further shown in Figure 1.9, cleaning elements 122) I8 may include upstanding walls 12094, which may be e[astomeri.c or bristie-based as discussed a.bave. The upstanding walls can provide beneficial wiping and polishing of teeth in addition to cleaning benefits. Cieanina elements 12218 may further include a central coIurnnar cleaning element 12274, which may include one or more bristles for penetrating oral surfaces. The columnar cleaning elements iiiay extend beyond other c[eaning elements proxiniate thereto on the same pod, and they may have a generally pointed tip. As such, central cleaning element 12270 can effectively penetrate and engage oral surfaces and gaps between surfaces.
[104] The tips or terminal ends of cleaning elements 12218 may be tapered such that the suspended pods are respectively encouraged toward their adjacent praximal or distal pod 12020 and 12010, respectively, while engaging surfaces to be cleaned. Thus, during use, cleanina elements extending from central pod 12032 may generally be biased toward engagement with cleaning elements extending from proximal pod 12010, whereas cleaning elements extending from central pod 12034 rnay generally be biased toward engagement xxyith cleaning eler.nents extending from distal pod 12020. This bias can cooperate with tnovernent of the pods imparted via engagement of angled cleaning elements with cleaning surfaces when the device is being moved. Increasing rrioverns~ent and the flexing of the suspended central pods 12032 and 12034 further enhances the cleaning effectiveness of the oral care ianplement.
[ 105] Referring now to Figure 21, a toothbrush 13000 is shown that is similar to the embodiment iliustrated in Figures 19 and 20 and generally has the same the aspects and features, except as pertaiziing to its ccrttrat pod and the configuration of cleaning elements 13218 and its lack. of a;~~ft tissue cleaner. Tootht ru5h 1-3000 =nclud.es a handle 8103 and a hcad 13002 ha.viiig t~ : i.ram~r' 13004, a~c~~l of fixed and s~~sp:: -uc elements. Head l vu 1, f prox irnai and distal pods 1 '10 10 and 13020, and a single central pod 13050 sUspended between '1-the proximal and distal pods. The handle 8103, head 13002 and proximal and distal pods 13010 and 13020 may be forrtred as a unitary construction from a thermoplastic, such as polyprapvleiie.
[ 1061 Sitigle central pod 13050 has an ela..~tomeric section 13055 disposed in a middle portion a1'the central pod. The elastomeric section is preferably made from a resilient material, such as a soft thez-rn.op[a5tic clastamer (TPE), while the central pod is preferably made from more rigid naatcrial, such as poIvpropylene. The central pod 13050 is held in p[ace by a molded TPE
membrane 13070 that connects with the proximal and distal pods 13010 and 13020 to form bridge supports 13060. The membrane 13070 may form a loop that encompasses the pair of fixed proximal and distal pods 13010 and 13024 and attaches to opposing sides of central pod 13050. Grooves (not showzi) in side portions of the proximal and distal pods, as well as the central pod, may receive znembran.e 13070. In addition, membrane 13070 may be attached to the pods via an adhesive tiuzd/oar a melt bond.
[I0'71 Membrane 13070 allows the central pod 13050 to move toward frarne 13004 when sufficient force is applied during a cleaning operation. When such force is applied to the central pod, opposite halves 13051 and 13053 of the central pod will also flex about the clastorrieric section 13055. As a result, the two sets of cleaning elernents 1321.8 extending from either end of the central pod 13050 can rotate toward one anaEher. The central pod 13050 can flex back to its original position when the force on the central pod moving it toward the head 13002 diminishes.
['1081 Cleaning elements 13218 extending from central pod 13050 are generally centrally-tapered, which is generall y an opposite orientation to the configuration of cleaning elements shown in Figures 10 and .11 and Figures 19 and 20. The central taper encourages cleaning elements 13218 to penetrate interproximal spaces of the user's teeth while applying moderate force to toothbrush 13000 against their teeth. W'hen the user applies more excessive force to the toathIsrcish, cen.tral pod 13050 moves into contact with frarne 13004 and causes the central pod to bend about elastameric section 13055 and further engage the interproximal space to which the CIeme.t-its are applied.
,IO91, Rc.ferriag raow to 1- .:-; 22A and 22B, a wothbruslZ 13010 is shown that is sirnilar to the emborli.ment iliust=ated in Figure 22 1 and generally has the same the aspects and featu.res as toothbrusli 13000, except as pei-*aiuing to its frame. As shown, frame 13007 include4 a resilient hizaee element 13080 located in a central portion of the frame and traversing its width. The liinge element may be torrrmed from a TPE or other resilient material that is more flexible than other portions of the frame. The hinge element may also include a reduced thickness region of the frame about which a TPE or other resilient material is disposed. For instance, a proximal portion I3082 of the frame and a distal portion 1.3084 of the frame may be forrtied from a relatively rigid material, such as a polypropylene material, and inay include a thin neck region (not shown) disposed therebetween. The neck region may permit the proximal and distal portion of the frame to rotate with respect to each other. A resilient material :13081 may surraund the neck to dan-ipen rotation about the neck. The resilient :nateria1 may be adhered to the framevia an adhesive bond, a melt bond or other attachment mechanism, such as a compression fit about the neck.
[1 I(7] Hinge element 13080 permits proximal and distal portions 13082 and 13084 respectively of frame 130(34 to rotate with respect to one another during use. Thus, head 13010 can generally curl or bend around a surface to be cleaned, such as a user's tooth as illu.strated in Figure 22B. In addition, hinge element 13080 can simply improve the overall flexibility of the head for adapting to a variety of cleaning features, orientations of iise, and applied forces.
For instance, as shown in Figure 22B, hinge element I.3080 can permit frame 13007 to flex like a bow.
In another example (not shown), hinge element 13080 can permit the tip portion of the head to be flexed rearward, which will encourage central pod 13050 to move away from the f'rarrie as the bridge supports are stretched taut.
[111] Referring now to Figures 23A and 23B, an oral care implement 13020 is shown that is sirtiilar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21 and generally has the same the aspects and features as toothbrush 130Ã0, except as pertaining to its central pod, the arrangement of cleaning elements 131-18. and the existence of a soft tissue cleaner 13280 disposed on a rear side of its head that is opposite to the front side. TEie soft tissue cleaner 13280 is generally the same as soft tissue cleaners 10280 and I2280 of Figttres 10-13 and 19-20 reapeetively.
However, various soft tissue cI-=er configurations mav be usecl, such as the soft ti5sue cleau.ers of Figures I4- IK
1.30210 includes a central pod 13058 that is substantially anitary and Iack-:
c.iastoritcric 13055 of toc?thbrusb. 13000. Tb.us, the central pod can provia.h, rvL=1y firm engagement of oral features to be cleaned via the larger rigid central pod, while retainittc, benefits provided via its suspended configuration. As such, central pod can adapt to the cleaning forces applied to the head by moving fore, aft, sideways and/c~r downward ~~itb.
respect to the i'ran.~.e_ However, its relatively large, rigid size can provide uniform orientation to a large number of cleaning members 13218 attached thereto.
[ 1121 Cleaning elements 13218 extending from the central pod are sirnila..r to the cleaning elements 12218 of toothbrush 12000 and generally include the same, configuration, aspects and features as cleaning elements 1212I.8 shown in Figure 19. However, as central pod 1305 8 is single pod that spans about the sanie distance as central pods I2032 and 12034 of toothbrush I2000 in Figure 19, central pod 13058 includes additional cleaning elements in its central region.
As shown in Figure 23A, a central colttmnar cleaning element 13096 is iocated at a central portion of the central pod, which is similar to columnar cleaning elerrrent.s I2270 of toothbrush 12000. Columnar clea.nirig element 13096 cooperates with colurnuar cleaning elements 12270 to effectively penetrate and engage oral surfaces and gaps between surfaces and to transmit downward force tO the central pod when excessive cleaning force is applied to the cleaning elements. In addition, several radial cleaning elements 13098 extend from the central eoiurn.~iar cleaning element 13096 in a generally spoke-like configuration at a central region of the central pod. Radial cleaning elements engage features to be cleaned throughout a central portion of the pod, which provide a perimeter structure at side portions of the central pod.
The perimeter structure enhances engagement of oral features to be cleaned and can assist with retaining dentifrice within the clean'rng elements of the central pod during use.
[1I31 Referring now to Figures 24A and 24B, a toQthbrush 14000 is shown that is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21 and comprises a handle 8103 and a head 14002 having a combination of fixed and suspended cleaning elements. Head 14002 includes a frame 14404, proximal and distaI pods 14010 and 14020 having cleaning elements 14018, and a siiigle central pod 14050 suspended between the proximal and distal pods. The handle 8103, head 14002 and Iaroxinial and distal pc}d4.140l0 and 14020 may be formed as a unitary construction from a tbermoplastic, ~uch as p~.~lypropyleue. A sOfx ti.SsUC cieaner 14280 is generally the same as soft tissuà 10280 and 12?80 c~i` Figuses 1.043 a.:,<< I0-20 ic; _cctBwly. HowÃ.ver_ various soft tissu` cle"L, iC-.r Z~:Onfi;uratiun" E:i.l_ i:3e used, such as :1:~: soft tissuc cleaners of Figures I=I- I8.
[1I4] Central pod 14050 has an elastomeric section 14055 disposed in a middle portion of the central pod, or more particularly between a pair of pod segments. The elaston-leric section is preferably made from a resilient material, such as a soft thermoplastic ela..sta:m.er (TPE), while the central pod is preferably made from more rigid material, such as palypropyleiie. The central pod 14050 is held in place hy a molded TPE menibrane 14070 that connects with the proximal and distal pods I40 10 and 14420 to form bridge supports 14060. The me:aibrane 14070 may form a loop that encompasses the pair of fixed preaximal and distal pods 1401(} and 14020 and attaches to oppasing sides of central pod 14050. Grooves (not shown) in side portions of the proximal and distal pods, as well as the central pod, may receive membrane 14070. In addition, men-ibrane 14070 may be attached to the pods via an adhesive and/or a melt bond, for exampie, [ 1151 The cleaning elements 14218 on the central pod 14050 are similar to the configuration of the cleaning elements shown in Figures 19 and 20, with the exception of a plLlrality of cezatral, flexible cleaning elements 14270 extending from the frame 14004 and protruding through one or more openings (n.at shown) in the c:entral pod 14050. Cleaning element 14270 further comprises massaging and/ar polishing elements 14272 on its upper surface. While two cleaning elements 14270 are shown, it will be appreciated that only one, or more tb.an two cleaning elements 14?70 may be used as desired. Cleaning element 14270 niay be attached to the frame 14004, or extend through the frame 14004 from the soft tissue cleaner 142180 on the opposite side of the head I4002. If the [atter, the cleaning element 14270 may be molded simultaneously with the soft tissue cleaner 14280. In either case, a unitary structure defined by the membrane 14070 carrying pods 14010, 14020 and 14050, could be assembled to the base 14004 over the cleaning elezn.ent(s) 14270. Other rnetb.ads of construction are contemplated.
[ 11 61Membra.ne I4070 altaw s the central pod 14050 and cleaning elements 14218 to move toNvard frame 14004, guided by the cleaning elements 14270, when sufficient force is applied during a cleaning operation. Such movement provides additional functionality not described be,fore. One, such functionality is a tooth polisher in Lhe mlicidle of the head that is surrounded by fixed and movable ciearsitig eieme:i_,. 1-:018, 14218 In aciditiono tb.e c:ieasiing element 14270 includes massaging a:~ci/or pc~iisb.ing eierne.j:ts 1=~2; ~?
tiaat are at a fixed Ã;:t relative to the head 14004, yet are surrounded by cleaning elements 142 18 that recede tow,,trd tbe head 14004 under brushing pressure, enabling the cleaniiig elements 14272 to be inore efficacious during brushing.
[ 1171 W-hen brushing pressure force is applied to the central pod 14050, segments 14051. aaid 14053 of the central pod 14050, as well as the cleaning elements 14270, will flex about the elastomeric section 14055. As a result, the cleaning eletnents 14218 extending from either end of the central pod 14050, as well as the cleaning elements I4270, can rotate toward one another.
The ceiitra.i pod 14050 can tlex back to its original position when the force on the central pod movinc, it toward the head 1.4002 diminishes.
[118) Referring now to Figures 25A-25E, a toothbrush I500OA-C is shown that is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 23A and 23B and comprises a handle 8103 and a head 15002 having a combination of fixed and suspended cleaning elements. Head 15002 includes a frame 15004, proximal and distal pods I5010 and 15020 havitig cleaning elements 15018, and a central pod 15050 defined by pod segments 15051-15054 (embodiments of Figures 25A
through 25D) or pod segments 15055 through 15058 (embodiment of Figure 25E) suspended between the proximal and distal pods. The handle 8 103, head 15002 and proximal and distal pods 15010 aad 15020 may be formed as a unitary construction fram a thernioptastic, such as polypropyien:e.
[ 1191 The central pod segments 15051-15058 are held in place by a molded TPE
membrane 15070 that connects with the proximal and distal pods I5010 and 15020 to form bridge supports 15060. The membrane 15070 may form a loop that encompasses the pair of fixed proximal and distal pods 15010 and 15020 and central pod segments 15051-15058, which segments may be separated by a flexible gap 15062 along the longitudinal axis (embodiment of Figilres 25A and 25B) or lateral axis (embodiment of Figures 25C and 25D) of the head 15002.
Altematively, segr=nts 15055-15058 of the embodiment of Figure 25E may be separated by a flexible gap 15062 along both the longitudinal and lateral axes of the head. Grooves (not shovan) in the pÃads may receive membrane 15070. In addition, membrane 15070 may be attached to the pods via an adhesive and/or a rrzeit bond, for exampIe.
Thc e'lea.ning eic;ments 151. 18 on =ize central pod se:wments are sirri.iiar to the coniguration of the cit:,a:i; na elements s~o%,n in Fi,-U.res 23A and 23B, with the exception of a central cleaning element 1521?0 having polishing ridges 15272 along its uppcr surfa.ce that protrudes through an opening {ncat shown) in the membraiie 15070. Such cleaning element 15270 futie-tions in a similar manner as cleaning element I4270 of Figures 24A and 24B, relative to the membrane 15070 and the central pod segments 15051, 15053 of Figures 25A and ?SB.
However, because the central pod segments 15051, 15053 are separated along the longitudinal axis of the head 15002 bv a gap 15062. such segments 15051, 15053 will tend to rotate away from the protruding cleaning element 15270, or rotate around the cleaiiing element 15270, under brushing pressure, thereby simulating the movement of a bird's wings, resulting in increased efficacy and interproximal penetration. A similar movement is experienced along the traiisverse axis with segments 15052, 15054 of FigLire;s ' 24C and 24D. and an even more extensive movement is experienced along the longitudinal and transverse axes w-ith segpents 15055-15058 of Figure 25E. Thus, cleaning element 15270 provides a central pivot around wb.ieh pod segments 15051-1.5058 can move.
[ 121] Cleaning element 15270 inay be attached to the frame 15004, or extend th.rough the frame 15004 from asaft tissue cleaner (not shown) on the opposite side of the head 15002. If the latter, the cleaning element 15270 may be molded simultaneously with the soft tissue cleaner. In either case, a unitary stnict.ure defined by the membrane 15070 carrying pods 15010, 15020 and central pod 15050 segments 1505 I-15058, could be assembled to the base 15004 over the cleaning element 1.5270. Other methods of construction are contempiated.
[1221 Referring now to Figures 26 and 27, a taotbbrrash 16000 comprises a handle 8103 and a head 16002 having a combination of fixed and suspended cleaning elements. Head includes a frame 16004, proximal and distal pods 16010 and 16020 having cleaning elements 16018, and a central pod 16050 defined by pod segments 16051 and 16053 suspended between the proximal and distal pods. The handle 8103, head 16002 and proxirrÃa.l and distal pods 1E010 and 16020 may be formed as a unitary construction from a thermoplastic, such as polypropylene.
~ 1231 The central pod segments 16051 and 16053 may be separated by a bridge 16052 that is flexibIe arA from the sarne mawt:.:l as a molded TPEmenibrane 16070 that connects with the 1~~d distai pods l60;'~~ <u-CL 1.6020 to forrr bridge -supports 1.6060.
The i:iiembrane 16070 may form a loop that encor.r~p.-sses the pair of fixed prnxinia1 and distaC
pods 16010 and 16020 and central pod 16050 incitzding segments 16051 and 16053, which ?~~
segments may be separated by a flexible gap 16062 along the lateral axis of the head 16002 and/or along the longitudinal axis a,.~ shown in other embodiments (see, for example, FIGS. 25 A-215E). Grooves (not shown) in the pods may receive membrane 16070. In addition, inembrane 16070 may be attached to the pods via an adhesive and/or a melt bond, for example.
(1241 Proximal and distal pods 16010 and 16020 rriay be integral with the head frame 1600=1, such that the membrane extends around the central portion of such pods, or the pods may terniinat.e at the edge of the rnembrane 16070 (see the bottom of pcad 16050 in FIG. 27) and be attachable to the head frame 16004 by ultrasonic welding, adhesive or the like_ Aceardinaly, membrane 16070 may serve as an outer frame to a plate of cleaning elements included on pods 1.6010, 16020 and 16050, which plate may be attachable as a single unit to the head frame 16004.
Thus, the pods 16010, 16020 and 16050 may be assembled and manipulated as a single unit and attachable to the head frame 16004 as a single unit at the proximal and distal ends of the head frame 16004.
[125] FIG. 27 illustrates the con4truetion of a portion of pod 16050, and more specifically a portion of pod 1605 1, wherein the bottoms 16019 of cleaning elezrzetits 16018 are melted to forin a mat 16021, which mat 16021 is captured between a pod housing 16053 and floor 16054. The mat 160211 prevents the cleaning elements 16018 from passing through the tuft holes in the pod housing 16053. The floor 16054, for example, could be adhered or welded to the hout~ing 16053, with the floor 16054 being at least partially surrotinded by the membrane 16070. Thus, the cleaning elements 16018 in this embodiment are captured and secured within the pod housing 16053 and floor 16054 in a manner known as anchor-free tufting {AFT}, but such cleanino, elements are not rigidly and securely fixed to any particular support structure i-a the manner of a stapled tuft secured within a tuft boIe, f 1.261 The cleaning elements 16018 on the proximal azid distal pads, 160 10 and 16020 may be een supported using an AFT process as ciescrihed above, wherein they would be captured iietw th 1-1C be.,.3 clr tbev may be anchored to the pods 16010, 161 ! if :ch pods co- ~, , :~ rll ~lis of fine head frame 160041, If they w~re provided usffig an AFT process, the connection between the fx.id boti5ing a.rzd the head franie woti1d constitute an edge eonrieetion, with the pod housing bei~g welded, for example, to the head ?~ -frai-ne along the periphery of the pod housing to allow for the inat of melted bristle ends to reside between the pod housing and the head frame.
[1271 When brushing with the toathbruSh of. for example. FIGS. 22A-22B, that has a toothbrush head that is comprised of several areas with affixed cleaning elements (proximal and distal ends) interconnected with a flexible, central rubber-like field, the central area can bottom and touch the head frame below in an uncontrollable fashion (see FIG-_ 22B).
As a result there may be a clankiniz noise, a significant "slzppage/stretcb.ing" of the central portion of the flexible field with an imbedded block(s) of cleaning elemeiits that rnay cause a damage either to the structure or to the user. By incorporating supports that protrude upwards from the brush head, the flexible field's movements can be controiled with an intent to enable the flexible field to move in a particular fashion relative to the bntsb head.
(1281 FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate one example of a single, central protrcision 16270 extending from a soft tissue cleaner 16280 on the back of the head 16002 to a depression or notch 16055 provided in the floor 1.6054 of the tuft block 16050. Such protrusion 16270 is preferably forrned or unitarily molded together with the soft tissue cleaner 16280 of a flexible material, although it does not have to be, and provides a pivot point for pod 16050. This enables pod 16050 to move in a controlled fashion relative to the head frame 16004. Depending on the flexibility of the protrusion .I6270, pod 16050 may also be capable of normal movement or movement toward the head frame 16004 (again, see FIG. 22B for example). Alternatively, the protrusion 16270 may be rigid and extend from the head frame 16004 to provide a rigid pivot point that resists normal rnovement of the pod 16050 toward the head frame 16004. Or eourse. while a single, central protrusion 16270 is illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, the number and type of protrusians or supports may vary as shown in, but not limited to, FIG. 28 (multiple supports 17270 and 17271 extending between head frame 17004 and central pod 17050) and FIG. 29 (transverse bar support 18270 extending from the head frame 18004 along the transverse axis of the central pod 48050 of toothbrush 18000, inak ;ng iine contact with the central pod 18050). Each of Lhe embodiments of FIGS. 26-29 enables unique movement of the flexible pod r4i, rz o to the iieaÃ1 frame, with the structure illustrated in FIGS. 26-27 enabiina at least a3fs0 clegrcc pivot, the sti-ucture iilustrated in FIG. 28 enablinc, a more restrictive pivoting move.m.ent. and the structure illustrated in FIG. 29 e:nabliÃ~g a rocking movernent over protrusion 18?70.
iy_ 11291 As various changes could be made in the above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in this application, including all mechanisms and/or modes of interaction described above, shall be interpreted as iliustrative only and not lin-iiting i-o any kvay the scope of the appended claims. Further, as noted above, it is intended that oral care implements according to the, invention and associated methods may utilize various combinations of aspects, features and configurations discussed within the application.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
1.01) This is a continuation in pan of U.S. Application 11/256,790, filed October which is a continuation in part of U.S. Application 11I122,224 filed May 5, 2005, which is a corzti~~iatiozz in part of U.S. Application 101768,363, filed January 30, 2004, which is a eontinuatiou in part of U.S. Application 1.0I697,2I3, tiled October 30, 2003.
[021 Further, this is a continuation in part of U.S. Application 1 l./01.9,671, filed Deeernber 23, 2004, which: (1) is a continuation in part of U.S. Application 10/869,922, filed June 18, 2004, which is a continuation in part of U.S. Application 10/601,106, filed June 20, 2003; (2) is a continuation in part of International Application PCT/US031030633 filed September 26, 2003, which claims the benefit oFU.S. Appiicatiou.60/414,117 filed September 27, 2002, U.S.
Application 6()/418,776, filed October 16, 2002, and U.S. Application 60/419,425, filed October 18, 2002; (3) is a continuation in part of international Application PCT/US2003/029497, filed September 17, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Application 60/412,290, filed September 20, 2002, (4) is a continuation in part of U.S. Application 291189,729, filed September 10, 2043;
and (5) is a continuation-inLLpart of U.S. Application 10/989,267. filed November 17, 2004, which is a contintration-in-pax-c application of U.S. Application 29/209,242, filed July 14,2004, 1031 Additionally, this application is a continuation in part application of U.S. Application 10/989,267, filed November 17, 2004, which is a continuation in part application of U.&
Application Serial No. 29/209,242, f-iied July 14, 2004, and a continuation in part application of U.S. Application 291209,244, filed July 14, 2004.
[041 Further, this application is a continuation in part application of U.S.
Application 10/902,257, 2004, filed July 30, 7004. which (1) is a continuation in part of International Ai3plic.lrion PCT/US'2(}03/02_9497, filed September 17, 2003, which c:i;ain~z priority of U&
60i412a290, filed September20,2002: and (?,~ isaco~-iE:nt, rti)rz inpart ofU,S.
Appiia"zion 2911 S9. 729. filed September 10, 2003.
"05'1 in addition, this application is a continuation in pa:rt of U.S. AppliÃ
.ation 1 II0,53,5$3, filed February 8, 2005, which is a continuation of intemationai Appficatiorl PCTCUTS20031024878, - i_ filed August 8, 2003, which claii-ns priority to U.S. Applications 60/402,162 filed August 9, 2002, 60/402,170 filed August 9, 2002 and 60/4-02,670 filed August 12, 2002.
[06] Further. this application is a contiiiuation in part of U.S. Application 11/053,589, filed Febrctary 4, 1.005, which is a continuation of Intematianal Application PCT/t.IS20031024879, filed August 8, 2003, which claims priority to U.S. Applica.tion 60/402,165 filed ALagust 9, 2t~?.
[.07] The contenti of the above-noted applications are each expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[08] The present invention pertains to an oral care implement having various features that may include a cleaner for cleaning soft tissue surtaces in a user's niputh, tooth cleaning or tooth treating elements, movable cleaning features, vibratory mechanisms, and/or handle grippin;
features.
BACKGROUND
[09] A variety of toothbrush configurations exist that have stationary and/or mecha.n.ical l y-driven movable cleaning elements. These conventional toothbrushes are dedicated to tooth cleaning/polishing operations and typically include a head portion directed to the cleaning/polishing operations, and ahan.dle portion. The head typically has a flat or slightly altered surface to which the cleaning elements are attached, or to which mechanically-driven movable carriers for the cleaning elements are attached.
[101 Tongue scrapers exist as devices for removing micro debris disposed on a user's tongue.
Conventional tongue scrapers are stand-alone devices directed to the singula.r purpose of scraping a user's tongue. These conventional devices typically include a handle and scraper portion without including other cleaning elements.
E 11 ~ L ,~-rs manipulate conventional toothbrushes and tongue scrapers by gra4ping their handle portioas. T-Ae handles are typically simple, liaear rods of a relatively rIgkc-17 T~ which are iiÃ:ither conifoilE,}-_,: the user nor give-n to easy As these devices are commonly Ãzsecl in wet conditions, their handles are often slippery during use.
[12] Many people use multiple oral care implements, such as t.ocÃtltbrtÃshes and tongue scrapers, on a daily basis to accomplish multiple oral care tasks. For instance, a user may use a tocathbnjsh to clean his teeth and then use a tongue scraper to remove debris from his tongue.
The user may then re-use the toothbrush to further clean his tongue. Thus, the user may 5witclz between various oral care implements during a single session in a wet environment.
[ 131 CoÃiventianal t othbrnslZes have cleanincr elements that extend from a rigid head. Teeth and gums by natLÃre have a cor-oplex intricate contour. Due to the rigid nature of the attachment of the cleaning elements to the head of the toothbrush, the orientation of the cleaning elements is not flexible aÃ-id thus conventioÃial toothbrLÃshes do not provide optinial cleaning of teeth and gums. Conventional toothbrushes therefore have great difficulty in contacting areas of the teeth located at a greater distance from the head, including interproximal spaces between teeth.
SUMMARY
[14 J The present invention pertains to an oral care irnplernerÃt that provides several advantages and that may be used for multiple turÃctions. In one embodiment of the invention, an oral care implement is provided that has a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the head, which are attached to a support that is flexibly attached to the head. The cleaning elements may include forward angled cleanin~ elements and/or rearward angled cleaning elements. The cleaning elements may fÃ.irther include a central support at a central portion of the support.
[151 Embodiments of the invention niay be rnulti-functional and irÃcitÃde various combinations of features in advantageous combinations. Some embodiments include a soft tissue cleaner in combination with tooth cleaning features and/or in combination with gripping features on the handle that improve the user's grip and handling thereof. The embodimeTits may be manual or mechanically-driven devices, or combinations thereof.
BRIEF LsESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW:iNCS
~, ~o1 A more c,-frnlsie-.te understanclÃng of the present 'knventÃor~ and the advantages thereof rrÃav be acqttired to the foilowiner description ir~ conNideration o4f the acconipanying drawings, in which tike refereÃice s-iurrxlaers indicate like features.
~
__,_ 1171 Figtire 1 is a perspective view of ar~. embodiment of an oral care implemetit sLich as a toothbrush in accordance with this invention.
[ 18'1 Figure 2 is a side elevational view, in partial section, of the toothbrush shown in Figure 1.
1191 Figure 3 is a top, plan view of the toothbrush shown in Figures tand 2.
f 20'1 Figure 4 is a sicle elevational view sii-nilar to Figure 2 shown partially broken away.
[21] Figure 5 is a side e.levational view showing a subassembly of the bristle containing portion of a brush head in accordance with an aspect of the invention.
[22] Figure 6 is a side elevational view, in partial section, showing t.he sulaassembly of Figure incorporated in a completed toothbrush according to an embodiment of the invention.
1231 Figure 7 is a perspective view of a head portion of an oral care implement in accorda.n.ce with an embodiment of the invention.
[241 Figure 8 is a side view of the head portion shown in Figure 7.
[ 2 5 ] Figure 9 is a top view of the head portion shown in Figures 7 and S.
[26] Figure 10 is a side view of a head portion of an oral care irnplernent in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[271 Figure 11 is a top view of the head portion shown in Figtire 10.
(28] Figure 12 is a top view of a soft tissue cleaner side of an oral care implement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.
1291 Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the oral care implement of Figure 12 without tooth cleaning clement4_ [ 301 Figure 14 is a top view of an oral care implement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.
[31 ~ Figure 15 is a -L.r Ne view of the oral care implemeiit of Figure 14 witino t tooth cleaniqg elements.
1.314] Figure 16 :s a partial perspective, view of am oral care zrnplement according to a further embadirnc.iit of the invention without tooth cleaning elements.
(331 Figure 17 is a top view of an oral care impicnieiit in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.
[34] Fiaure 18 is apaa tial perspective view of the oral care implement of Ficure 17 without tooth cleaning elements.
[351 Figure 19 is partial perspective view of an oral care implement according to an embodiment of ti-ie invention.
[361 Figure 20 is a side r.icvationai view of the oral care implement of FigLire 19.
[37j Figure 21. is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of an oral care irnpiement, [34[ Figure 22A is a side elevational view of aiiother embodiment of an oral care inipiement.
[39] Figure 22B shows the oral care implement of Figure 22A while engaging a tooth.
[40.] Fi~ure 23A is a top view of an oral care implement according to another embodiment of the invention.
1411 Figure ?3B is a 4ide clevaticsnal view of the oral care implement of FiÃ;ure23A.
[42j Figure 24A is a top view of an oral care implement accord.in- to another embodiment of the invention.
[431 Figure 24B is a side elevational view of the oral care irniaiement of Fi~ure 24A, (44] Figure 25A is a top view of aheacf of an oral care implement according to another embodiment of the invention.
[.45J Figure 25B is a side elevational view of the oral care implement of Figure 25A.
[416] Fi-are ' 15C is a top view of aheaci of an oral care implement according to anothe-r embodiment of the invention.
[.47~[ Figure 251) is a si~e elevational view of tb.eoral care implement of Figure 25C.
148', Fiauz=e 2 5E is a top view of a head of an oral care i-zipiÃ:ment ac.corali.n~ to another cmbodiinen_ ~.~ .., ii:~~~eritior~.
[49] Fig~are 26 is a bottom perspective view of ahe"ad of ati oral care iinpiement according to another embodiment of the i~ivcntion.
_5 -[501 Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the oral care implement of Figure 26.
[511 Figure 28 is a side elevational view of the oral care implement according to another enibodirne:nt of the invention.
[52] Figure. 29 is a bottom perspective view of a head of an oral care zmplement according to another embodiment of the invention.
[53] The following embodiments describe aspects of the invention in the form of various oral care implement configurations that provide a variety of features and functions. Although these aspects are disclosed in the context of particular exemplary embadin-ients, the invention provides an oral care implement that includes one or more of the features described herein. The oral care implement may include a first feature described in one example configuration herein, as well as a second feature described in another example configuration herein.
[54] In other words, the invention contemplates mixing and matching features from the disclosed embodiments in various combinations into a single oral care implement. The present invention thus makes it possible to select a combination of cleanin- element configurations, tissue cleaner configurations, handle features, gripping features, mechanical drivine features, materials and orientations, etc. to achieve intended results, and to deliver additional oral health benefits, such as enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, tongue cleaning, massaging of gurns, etc.
[551 The term "cleaning elements" is intended to be used in a generic sense which could include elements for cleaning, treating, polishing, whitening, scraping, scrubbing, etc. Cleaning eiements may include, but are not limited to, nylon or fiber bristles, massage elements, and ciastarneric fingers or walls arranged i-n a circular cross-sectional shape or any type of desired shape inciudingstraight portions or sinusoidal portions. In the ioriii of bristles, the cieaninc, L-iemeais rriay ,- ,ecureei to a iiexibfe. membra.ne or web via t,~c:hnoic~gy, mc,,i:;ting thw tuft blocks or sby extending thein through saital?ie opening- in ti-ic i'IexibIe ~r ai:--,, or other inechanisms.
1561 A variety of oral care implement cc~nfigtirations are disclosed herein.
One configuration is an oral care implement having multiple groupings of cleaning elements that are tiniqueiy mounted to the head of the oral care imgleanent to facilitate flexible orientation of some groupings relative to the teeth and gums being cleaned. For exampie, groLipinbs of the head niay cooperate to "u-rap around" iiidividuaI teeth resulting in deeper penetration of c[eaning/treatina elements between teeth. Such configurations can provide effective overall cleaning, for example, by iiidepen.dent movement of groups of cleaning elements relative to the head x1d each other. This configuration and others are described below.
[571 Figures 1-4 illustrate a toothbrush 610 in accordance with one embodiment of this invention. As shown therein toothbrush 610 includes an elongated handle 612 with a head 614 connected to and extending from the handle. The head 614 is divided into apIuratity of separate cleaning areas which are spaced from each other. As illustrated the cleaning areas include a base 616 located at the distal end of the head 614 and projecting outwardly from the main body pui-tion 930 (Figure 4) of the head.. Base 616 includes at least one and preferably a plurality of cleaning elements 618. Head 614 further includes a base or supporting member 620 at the proximal end of head 614. Cleaning elements 618 also extend outwardly from base 620.
(.581 Mounted between the cleaning areas that incorporate bases 616 and 620 are a pair of pods 622, 624. Each pod is provided with at least one and preferably a plurality of cleaning elements.
As later described the pods 622, 624 have greater degrees of freedom than do the bases 616, 620.
In a preferred practice of the invention the pods 622, 624 are resilient members so that the pod cleaning elements add a motion rance beyond. the cleaning elements 618 which are generally static or non-mavable. Because the various cleaning elements are separated frorn each other such as by channels 728, which extend completely across head 614 in a transverse direction, and becatise of the elastic nature of pods 622, 624, the cleaning elements 626 may be capable of 360 degrees rotation about the vertical axis of each individLaal pod. The angle of the bend may be dictated i?vthc ability of the material to bend.
15 9 1 TcOLibl ,~i"i 610 thus provides aheaci 6 t-: =: i ~~ __~ the front (distal end) and the back (proximal end~ L~eas are in a reiativciy fixed position anti. ~&,,he.rein the c.leanin gdtreaÃing c.iements, such as bristle strands, 618 do not hwve any extra degree of motion. The inidrIli:
portion of head 614, however, has two areas of cleaning elements 626, which are capable of 360 degree rotation.
[60] As shown in Figure 4, the head 614 includes a main body portion 934 which supports the bases and pods. Body portion 93Ã1 and bases 616 and 620 are preferably macie frorn conventional hard plastic materials, such as polypropylene for example, cornnioniy used in the mak-ing of toothbrLish handles and heads. Pods 622, 624, however, are made so as to be resilierit. In a preferred practice of this invention, the resiliency of pods 622, 624 is achievcd by providiniz a thin diameter beam 932 which extends from the main body portion 930 of the head of the toothbrush. Beam 932 is joined into the bottom of a thin pad or plate 934 which provides a support area onto which the cleaning elements 626 are affixed. The manner of mounting the cleaning clemcnt_s 626 to the support pads 934 can be achieved utilizing various cleaning elr:ments, such as bristles and other cleaning materials, in known attachment methods.
[611 The desired flexibility or resiliency of the pods 622, 624 is enhanced by enclosing the thin beams 932 in elastic material 936 dur'rng a multi-injection niolding process. The elastic material 936 is resilient such that the beams 931- to their original form or initiat position. This return action creates an active motion in the opposite direction of the beam bend which aids in the cleaning of teeth by introducing extra brushing strokes.
[621 As best shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4 the pods 622, 624 include a widened portion disposed toward the body 930. The support pads 934 are also widcned. Each pod has a narrow or redLiced diameter central portion 938 longitudinally intermediate the lcngth of each pod.
Thus, each pod is of generally mushroom shape.
163] Beam 932 could be of any suitable shape such as having a cross-section which is circula.r, square or any other geometric shape that provides a thin dimcnkion or thin diameter to the beam to facilitate the bendability of the beam. The eiastomcr 936 may be considered as a cpntinuoLr.s Liver of any suitable thickracss which covers thc entire central area of head 61.4 as illustrated so ')oth pods 622, 624 are inuorporated as part of the sarne elastic material.
`Phe portion of the iead 61.4 which inciudcs, pods 622, 624 may bc forrned as ascparatc suba~iembIy similar to the a.~
sabsembiv later described with respect to Figiores 5 and. 6.
1641 Althouiz,h the invention caLild be practiced with a single base and a single pod and cou ld be practiced with the base having some, but a lesser degree of flexibility than the pod, the invention is preferably practiced wherein the base is generally static or non-movable. In addition, the invention is preferably practiced where there are a plurality of such bases and a plurality of pods. The drawings illustrate a configuration of the invention where there are a total of four separate cleaninc, areas with the pods being located in the central portion of head 614.
The invention may be practiced in a configuration in which the cleaning elements comprise a plurality of bristles or strands on each base and each pod.
[651 As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 each base 616 and 620 and each pod 622 and 624 may have ageneralIy oval outer surface. The bases and pods are longitudinally aligned, but spaced from each other by the depressions or open areas which I'orrri the channels 728_ As also illustrated in Figure 3 the pods may have a iarger outer surface or cleaning element carrying surface than do the bases.
166] As shown in Figure 2 the terminal surfaces of the cleaning elements 618 and 626 are tapered so that the terminal surfaces of the cleaning elements 6 l8 taper outwardly in a direction toward the center of head 614 while the terminal surfaces of cleaning elements 626 taper outwardly in a direction away from the center of head 614. Thus, the highest points of each set of cleaning elements 618 and its adjacent set of cleaning elements 626 are generally disposed toward each other for each pair of base and pod 616, 622 and 620, 624.
[67] Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used as the cleaning elenients 6.18 and 626 in the broad practice of this invention. The term "cl.eaning elements" is intended to be used m a generic sense as described abave, Using different cleaning materials as cleaning elements of the toofih.bnishes may yield different effects. In an attempt to provide better stain removal, a rubber-like material or elastomer can be itsed in combination with conventional bristles or used by itself to "briahten/whiten" the teeth.
1.681 It is to be understood that ehe ~pecffic. illustration of the cIeatnin, 1: r :! ~~'nere:Iy for cxemplary purposes. The invention can be .vlt.il various wr~rrll~~~ :.ti _ tla.e sarne or different cleaning cIerncnt configurations (such as stapled, anchor-free tufted t;1FT) bristles or in-ÃrtolÃIed techiioloity (INW) bristles. etc.) and/or with the same bristle or cleaning elements 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 of head 614, some or all of the e 1eaning elements may be an~led at various an~los with respect to the otiter surface of head 614. 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.
1691 Figures 5-6 illustrate a further embodiment of this invention. The toothbrush 11 IO.A has the ability to provide ~texiblo stipport for the bristles 1 026A., 1126A in designated areas. The flexibility is provided by designing the tuft holding areas 1034A, ! 134A as plates, which in combination with the stems 1038A, i 138A form pods ol, mushroom shape. The mushroom stem 1(}38A, 113 8A is made flexilale to allow the plate; 1034A, 1134A populated w ith bristles or cleaning elements 1026A, 1126A to move in different directions while brushing, as described v4ith respect to the flexible pods of Figures 1-4.
j701 Figures 5-6 show the toothbrush I 1 10A and in pa-ticular the cleaning element or bristle carrying portion 1023, 111.3 of the head 1114A. As shown in Figure 5, the bristle or cleaning element carrying portion 1023 forms an initial subassembly. This subassembly is inade by introducing the cleaning elements 1026A into the mold cavity into which a plastic material is injected. As the material injected cools off it pornla.nently traps th.e bristles or cleanin,-, elements 1.026A to form a brush or subassembly 1023_ ['71 ] To achieve afunetional flexibility and proper tuft retention the portion of the bristle holding part or subassernbly 1023 which comprises the plates 1034A, stems 1038A and interconnecting support 1025 is preferably a blend of polypropylene (PP) and soft TPE. Once the FP/TFF blend is combined with the bristles 1026A the snba..ssenibly 1023 is formed. The subasseniblv 10"13 is tb.en overmoldeci with an entire toothbrush handle 1.112A and head 1114A
during asecoi r;.~ n c= cle to form the completed toatlZb;-u~r :7 10Ashc~-vvii in Figure s. If desired uc ~, :,..,...~ ~-:anclle I 112A and head i a 1=1A ab~,-i~t the subassembly 1123 could be made first anÃ1 Li: or bristle reta.ininc, portion 1123 ia-iade -socond.
Az'hile an IMT
process has been described, the subassembly could aiNo be forrneel using an AFT process, - i t7 -wherein the cleaning elements are fused together and thzn captured within the plates, for example.
[721 It is to be understood that the i-nventian described in Figures 5-6 could be practiced wliere all portions of the head I. I 14A include the tlexibie mushroom sections without having less flexible base portiorts Such as bases 616 and 620 of Figures 1-4. Similarly, the subassembty two shot techniques of Figures 5-6 cotild be utaii7ed in the embodiment of Figures 1-4 for forming the two or more central pods as a single subassembly itiitially made separate from the remainder of the head I 114A. The final toothbrush would be made in a second injection molding process wherein the subasseinialy having interconnected laod5 622, 624 would be rnoldecf to the handle 612 and head 614 made of more ri~id material.
[73 1 As noted, Figure 2 illustrates the terminal surfaces of the cleaning elements 618 and 626 to be tapered in an up and down or zigzag manner. Figures 5-6 show an attern.ative taper wherein the terminal surfaces form a smooth, gentle, cnncave shape. If desired, other shapes niay be used such as a planar shape for the terminal surfaces or a convex shape as well as the zigzag or up and down shape shown in Figure 2. Similarly, the terminal ends of the cleaning elements in the Figures 1-4 embodiment, as well as those of Figures 5-6, could have the various shapes such as zigzag, convex, concave or planar.
1741 Figtires 7-25E show additional embodiments of the invention that further illustrate the combinability of various aspects, features and functions disclosed herein into single oral care implement configurations. Figures 7-25E disclose oral care implement configurations that provide a tooth cleaner having separate groups of cleaning elements, which may each be mounted on a fixed base or aflexib1e pod, and which may provide a soft tissue cleaner in addition to the tooth cleaner. The cotifi;LEratians may be powered or matiual devices, and the handles may include gripping features. As scich, the oral care implements disclosed in Figures 7-25F gencrallv include the aspects discussed along with Fig~res 1-6 pertaining to groups of at :i3 r ;I:c _,._~: tiLi6te por~
cleani-ag elements 1.
:. ;.< tI` '_ zt:ure5 may used 'rllt7T3o with as Ix`IeL.L..1,,~ IA. C t'; ~! in cc]-peI7dI.ne applications 111122,224 -and I0/7168,363 (i.e., thc heads of the varioLl>
embodiments described - li -herein cottid be vibrating heads) and tooth cleaning features discttssed throughout the speciftcatian.
[75:1 Figures 7-9 iliustrate an oral care implement 9910, such as a torathbrusla, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown therein, toothbrush 991(1 includes a head 9914 and a handle 8103. Handle 8103 may he formed in accordance with the teachings of U.S.
Application 10/902,257, filed July 30, 2004, incorporated by reference herein, aithough Qther handle configurations may be used, such as handle 612, 1112A shown in Figures 1-6, Head 9914 is generally the san-ie as head 614 discussed along with Figures 1-6, with the exception of cleaning elements 9918 and the contoured surface 9940 disposed on an opposite side of the head from the cleaning elements. Thus, head 9914 generally inclcides bases 616 and 620 that respectively support cleaning elements 9942 and 9944 in a substantially static configuration.
Head 9914 also includes pods 622 and 624 disposed between the bases for respectively supporting cleaning elements 9946 and 9948. As discussed along with Figttres 1-6, pods 622 and 624 can provide flexible mounts for cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 attached thereto, and may permit rotation and/or oscillation of the cleaning elements 9946 and 9948.
[76] Figure 7 shows a contoured surface 9940 disposed on an opposite side of the head from the cleaning elements. Contoured surface 9940 includes hills 9950 and valleys 9952 to provide a ro[lirtg or undulating surface on a rear face of the head.. Surface 9940 may be relatively smooth for use with massaging oral tissues and, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 12-1.8, the surface may include soft tissue cleaning elements for engaging soft oral tissues and provide cleaning benefits thereto.
1771 Figure 9 is top view of head 9914, wliieh shows a corrfiguratic~n of tooth cleaning elements 9918 for use with head 991.4. Cleaning elements 9918 may be formed of elastomeric wall members, elongate bristle tufts, or other types of cleaning elements, which are iztdependetitly flexible. In this wa.y, the cteaiiÃng elements are able to provide a i=mited and cc :,;:oileelftow of th( =t~~, i~ee a4 well as main:~.in a'lexibility to kl4 improved . . . .
C:~ ..T :~ Ã>T a ~.~ser_: ;i:i~.iat~Ãan ot,_t., -Ms v;a theciea-Mn` T1,, ;~
r:..
Cleaning elements 9918 are oriented f.`or engaging surfaces to be cleaned in a generaiiy iptended application direction A(see Figure 8), which is generally perpetxÃi.icular to the face of -1?-head 9914. Cleaning elements 9918, however, include a mixture of cleaning elements that are aligned with (iion-anglecf) and oblique to direction A(angied). The arrangement of angled and non-an,gIed cleaning elements provides effeetive engagement and cleaning of oral srtrtace4, which is further enhanced by the movable pods configuration. The cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 nlounted on pods 622 and 624 are adapted to engage a user's teeth, gums al1d other surfaces in a various ways that take advantage of their flexible support configuration.
As such, cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 include forward eteinent-s 9950 angled toward the tip end of the head, and rearward elements 9952 angled toward the handle. As shown, the forward and rearward elements 9950, 9952 are ~referabiy placed aii the forward and rearward sides of their respective pods, and more preferably, are placed in the ccarner regions of the pods. Such a location and orientation increases the likelihood that elements 9950 and 9952 will initially engage a surface to be cleaned prior to other cleaning elements on the respective pod, which encourages the respective pod to flex as the remaining cleaning elements thereon are engaging the surface.
[79] For instance, as oral care implement 9910 is moved forward such that head 99141ea.cis the toothbrush, forward elements 9950 will initially engage su.rfaces to be, cleaned prior to rearward elements 9952 or other cleaning elements disposed between elements 9950 and 9952.
The forward angle of elements 9950 will encourage pods 622 and 624 to bend rearward when the forward elements contact a surface to be cleaned while the toothbrush is moving forward.. The rearward bending of the pods, and their action of springing forward in response to the bending, enhan.ces the cleaning effectiveness of the cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 disposed on the pods. The angled configuration of elements 9950 and 9952 improves the ber7diiig of the pods in comparison with alternate embodiments wherein the cleaning elements are disposed perpendicular to the toothbrush face 9954 and are angled neither forward nor rearward, [80] Cleaning elements 9946 aiid 9948 of the pods also include non-angled cleaning elements 9954, which are beneficial for penetrating surfaces to be cleaned. In additian, cleaning elements 9946 ~,nd 9948 include a pair of beflt !.epstanding walk, 9956 in a central portion of the pf'&.
Stich walls could he formed as a &~is= i naAvd bristle tu4 h ; _`-d- f proc: .
~ ~
waIis coulci inciLide eiasiomerie elcmc ,v,;. Other coni'igU, .:Crn,j ~C L
:,ch (_ the walls in the pair 9950 has a conca~~e side opposing thi~concave side of the other %,ait in the pair. The bent confi-ura.tion and opposed convex sides of upstanding walls 9956 improve . 13 -retention of dentifricc therebctrveen dtirin~ use of the oral care implement.
In additic~n., the bent configuration provides a pair of rigid walls, which, in their central location of the pod, supports the pod to prevent ovcrllcxing of the cleaning elements 9946, 9948.
[8:I] Cleaning elements 9942 and 9944 disposed on static bases 616 and 620 are configiired to cooperate with cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 on the movable pods, as well as to effectively clean oral surfaces. The ha-ws each include a bristle 9960, a series of upstanding walls 9962, and angled cica.nine, elements 9964, 9966. Bristle 9960 is generally a non-angled coIunm that effectively penetrates gaps and recesses between oral structures (c.g., tceth).
[821 The series of upstanding walls 9962 are arranged to generally form a concave wall directed toward the remaining cleaning elements 9918. Thus, the concave wall 9962 of the front base 616 has its concave side directed rearward toward the handle, and the concave wall on the rear base 620 has its concave side directed forward toward the remainder of bristles 9918. In such a configuration, the opposing concave walls work in concert to retain dentifrice within the field of bristles 9918 via their concave shape that cups the dentifrice, as well as via small gaps between the upstanding walls that form the concave walls, which redticc the flow of dentifrice therebetween. f.n addition, the upstanding walls forming the concave walls are nan-anglled cleaning elements that provide support to the head 9914 during use and resist overflexing of the cicaning, elements when excessive downward force is applied by the user.
[831 Angled cleaning elements 9962 and 9964 are angled toward the movable pods 622 and 624 to cooperate with cleaning elements 9946 and 9948 attached thereto for effectively cleaning oral surfaces. As such, rear base 620 includes forward angled elements 9964, and front base 616 includes rearward angled elements 9966. Angled cleaning clemczits 9962 and 9964 are disposed close to one another inward of a respective pair of angled cleaning elements 9950 and 9952 of the movable pods. Thus, as the pods flex back and forth, angled cleaning elements 9962 and 9964 interpose between correslaonding angled cleaning elements 9964 and 9966.
This provides a lr liCv ;..tl:a)n [z .i ~nhw-ice ndavoid rence Ãic.twC:,C'..n i 9964. and 9,9Q, 91)64- that nnay iimii: rn. ovemcnt ot the pods.
[841 TIic cIcanina clcrracnts described in connection with the embodiment of F~~gUres 7-9, as well as the embodiments to fclIow, are preferably formed using an AFT
tcchnique as is known in the art. This technique facilitates the arrangement of cleaning element constructions that depart from the traditional stapled perpendicular tuft. With AFT teclinolagy, the anchored ends of the cleaning elements are melted together to form a block of cleaning elements, that can then be arranged on a head plate with various dimensions, angles and arientations.
Thus, the blocks of cleaning elements are generally captured within the pod structures, not embedded in asupp<arting medium.
1851 Referring now to Figures 10-13, an oral care implement 10210 is shown in accordance with aurther embodiment of the invention_ As shown therein, oral care implement 10210 includes a handle 8103, a head 10214 having cleaning elements 10218 attached thereto on a first side of the head, and a soft tissue cleaner 102180 disposed on a second side of the head that is opposite to the first side. Oral care implement 10210 generally includes the aspects and features of oral care implernent. 99 10, except as pertaining to the configuration of cleaning elements and the soft tissue cleaning features. Cleaning elements 1021.8 primarily include upstanding walls, which may include an elaston-teric elernent, or may be 1"oarmed as a densely packed bristle tuft by an IMT or AFl' process. Other configurations are contemplated. The upstanding walls provide beneficial wiping and polishing of teeth, in addition to cleaning benefits.
Clealting elements 10218 also include a central columnar cleaning element 10270, which may be a bristle, for penetrating oral surfaces. As shown in Figure 10, each central cleaning element 10270 extends beyond other cleaning elements proxizn.ate tlaereto on the same pod. In addition, central cleaning element has a pointed tip. As such, central cleaning element 10270 effectively penetrates and eng.ages oral surfaces and gaps between surfaces.
[.86] Similar to the configuration of Figures 4 and 7, and as shown in Figure 11, the tips or terminal ends of cleaning elements 10218 are tapered such that the pods are respectively encouraged toward their adjacent static base Nxzhile engaging surfaces to be cleaned. Thus, during use, cleaning elenients 9948 are generally biased toward engagement with cleaning elements 9944- on rea, b: ~1-0, and cleaning elements 9946 are generally biased toward engagement LL ;z t'$iIe I ' I72~~i4 9942 on front base 616. ~Is bias can work = i=~i~'.
.'t~li'. IG of t12~ pods that ;; xrttparted via engagement of angle,d cleaning elements with cleaning ,~,,rfaces when the device is being moved. Iiicreasing movement and the flexing of bases 622 and 624 further enhances tlte cleatiing wfl'ectiveitess of the oral care implement.
- i5-[87] The soft tissue cleaner 10280 includes a plurality of projections 10281 extending from a face 10284 on a second side of head 10 ? 14õ which is geiaerally opposite from the direction in which tooth cleaning elements 10218 exteiid. Soft tissue cleaner 10280 is disposed on a contoured surface, such as contoured surface 9940 shown iu. Figure 7, which includes hills 9950 and valleys 9952 to provide a rcrlling or undulating surface on a second face of the head.
Projections 10281 may be separately molded and glued tc, the contoured surface or otherwise attached thereto. In addition, they may be integrally formed with the head 10214. The projections could each be made from a material different frorn other projections and/or different from other parts. Soft 9-iaterials, such as a"I'P1r' or the like, ca. be fixed to head 10214 to forrn the projections. However, a harder material or virtually any known material used to make oral care implements may be appropriate for the projections.
(88] Projections 10281 include a plurality of nubs 10282, which extend from contoured surface 9940 to engage the soft tissue in a user's mouth. The projections 10281 could have a variety of shapes, patterns, cross-sections, configurations, etc.. and the soft tissue cleaner could have avarÃet.y of configurations for t.he projections.
[89.1 As shown in Figure 13, nubs 10282 generally cover rear face 10284 in a cleaner field 10288, which extends from a region opposite the rear base 620 at a lower portion of the head to a region opposite the front base 616 at a tip portion of the head. The nubs are dispersed in a substantially coutirtudus pattem over the cleaner field. The cleaner field includes hills 10290 proximate edge portions of face 10284, and valleys 10292 disposed between the 11i11s and at a central portion of the face. The configuration of hills and valleys enhances the effectiveness of the soft tissue cleaner by concentrating the applied force at ttie hill portions during initial contact with a user's soft tissue, which can increase penetration into the soft tissue versus a relatively tlat configuration. As the user applies additional force, the valleys contact the soft tissue to aid in c1eanine the soft tissues. If excessive force is appliLd, the valleys help to limit excessive pent~tration. When the uubs in the vaile9, regions engage the soft ti4sue tl.~
prnvi&~ x.fit added ~ (-.
9 _ y.A{q^ q, kq;y /$e . 1. the di~t 1.;.i1S~ l.#ellgy'~ 1 by 6j.13t.S~
of pr,;cc:tions on ).<c hills and vj1_evs work 'iti concer-t to I,..1~ :Fnci then ci:~iod~~c clcbris in a user's soft tissue.
i6-[.901 Figures 14 and 15 illustratc another embodiment 1.061(3 of an oral care implement according to the invention. Oral care implement 10610 generally includes the same aspects and features of oral care implement 10210, except with respect to the cotifiguratiQn of projections on the soft tissue cleaner 10680. Rather than having nubs across the cleaner field, soft tissue cleaner 10680 only includes nubs 10282 on the hills 10288. Instead, multiple ridges 10294 are disposed in some of the valley regions 1(}290 including a central portion of face 10284. The ridges can be made from the same or a different material than the nubs. For instance, the nubs and ridges may be made of the same type of clastomer; however, the elastomer for the ridges may be more rigid than that for the nubs.
1911 Ridges 10294 have variable lengths that provide variable levels of soft tissue engagement durinc, use. As such, longer and shorter ridges can work in concert to loosen and dislodge debris as the different lengths of ridges successively engage portions of soft tissue. Ridges 10294 taper from a wide base region disposed proximate the face 102$4, to anarrowcr tip 10696. Thus, increasing levels of soft tissue engagement are provided depending on the amount of user force applied.
11921 Figure 16 illustrates another embodiment 10810 of an oral care implement according to the invention. Oral care implement 10810 generally includes the same aspect and fcattires of oral care implement 10610, except with respect to the configuration of projections on the soft tissue cleaner 10880. Soft tissue cleaner 10880 differs from soft tissue cleaner 10680 in that it does not include ridcres 10294. Thus, soft tissue cleaner includes nubs 10282 that are only located on hills 10288 along the side portions of face 10284, As such, gentle cleaning is provided via the nubs located on the hills. The gentle cleaning is beneficial for simultaneous liinctionality of the oral care implement, such as when attser cleans his teeth while simultaneously e-ngaging soft tissues inside his cheek via soft tissue cleaner 10880. The gentle en-agetncnt can provide pleasant sensory stimulation along with ocntle cleaning of the soft tissucs.
[931 17 and iS illustrate anoth.f ~-rnbociimcnt 10910 ai"an oral care implement accordir~g lo thc irivcntion. Oral care ir,il>~cr.icnt 10910 generally includes the same aspects and features of oral care implement 10610, except with respect to the configuration of projections on - l7_ the soft tissue cleaner 10980. Soft tissue cleaner 1.0380 differs from yQft tissue cleaner 10680 in that ridges 10994 are not provided in the central portion of face 10284, but are provided in valleys 1.0290 disposed between adjacent pairs of hills 10288. In addition, ridges 10994 are generaily smaller than ridges I0294. As such, ge-ntle cieaning is provided, which, similar to oral care iiiipltirÃent 10810, can be beneficial during simultaneous functionality of the device.
(341 Referring now to Figures 19-20 an oral care in-iplerrrent 12000 is shown in accordance with a further embodiTnent of the itrvention. As shown therein, oral care iniplement 12000 includes a handle 8103, a head 12002 having a frame 12104, bases or pods 12010, 12020, 12032 and 12034 on a front side of the head, cleaning elements 12218 extending from the pods, and a sai't tisstte cleaner 12280 disposed on a rear side of the head that is opposite to the front side.
Oral care implement 12000 generally includes the aspects and features of oral care implement 10210 shown in Figures 10-13, except as discussed hereafter. The soft tissue clean.er 12280 is generally the same as soft tissue cleaner 102180. However, various soft tissue cleaner configurations may he used, such as, for example, the soft tissue cleaners of Figures 14-18.
[951 Oral care implement. 12000 shown in Figures 19 and 20 is illustrated as having four pods:
a proxianal pod f2010, a distal pod 12020 and two central pods 1.2032 and 12034. The proximal and distal pods extend from frame 12004, which is on a rear portion of the head. The embodiment shown in Figures 19 and 20 differs from the embodiments shown in Figures 1-1 8 in that the central pods 12032 and I2034 are not connected directly to the rear, frame portion of head 12002, but rather are suspended between the proximal pod 12010 azid the distal pod 121020.
The proximal pod and the distal pod are attached to the frame, whereas the central pods are suspended over the frame. As sLic;h, the central pods are spaced from the frame such that a gap 12050 is disposed therebetween.
[96] Central pods 12032 and 12034 are suspended via bridge supports 12060, which may include a pair of sO-;tantially paraliel stippcarts 12067 separated by a gap 12065. A first bridge sapporc t;xten&= ~c <<.~dinaliy between tR~.e prox>r_~,al pod 120 10 and central pod 12034, a.nd a second pair of bri~ ~~ -,upports cxtend-~ lcar~gi. ~: ,u(: bem::c:-rz disU pod 12020 and central pod 12034. in addktion. a bridge support extends Ican~ ituria~~al~ ~~ ~~etween central pods 1'0322 and 12034. Thus each central pod is supported by a pair of opposite bridge suppvrts.
(971 While the illustrated embodiment shows pairs of supports 12067 on each side of each central pod, other configurations are contemplated. For example, instead of a pair of supports 12067. a single bridge element may be disposod between the proxii-nal or distal pod and the ,e could be wider than adjacent central pod, at-id between the two central pods. Such a single bridg each of the individual pair of supports 12067 such that the width of the single bridge support generally equals the width of the pair of supports plus gap 12065 therebetween.
1981 The central pods 12032 and 12034 generally have greater degrees of freedom than do the proximal and distal pods. In one confi~uratian, brid~e siipport~; 12060 and 1207[1 are substantially rigid. Even so, the suspension arrangement can provide a moderate amount of flexibility to the central pods. In a preferred, more flexible configuration, bridge supports 12060 and 12070 are flexible features that perm.it the cleaning elements extending from the central pods 12032 and 121034 to have a much larger range of motion than the cleaning elements extending from the proximal and d.istal pods 12010 and 1.2020, respectively, which are generally static or non-movable. The flexible bridge stipports may be formed from a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. Other rubber-like materials may be used, such as other thermoplastics, or a thermoplastic urethaiie, or a plast.orner, or any combination thereof.
[99] In a flexible configuration, bridge supports 12060 and 12070 are resilient and allow the central pods to twist about their sLipport axis andJor move toward frame 12004 when downward force is applied to the central pods during use of the implement. Further, the elastic nature of the bridge supports may permit the central pods to return to their original form or initial position when the force is decreased. In addition, when the oral care implement is moved in a longitudinal direction para.llel to the handle 8103, the central pods can deflect longitudinally as they engage a surface to be ctea.ned. The deflection of the central pods in the longitudinal direction may also be due to the elastic nature of the support bridges 12060 and 12070. Such return action can create an active motion in the opposite direction of the direction of movement, wiiirh aids in the cleaziing of teeth by introducing extra bru3hina strokes.
a{! fhc: disiance L~.le Presxsrnai pod, 12010 and th:: -- i,11 pod 12020 may be greater than the width of the each of the central pods 1 Z`~31- and 12034, and in the il lustÃated einbodiment of Figure 19 is approximately twice the width of one of the central pods. Further, in -19u the illustrated ernbodiment, the central pods 12032 and 1,2034 are suspended away from the frame a distance sli-htly less than the thickness of the central pods 120321 and 12034. The length of the support bridges 12060 and 12070 may be sia-nilicantly less than the length of the central pods 12032 and 12034, and, in the configuration shown in Figures 1.9 and 2(}, is approximately 1/5 the length of the central pods. As a result, with two central pods of the configuration shown in Figitres 19 and 20, the suppport bridges 12060 and 12070 span less than 25%
of the total distance between the proximal and distal pods 12010 and. 12020, respectively.
[ 101 I In addition, the configuration shown in Figures 19 and 20 includes a unitary assertxbly 12500 (reference number not shown) that forms a top portion of proximal pod 12010, the top of distal pod 12020, bridge supports 12060 and 12070 and central pods 12032 and 12034. The unitary assembly 12500 may be made from an elastomeric material, such as a soft thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Again, other rubber-like materials may be used, such as other thermoplastics, or a thermoplastic urethane, or a plastomer, or any combination thereof. The top portions 12033 and 12035 of the proximal and distal pods can be attached to protrusions (not shown) extending from the underlying la.ead. I2002, tliereby providing sufficient support and strength to the proximal and distal pods 12032 and 12034. The top portions may also be formed as unitary features along with the frame of the head, such as frorn a unitary plastic mold. When formed as differentiated features. the proximal and distal pods ccrtild be formed from the same or different materials than the frame, the bridge supports and/or the central pods. For instance, the bridge supports and central pods eQtild be made from a first thermoplastic material, and the proximal and distal pods could be formmed separately from a second thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene. In such a configuration, the bridge siipporrs and the central pods could be made as a unitary construction that is welded or adhered to the proximal and distal pods. FtirtlZer, the bridge supports, the central pods, and the top portions of the proxir.aal and distal pods could be formed as a unitary nierrmber that is attached to the frame.
( i0''1 As disc:us~~~ ~.~~:ih regard to the embodiment 5hrswti in Figures i ancl 8, the cleaning , Il: ~ cviitra.l pods can b atl..i Wetla.
other surfaces in i~.:Jiou, v..:~~ that take advar.tage ra: their llexibsc 5up; ort conti~uratic~n. For instance, as,shown in Figure 1.9. the c:leaiiÃiig elements provided on the centra,l pods can include forward elements 121090 angled toward the tip end of the head, and rearward elements 12092 -~~-angled toward the handle enci. The location and orientation of these forward and rearward elements can increase the likelihood sLich elements will initially enc~age a surface to be cleaned prior to other cleaning elements on the respective pod, thereby ericottragizzg the respective pod to flcx as the remaining cleaning elements thereon eirgage the snrface.
[1031 As further shown in Figure 1.9, cleaning elements 122) I8 may include upstanding walls 12094, which may be e[astomeri.c or bristie-based as discussed a.bave. The upstanding walls can provide beneficial wiping and polishing of teeth in addition to cleaning benefits. Cieanina elements 12218 may further include a central coIurnnar cleaning element 12274, which may include one or more bristles for penetrating oral surfaces. The columnar cleaning elements iiiay extend beyond other c[eaning elements proxiniate thereto on the same pod, and they may have a generally pointed tip. As such, central cleaning element 12270 can effectively penetrate and engage oral surfaces and gaps between surfaces.
[104] The tips or terminal ends of cleaning elements 12218 may be tapered such that the suspended pods are respectively encouraged toward their adjacent praximal or distal pod 12020 and 12010, respectively, while engaging surfaces to be cleaned. Thus, during use, cleanina elements extending from central pod 12032 may generally be biased toward engagement with cleaning elements extending from proximal pod 12010, whereas cleaning elements extending from central pod 12034 rnay generally be biased toward engagement xxyith cleaning eler.nents extending from distal pod 12020. This bias can cooperate with tnovernent of the pods imparted via engagement of angled cleaning elements with cleaning surfaces when the device is being moved. Increasing rrioverns~ent and the flexing of the suspended central pods 12032 and 12034 further enhances the cleaning effectiveness of the oral care ianplement.
[ 105] Referring now to Figure 21, a toothbrush 13000 is shown that is similar to the embodiment iliustrated in Figures 19 and 20 and generally has the same the aspects and features, except as pertaiziing to its ccrttrat pod and the configuration of cleaning elements 13218 and its lack. of a;~~ft tissue cleaner. Tootht ru5h 1-3000 =nclud.es a handle 8103 and a hcad 13002 ha.viiig t~ : i.ram~r' 13004, a~c~~l of fixed and s~~sp:: -uc elements. Head l vu 1, f prox irnai and distal pods 1 '10 10 and 13020, and a single central pod 13050 sUspended between '1-the proximal and distal pods. The handle 8103, head 13002 and proximal and distal pods 13010 and 13020 may be forrtred as a unitary construction from a thermoplastic, such as polyprapvleiie.
[ 1061 Sitigle central pod 13050 has an ela..~tomeric section 13055 disposed in a middle portion a1'the central pod. The elastomeric section is preferably made from a resilient material, such as a soft thez-rn.op[a5tic clastamer (TPE), while the central pod is preferably made from more rigid naatcrial, such as poIvpropylene. The central pod 13050 is held in p[ace by a molded TPE
membrane 13070 that connects with the proximal and distal pods 13010 and 13020 to form bridge supports 13060. The membrane 13070 may form a loop that encompasses the pair of fixed proximal and distal pods 13010 and 13024 and attaches to opposing sides of central pod 13050. Grooves (not showzi) in side portions of the proximal and distal pods, as well as the central pod, may receive znembran.e 13070. In addition, membrane 13070 may be attached to the pods via an adhesive tiuzd/oar a melt bond.
[I0'71 Membrane 13070 allows the central pod 13050 to move toward frarne 13004 when sufficient force is applied during a cleaning operation. When such force is applied to the central pod, opposite halves 13051 and 13053 of the central pod will also flex about the clastorrieric section 13055. As a result, the two sets of cleaning elernents 1321.8 extending from either end of the central pod 13050 can rotate toward one anaEher. The central pod 13050 can flex back to its original position when the force on the central pod moving it toward the head 13002 diminishes.
['1081 Cleaning elements 13218 extending from central pod 13050 are generally centrally-tapered, which is generall y an opposite orientation to the configuration of cleaning elements shown in Figures 10 and .11 and Figures 19 and 20. The central taper encourages cleaning elements 13218 to penetrate interproximal spaces of the user's teeth while applying moderate force to toothbrush 13000 against their teeth. W'hen the user applies more excessive force to the toathIsrcish, cen.tral pod 13050 moves into contact with frarne 13004 and causes the central pod to bend about elastameric section 13055 and further engage the interproximal space to which the CIeme.t-its are applied.
,IO91, Rc.ferriag raow to 1- .:-; 22A and 22B, a wothbruslZ 13010 is shown that is sirnilar to the emborli.ment iliust=ated in Figure 22 1 and generally has the same the aspects and featu.res as toothbrusli 13000, except as pei-*aiuing to its frame. As shown, frame 13007 include4 a resilient hizaee element 13080 located in a central portion of the frame and traversing its width. The liinge element may be torrrmed from a TPE or other resilient material that is more flexible than other portions of the frame. The hinge element may also include a reduced thickness region of the frame about which a TPE or other resilient material is disposed. For instance, a proximal portion I3082 of the frame and a distal portion 1.3084 of the frame may be forrtied from a relatively rigid material, such as a polypropylene material, and inay include a thin neck region (not shown) disposed therebetween. The neck region may permit the proximal and distal portion of the frame to rotate with respect to each other. A resilient material :13081 may surraund the neck to dan-ipen rotation about the neck. The resilient :nateria1 may be adhered to the framevia an adhesive bond, a melt bond or other attachment mechanism, such as a compression fit about the neck.
[1 I(7] Hinge element 13080 permits proximal and distal portions 13082 and 13084 respectively of frame 130(34 to rotate with respect to one another during use. Thus, head 13010 can generally curl or bend around a surface to be cleaned, such as a user's tooth as illu.strated in Figure 22B. In addition, hinge element 13080 can simply improve the overall flexibility of the head for adapting to a variety of cleaning features, orientations of iise, and applied forces.
For instance, as shown in Figure 22B, hinge element I.3080 can permit frame 13007 to flex like a bow.
In another example (not shown), hinge element 13080 can permit the tip portion of the head to be flexed rearward, which will encourage central pod 13050 to move away from the f'rarrie as the bridge supports are stretched taut.
[111] Referring now to Figures 23A and 23B, an oral care implement 13020 is shown that is sirtiilar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21 and generally has the same the aspects and features as toothbrush 130Ã0, except as pertaining to its central pod, the arrangement of cleaning elements 131-18. and the existence of a soft tissue cleaner 13280 disposed on a rear side of its head that is opposite to the front side. TEie soft tissue cleaner 13280 is generally the same as soft tissue cleaners 10280 and I2280 of Figttres 10-13 and 19-20 reapeetively.
However, various soft tissue cI-=er configurations mav be usecl, such as the soft ti5sue cleau.ers of Figures I4- IK
1.30210 includes a central pod 13058 that is substantially anitary and Iack-:
c.iastoritcric 13055 of toc?thbrusb. 13000. Tb.us, the central pod can provia.h, rvL=1y firm engagement of oral features to be cleaned via the larger rigid central pod, while retainittc, benefits provided via its suspended configuration. As such, central pod can adapt to the cleaning forces applied to the head by moving fore, aft, sideways and/c~r downward ~~itb.
respect to the i'ran.~.e_ However, its relatively large, rigid size can provide uniform orientation to a large number of cleaning members 13218 attached thereto.
[ 1121 Cleaning elements 13218 extending from the central pod are sirnila..r to the cleaning elements 12218 of toothbrush 12000 and generally include the same, configuration, aspects and features as cleaning elements 1212I.8 shown in Figure 19. However, as central pod 1305 8 is single pod that spans about the sanie distance as central pods I2032 and 12034 of toothbrush I2000 in Figure 19, central pod 13058 includes additional cleaning elements in its central region.
As shown in Figure 23A, a central colttmnar cleaning element 13096 is iocated at a central portion of the central pod, which is similar to columnar cleaning elerrrent.s I2270 of toothbrush 12000. Columnar clea.nirig element 13096 cooperates with colurnuar cleaning elements 12270 to effectively penetrate and engage oral surfaces and gaps between surfaces and to transmit downward force tO the central pod when excessive cleaning force is applied to the cleaning elements. In addition, several radial cleaning elements 13098 extend from the central eoiurn.~iar cleaning element 13096 in a generally spoke-like configuration at a central region of the central pod. Radial cleaning elements engage features to be cleaned throughout a central portion of the pod, which provide a perimeter structure at side portions of the central pod.
The perimeter structure enhances engagement of oral features to be cleaned and can assist with retaining dentifrice within the clean'rng elements of the central pod during use.
[1I31 Referring now to Figures 24A and 24B, a toQthbrush 14000 is shown that is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21 and comprises a handle 8103 and a head 14002 having a combination of fixed and suspended cleaning elements. Head 14002 includes a frame 14404, proximal and distaI pods 14010 and 14020 having cleaning elements 14018, and a siiigle central pod 14050 suspended between the proximal and distal pods. The handle 8103, head 14002 and Iaroxinial and distal pc}d4.140l0 and 14020 may be formed as a unitary construction from a tbermoplastic, ~uch as p~.~lypropyleue. A sOfx ti.SsUC cieaner 14280 is generally the same as soft tissuà 10280 and 12?80 c~i` Figuses 1.043 a.:,<< I0-20 ic; _cctBwly. HowÃ.ver_ various soft tissu` cle"L, iC-.r Z~:Onfi;uratiun" E:i.l_ i:3e used, such as :1:~: soft tissuc cleaners of Figures I=I- I8.
[1I4] Central pod 14050 has an elastomeric section 14055 disposed in a middle portion of the central pod, or more particularly between a pair of pod segments. The elaston-leric section is preferably made from a resilient material, such as a soft thermoplastic ela..sta:m.er (TPE), while the central pod is preferably made from more rigid material, such as palypropyleiie. The central pod 14050 is held in place hy a molded TPE menibrane 14070 that connects with the proximal and distal pods I40 10 and 14420 to form bridge supports 14060. The me:aibrane 14070 may form a loop that encompasses the pair of fixed preaximal and distal pods 1401(} and 14020 and attaches to oppasing sides of central pod 14050. Grooves (not shown) in side portions of the proximal and distal pods, as well as the central pod, may receive membrane 14070. In addition, men-ibrane 14070 may be attached to the pods via an adhesive and/or a melt bond, for exampie, [ 1151 The cleaning elements 14218 on the central pod 14050 are similar to the configuration of the cleaning elements shown in Figures 19 and 20, with the exception of a plLlrality of cezatral, flexible cleaning elements 14270 extending from the frame 14004 and protruding through one or more openings (n.at shown) in the c:entral pod 14050. Cleaning element 14270 further comprises massaging and/ar polishing elements 14272 on its upper surface. While two cleaning elements 14270 are shown, it will be appreciated that only one, or more tb.an two cleaning elements 14?70 may be used as desired. Cleaning element 14270 niay be attached to the frame 14004, or extend through the frame 14004 from the soft tissue cleaner 142180 on the opposite side of the head I4002. If the [atter, the cleaning element 14270 may be molded simultaneously with the soft tissue cleaner 14280. In either case, a unitary structure defined by the membrane 14070 carrying pods 14010, 14020 and 14050, could be assembled to the base 14004 over the cleaning elezn.ent(s) 14270. Other rnetb.ads of construction are contemplated.
[ 11 61Membra.ne I4070 altaw s the central pod 14050 and cleaning elements 14218 to move toNvard frame 14004, guided by the cleaning elements 14270, when sufficient force is applied during a cleaning operation. Such movement provides additional functionality not described be,fore. One, such functionality is a tooth polisher in Lhe mlicidle of the head that is surrounded by fixed and movable ciearsitig eieme:i_,. 1-:018, 14218 In aciditiono tb.e c:ieasiing element 14270 includes massaging a:~ci/or pc~iisb.ing eierne.j:ts 1=~2; ~?
tiaat are at a fixed Ã;:t relative to the head 14004, yet are surrounded by cleaning elements 142 18 that recede tow,,trd tbe head 14004 under brushing pressure, enabling the cleaniiig elements 14272 to be inore efficacious during brushing.
[ 1171 W-hen brushing pressure force is applied to the central pod 14050, segments 14051. aaid 14053 of the central pod 14050, as well as the cleaning elements 14270, will flex about the elastomeric section 14055. As a result, the cleaning eletnents 14218 extending from either end of the central pod 14050, as well as the cleaning elements I4270, can rotate toward one another.
The ceiitra.i pod 14050 can tlex back to its original position when the force on the central pod movinc, it toward the head 1.4002 diminishes.
[118) Referring now to Figures 25A-25E, a toothbrush I500OA-C is shown that is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 23A and 23B and comprises a handle 8103 and a head 15002 having a combination of fixed and suspended cleaning elements. Head 15002 includes a frame 15004, proximal and distal pods I5010 and 15020 havitig cleaning elements 15018, and a central pod 15050 defined by pod segments 15051-15054 (embodiments of Figures 25A
through 25D) or pod segments 15055 through 15058 (embodiment of Figure 25E) suspended between the proximal and distal pods. The handle 8 103, head 15002 and proximal and distal pods 15010 aad 15020 may be formed as a unitary construction fram a thernioptastic, such as polypropyien:e.
[ 1191 The central pod segments 15051-15058 are held in place by a molded TPE
membrane 15070 that connects with the proximal and distal pods I5010 and 15020 to form bridge supports 15060. The membrane 15070 may form a loop that encompasses the pair of fixed proximal and distal pods 15010 and 15020 and central pod segments 15051-15058, which segments may be separated by a flexible gap 15062 along the longitudinal axis (embodiment of Figilres 25A and 25B) or lateral axis (embodiment of Figures 25C and 25D) of the head 15002.
Altematively, segr=nts 15055-15058 of the embodiment of Figure 25E may be separated by a flexible gap 15062 along both the longitudinal and lateral axes of the head. Grooves (not shovan) in the pÃads may receive membrane 15070. In addition, membrane 15070 may be attached to the pods via an adhesive and/or a rrzeit bond, for exampIe.
Thc e'lea.ning eic;ments 151. 18 on =ize central pod se:wments are sirri.iiar to the coniguration of the cit:,a:i; na elements s~o%,n in Fi,-U.res 23A and 23B, with the exception of a central cleaning element 1521?0 having polishing ridges 15272 along its uppcr surfa.ce that protrudes through an opening {ncat shown) in the membraiie 15070. Such cleaning element 15270 futie-tions in a similar manner as cleaning element I4270 of Figures 24A and 24B, relative to the membrane 15070 and the central pod segments 15051, 15053 of Figures 25A and ?SB.
However, because the central pod segments 15051, 15053 are separated along the longitudinal axis of the head 15002 bv a gap 15062. such segments 15051, 15053 will tend to rotate away from the protruding cleaning element 15270, or rotate around the cleaiiing element 15270, under brushing pressure, thereby simulating the movement of a bird's wings, resulting in increased efficacy and interproximal penetration. A similar movement is experienced along the traiisverse axis with segments 15052, 15054 of FigLire;s ' 24C and 24D. and an even more extensive movement is experienced along the longitudinal and transverse axes w-ith segpents 15055-15058 of Figure 25E. Thus, cleaning element 15270 provides a central pivot around wb.ieh pod segments 15051-1.5058 can move.
[ 121] Cleaning element 15270 inay be attached to the frame 15004, or extend th.rough the frame 15004 from asaft tissue cleaner (not shown) on the opposite side of the head 15002. If the latter, the cleaning element 15270 may be molded simultaneously with the soft tissue cleaner. In either case, a unitary stnict.ure defined by the membrane 15070 carrying pods 15010, 15020 and central pod 15050 segments 1505 I-15058, could be assembled to the base 15004 over the cleaning element 1.5270. Other methods of construction are contempiated.
[1221 Referring now to Figures 26 and 27, a taotbbrrash 16000 comprises a handle 8103 and a head 16002 having a combination of fixed and suspended cleaning elements. Head includes a frame 16004, proximal and distal pods 16010 and 16020 having cleaning elements 16018, and a central pod 16050 defined by pod segments 16051 and 16053 suspended between the proximal and distal pods. The handle 8103, head 16002 and proxirrÃa.l and distal pods 1E010 and 16020 may be formed as a unitary construction from a thermoplastic, such as polypropylene.
~ 1231 The central pod segments 16051 and 16053 may be separated by a bridge 16052 that is flexibIe arA from the sarne mawt:.:l as a molded TPEmenibrane 16070 that connects with the 1~~d distai pods l60;'~~ <u-CL 1.6020 to forrr bridge -supports 1.6060.
The i:iiembrane 16070 may form a loop that encor.r~p.-sses the pair of fixed prnxinia1 and distaC
pods 16010 and 16020 and central pod 16050 incitzding segments 16051 and 16053, which ?~~
segments may be separated by a flexible gap 16062 along the lateral axis of the head 16002 and/or along the longitudinal axis a,.~ shown in other embodiments (see, for example, FIGS. 25 A-215E). Grooves (not shown) in the pods may receive membrane 16070. In addition, inembrane 16070 may be attached to the pods via an adhesive and/or a melt bond, for example.
(1241 Proximal and distal pods 16010 and 16020 rriay be integral with the head frame 1600=1, such that the membrane extends around the central portion of such pods, or the pods may terniinat.e at the edge of the rnembrane 16070 (see the bottom of pcad 16050 in FIG. 27) and be attachable to the head frame 16004 by ultrasonic welding, adhesive or the like_ Aceardinaly, membrane 16070 may serve as an outer frame to a plate of cleaning elements included on pods 1.6010, 16020 and 16050, which plate may be attachable as a single unit to the head frame 16004.
Thus, the pods 16010, 16020 and 16050 may be assembled and manipulated as a single unit and attachable to the head frame 16004 as a single unit at the proximal and distal ends of the head frame 16004.
[125] FIG. 27 illustrates the con4truetion of a portion of pod 16050, and more specifically a portion of pod 1605 1, wherein the bottoms 16019 of cleaning elezrzetits 16018 are melted to forin a mat 16021, which mat 16021 is captured between a pod housing 16053 and floor 16054. The mat 160211 prevents the cleaning elements 16018 from passing through the tuft holes in the pod housing 16053. The floor 16054, for example, could be adhered or welded to the hout~ing 16053, with the floor 16054 being at least partially surrotinded by the membrane 16070. Thus, the cleaning elements 16018 in this embodiment are captured and secured within the pod housing 16053 and floor 16054 in a manner known as anchor-free tufting {AFT}, but such cleanino, elements are not rigidly and securely fixed to any particular support structure i-a the manner of a stapled tuft secured within a tuft boIe, f 1.261 The cleaning elements 16018 on the proximal azid distal pads, 160 10 and 16020 may be een supported using an AFT process as ciescrihed above, wherein they would be captured iietw th 1-1C be.,.3 clr tbev may be anchored to the pods 16010, 161 ! if :ch pods co- ~, , :~ rll ~lis of fine head frame 160041, If they w~re provided usffig an AFT process, the connection between the fx.id boti5ing a.rzd the head franie woti1d constitute an edge eonrieetion, with the pod housing bei~g welded, for example, to the head ?~ -frai-ne along the periphery of the pod housing to allow for the inat of melted bristle ends to reside between the pod housing and the head frame.
[1271 When brushing with the toathbruSh of. for example. FIGS. 22A-22B, that has a toothbrush head that is comprised of several areas with affixed cleaning elements (proximal and distal ends) interconnected with a flexible, central rubber-like field, the central area can bottom and touch the head frame below in an uncontrollable fashion (see FIG-_ 22B).
As a result there may be a clankiniz noise, a significant "slzppage/stretcb.ing" of the central portion of the flexible field with an imbedded block(s) of cleaning elemeiits that rnay cause a damage either to the structure or to the user. By incorporating supports that protrude upwards from the brush head, the flexible field's movements can be controiled with an intent to enable the flexible field to move in a particular fashion relative to the bntsb head.
(1281 FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate one example of a single, central protrcision 16270 extending from a soft tissue cleaner 16280 on the back of the head 16002 to a depression or notch 16055 provided in the floor 1.6054 of the tuft block 16050. Such protrusion 16270 is preferably forrned or unitarily molded together with the soft tissue cleaner 16280 of a flexible material, although it does not have to be, and provides a pivot point for pod 16050. This enables pod 16050 to move in a controlled fashion relative to the head frame 16004. Depending on the flexibility of the protrusion .I6270, pod 16050 may also be capable of normal movement or movement toward the head frame 16004 (again, see FIG. 22B for example). Alternatively, the protrusion 16270 may be rigid and extend from the head frame 16004 to provide a rigid pivot point that resists normal rnovement of the pod 16050 toward the head frame 16004. Or eourse. while a single, central protrusion 16270 is illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, the number and type of protrusians or supports may vary as shown in, but not limited to, FIG. 28 (multiple supports 17270 and 17271 extending between head frame 17004 and central pod 17050) and FIG. 29 (transverse bar support 18270 extending from the head frame 18004 along the transverse axis of the central pod 48050 of toothbrush 18000, inak ;ng iine contact with the central pod 18050). Each of Lhe embodiments of FIGS. 26-29 enables unique movement of the flexible pod r4i, rz o to the iieaÃ1 frame, with the structure illustrated in FIGS. 26-27 enabiina at least a3fs0 clegrcc pivot, the sti-ucture iilustrated in FIG. 28 enablinc, a more restrictive pivoting move.m.ent. and the structure illustrated in FIG. 29 e:nabliÃ~g a rocking movernent over protrusion 18?70.
iy_ 11291 As various changes could be made in the above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in this application, including all mechanisms and/or modes of interaction described above, shall be interpreted as iliustrative only and not lin-iiting i-o any kvay the scope of the appended claims. Further, as noted above, it is intended that oral care implements according to the, invention and associated methods may utilize various combinations of aspects, features and configurations discussed within the application.
Claims (34)
1. An oral care implement comprising:
a handle:
a head attached to the handle and having a first face;
a proximal fixed pod and a distal fixed pod extending from said first face, said pods further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements; and at least one central pod disposed between and supported above said first face by said pair of fixed pods by at least one suspension member, said at least one central pod further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements;
wherein at least a portion of said at least one central pod is movable in a direction normal to said first face.
a handle:
a head attached to the handle and having a first face;
a proximal fixed pod and a distal fixed pod extending from said first face, said pods further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements; and at least one central pod disposed between and supported above said first face by said pair of fixed pods by at least one suspension member, said at least one central pod further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements;
wherein at least a portion of said at least one central pod is movable in a direction normal to said first face.
2. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein said suspension member is made from a resilient material.
3. The oral care implement of claim 2, wherein said resilient material includes a thermoplastic, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic urethane, a plastomer, or combinations thereof.
4. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein said at least one central pod comprises two central pods.
5. The oral care implement of claim 4, wherein said suspension member comprises a first bridge connecting the proximal fixed pod with a first central pod of said two central pods, a second bridge connecting the distal fixed pod and a second central pod of said two central pods, and a third bridge connecting said first and second central pods.
6. The oral care implement of claim 5, wherein said first, second and third bridges each comprises a pair of spaced-apart bridges.
7. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein said at least one central pod comprises a single pod having at least two groups of cleaning elements extending therefrom.
8. The oral care implement of claim 7, wherein said single pod comprises an elastomeric hinge section that allows said two groups of cleaning elements to move relative to one another.
9. The oral care implement of claim 8, wherein said elastomeric hinge section is oriented substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the handle and the head and said two groups of cleaning elements are substantially aligned along said longitudinal axis, said elastomeric section permitting said two groups of cleaning elements to flex toward one another substantially within a plane containing said longitudinal axis.
10. The oral care implement of claim 9, further comprising a flexible hinge section disposed in said head in a direction parallel to said elastomeric hinge section, such that a proximal and distal portion of the head to flex relative to one another.
11. The oral care implement of claim 1, further comprising a hinge section disposed in said head that allows a proximal and distal portion of the head to flex relative to one another.
12. The oral care implement of claim 1, further comprising a soft tissue cleaner on a second face of said head opposite said first face.
13. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein said pair of fixed pods, said at least one suspension member and said at least one central pod further comprise a unitary structure.
14. The oral care implement of claim 13, wherein said unitary structure is made from an elastomer that envelopes said pair of fixed pods, said at least one suspension member and said at least one central pod.
15. The oral care implement of claim 14, wherein said unitary structure is wider in the transverse direction than each of said pair of fixed pods, said at least one suspension member and said at least one central pod.
16. The oral care implement of claim 14, wherein said unitary structure forms a loop that encompasses said pair of fixed pods and attaches to opposing sides of said central pod.
17. An oral care implement comprising:
a handle;
a head attached to the handle and having a first face;
a proximal fixed pod and a distal fixed pod extending from said first face, said pods further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements, at least one central pod disposed between and supported above said first face by said pair of fixed pods by at least one suspension member, said at least one central pod further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements; and at least one protruding element extending from said first face in the direction of said at least one central pod;
wherein at least a portion of said at least one central pod is movable toward said first face.
a handle;
a head attached to the handle and having a first face;
a proximal fixed pod and a distal fixed pod extending from said first face, said pods further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements, at least one central pod disposed between and supported above said first face by said pair of fixed pods by at least one suspension member, said at least one central pod further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements; and at least one protruding element extending from said first face in the direction of said at least one central pod;
wherein at least a portion of said at least one central pod is movable toward said first face.
18. The oral care implement of claim 17, wherein the at least one protruding element extends through said at least one central pod.
19. The oral care implement of claim 17, wherein said at least one protruding element further comprises a plurality of protruding elements.
20. The oral care implement of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of said at least one central pod is movable relative to said at least one protruding element.
21. The oral care implement of claim 18, wherein said at least one protruding element further comprises a protruding cleaning element that is surrounded by the plurality of cleaning elements provided on said at least one central pod.
22. The oral care implement of claim 18, wherein said at least one central pod further comprises two groups of cleaning elements and an elastomeric hinge section that allows said two groups of cleaning elements to move relative to one another.
23. The oral care implement of claim 22, wherein said elastomeric hinge section is oriented substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the handle and the head and said two groups of cleaning elements are substantially aligned along said longitudinal axis, said elastomeric section permitting said two groups of cleaning elements to flex toward one another substantially within a plane containing said longitudinal axis.
24. The oral care implement of claim 17, further comprising a soft tissue cleaner on a second face of said head opposite said first face.
25. The oral care implement of claim 24, wherein the at least one protruding element extends from said soft tissue cleaner.
26. The oral care implement of claim 25, wherein the at least one protruding element is unitarily molded with said soft tissue cleaner.
27. The oral care implement of claim 17, wherein said pair of fixed pods, said at least one suspension member and said at least one central pod further comprise a unitary structure.
28. The oral are implement of claim 27, wherein said at least one protruding element is not included in said unitary structure.
29. The oral care implement of claim 17, wherein said pair of fixed pods, said at least one suspension member, said at least one protruding element and said at least one central pod further comprise a unitary structure.
30. The oral care implement of claim 29, wherein said at least one central pod further comprises a plurality of pod segments separated by a hinge aligned along at least one of the longitudinal axis and lateral axis of the head, said at least one protruding element extending through said hinge.
31. The oral care implement of claim 30, wherein said plurality of pod segments further comprises four pod segments arranged around said at least one protruding member, said at least one protruding member defining a pivot point for movement of said pod segments.
32. The oral care implement of claim 17, wherein said at least one protruding element supports said at least one central pod.
33. The oral care implement of claim 32, further comprising a plurality of protruding elements.
34. The oral care implement of claim 32, wherein said at least one protruding element extends laterally across the head and makes line contact with the at least one central pod.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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CA2853075A CA2853075C (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2007-05-08 | Toothbrush head with flexible cleaning elements |
CA2853065A CA2853065C (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2007-05-08 | Toothbrush head with flexible cleaning elements |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/429,677 US7841041B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2006-05-08 | Oral care implement |
US11/429,677 | 2006-05-08 | ||
PCT/US2007/068435 WO2007134026A1 (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2007-05-08 | Oral care implement |
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CA2853075A Division CA2853075C (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2007-05-08 | Toothbrush head with flexible cleaning elements |
CA2853065A Division CA2853065C (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2007-05-08 | Toothbrush head with flexible cleaning elements |
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CA2649958A1 true CA2649958A1 (en) | 2007-11-22 |
CA2649958C CA2649958C (en) | 2014-09-16 |
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CA2649958A Active CA2649958C (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2007-05-08 | Toothbrush head with flexible cleaning elements |
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CA2853065A Active CA2853065C (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2007-05-08 | Toothbrush head with flexible cleaning elements |
CA2853075A Active CA2853075C (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2007-05-08 | Toothbrush head with flexible cleaning elements |
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US (7) | US7841041B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP2545804A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101087867B1 (en) |
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