WO2004112535A1 - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Toothbrush Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004112535A1
WO2004112535A1 PCT/US2004/019851 US2004019851W WO2004112535A1 WO 2004112535 A1 WO2004112535 A1 WO 2004112535A1 US 2004019851 W US2004019851 W US 2004019851W WO 2004112535 A1 WO2004112535 A1 WO 2004112535A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cleaning elements
toothbrush according
head
cleaning
peripheral
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2004/019851
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Douglas J. Hohlbein
Original Assignee
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/601,106 external-priority patent/US20040255416A1/en
Priority claimed from US29/189,729 external-priority patent/USD517812S1/en
Priority claimed from PCT/US2003/029497 external-priority patent/WO2004026162A2/en
Priority claimed from PCT/US2003/030633 external-priority patent/WO2004028235A2/en
Priority to BRPI0411539A priority Critical patent/BRPI0411539B1/en
Priority to KR1020117018888A priority patent/KR101185653B1/en
Application filed by Colgate-Palmolive Company filed Critical Colgate-Palmolive Company
Priority to MXPA05013009A priority patent/MXPA05013009A/en
Priority to AU2004249300A priority patent/AU2004249300B2/en
Priority to CA2526830A priority patent/CA2526830C/en
Priority to RU2006101576/12A priority patent/RU2370194C2/en
Publication of WO2004112535A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004112535A1/en
Priority to KR1020057024483A priority patent/KR101217422B1/en
Priority to AU2010249146A priority patent/AU2010249146B2/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B9/00Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/06Arrangement of mixed bristles or tufts of bristles, e.g. wire, fibre, rubber
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0016Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means
    • A46B15/0032Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means with protrusion for polishing teeth
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0055Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0055Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
    • A46B15/0081Brushes with a scraper, e.g. tongue scraper
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/24Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for use in the oral cavity, larynx, bronchial passages or nose; Tongue scrapers
    • A61B17/244Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for use in the oral cavity, larynx, bronchial passages or nose; Tongue scrapers for cleaning of the tongue
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Definitions

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

Abstract

A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a loop arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice, a central cleaning element disposed within the loop, two opposing arcuate cleaning elements disposed on opposite sides of the loop, peripheral cleaning element with a stepped and tapered construction, elongate distal cleaning elements, and proximal cleaning elements.

Description

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

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A toothbrush comprising : a handle; a head coupled to the handle; and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the head, the tooth cleaning elements including elastomeric walls that collectively define at least one substantially closed loop.
2. The toothbrush according to claim 1, in which gaps are defined between adjacent elastomeric walls forming each said loop.
3. The toothbrush according to claim 2, in which the tooth cleaning elements further comprise a central cleaning element disposed within the loop defined by the elastomeric walls.
4. The toothbrush according to claim 3, in which the central cleaning element has a first height defined from the head and the elastomeric walls each has a second height defined from the head, wherein the first height and the second height are different.
5. The toothbrush according to claim 4, in which the first height is above the second height.
6. The t oothbrush a ccording to e laim 4 , i n w hich t he first h eight i s b elow the second height.
7. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of loops are defined on the head.
8. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein an outer arcuate cleaning element is generally concentrically positioned to each side of the loop.
9. The toothbrush according to claim 8, in which the outer arcuate cleaning elements are formed as elongate, curved bristle tufts.
10. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein the tooth cleaning elements further include at least one group of peripheral cleaning elements along each side of the head.
11. The toothbrush according to claim 10 wherein each said peripheral cleaning element is a tuft of bristles with a tapered tip.
12. The toothbrush according to claim 10 in which each group of said peripheral cleaning elements includes at least three adjacent peripheral cleaning elements, wherein a central one of the adjacent peripheral cleaning elements projects farther from the head than end ones of the adjacent peripheral cleaning elements.
13. The toothbrush according to claim 12 wherein each said peripheral cleaning element is a tuft of bristles with a tapered tip.
14 The toothbrush according to claim 1, in which the tooth cleaning elements further include at least one distal cleaning element at a free end of the head, and the distal cleaning element extends farther from the head than the elastomeric walls.
15. The t oothbrush a ccording t o claim 14, i n which t he d istal c leaning e lement defines an outer cleaning surface facing generally away from the head, wherein the outer, cleaning surface is at an acute angle to the head.
16. The toothbrush according to claim 15, in which the outer cleaning surface slopes laterally away from a longitudinal axis of the head.
17. The toothbrush according to claim 14 in which the distal cleaning element defines an outer cleaning surface facing generally away from the head, wherein the outer cleaning surface slopes laterally away from a longitudinal axis of the head.
18. A toothbrush comprising : a handle; a head coupled to the handle; and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the head, the tooth cleaning elements including a pair of arcuate cleaning elements having opposing concave surfaces facing each other and a central cleaning element disposed in about the center of the arcuate cleaning elements.
19. The toothbrush according to claim 18, in which the arcuate tooth cleaning elements are elastomeric wall members.
20. The toothbrush according to claim 19, in which the arcuate tooth cleaning elements define a substantially closed loop about the central cleaning element.
21. The toothbrush according to claim 18, in which the arcuate tooth cleaning elements are a continuous tuft of bristles.
22. The toothbrush according to claim 18 wherein the tooth cleaning elements further include at least one group of peripheral cleaning elements along each side of the head.
23. The toothbrush according to claim 22 wherein each said peripheral cleaning element is a tuft of bristles with a tapered tip.
24. The toothbrush according to claim 23 in which each group of said peripheral cleaning elements includes at least three adjacent peripheral cleaning elements, wherein a central one of the adjacent peripheral cleaning elements projects farther from the head than end ones of the adjacent peripheral cleaning elements.
25. A toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head coupled to the handle and including a longitudinal axis, a base surface, and a pair of opposite side edges; and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outward from the base surface and including internal tooth cleaning elements and at least one group of peripheral tooth cleaning elements along each said side edge of the head, each said peripheral tooth cleaning element extending farther from the base surface than the internal cleaning elements, and each said group of peripheral tooth cleaning elements including at least three adjacent peripheral cleaning elements, a central one of the adjacent peripheral tooth cleaning elements extending farther from the base surface than end ones of the adjacent peripheral tooth cleaning elements.
26. A toothbrush according to claim 25 wherein each said peripheral tooth cleaning element is defined by a tuft of bristles.
27. A toothbrush according to claim 26 wherein each said peripheral tooth cleaning element has a tapered tip.
28. A toothbrush according to claim 25 wherein the tooth cleaning elements further include at least one distal cleaning element at a free end of the head, the distal cleaning element extending farther from the base surface than the peripheral cleaning elements.
29. A toothbrush according to claim 28 wherein the distal tooth cleaning element is defined by a tuft of bristles.
30. A toothbrush according to claim 28, in which the distal tooth cleaning element includes a outer cleaning surface facing generally away from the base surface, wherein the outer cleaning surface is at an acute angle to the base surface.
31. A toothbrush according to claim 25, in which the tooth cleaning elements further include a plurality of elastomeric walls that collectively define at least one substantially closed loop.
32. The toothbrush according to claim 31, in which gaps are defined between adjacent elastomeric walls forming each said loop.
33. The toothbrush according to claim 32, in which the tooth cleaning elements further comprise a central cleaning element disposed within the loop defined by the elastomeric walls.
PCT/US2004/019851 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush WO2004112535A1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
RU2006101576/12A RU2370194C2 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Tooth brush (versions)
CA2526830A CA2526830C (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush with cleaning elements defining a loop
AU2004249300A AU2004249300B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
MXPA05013009A MXPA05013009A (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush.
KR1020117018888A KR101185653B1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
BRPI0411539A BRPI0411539B1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush
KR1020057024483A KR101217422B1 (en) 2003-06-20 2005-12-20 toothbrush
AU2010249146A AU2010249146B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2010-12-02 Toothbrush

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

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US10/601,106 US20040255416A1 (en) 2003-06-20 2003-06-20 Toothbrush with tongue cleaning member
US10/601,106 2003-06-20
US29/189,729 USD517812S1 (en) 2003-09-10 2003-09-10 Toothbrush
US29/189,729 2003-09-10
PCT/US2003/029497 WO2004026162A2 (en) 2002-09-20 2003-09-17 Toothbrush with gripping area
USPCT/US03/29497 2003-09-17
PCT/US2003/030633 WO2004028235A2 (en) 2002-09-27 2003-09-26 Toothbrush
USPCT/US03/30633 2003-09-26

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PCT/US2004/019541 WO2004112538A1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Oral care implement
PCT/US2004/019851 WO2004112535A1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-18 Toothbrush

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BR (1) BRPI0411539B1 (en)
CA (5) CA2800233C (en)
IN (2) IN2015DN00951A (en)
MX (1) MX363882B (en)
RU (4) RU2488330C2 (en)
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USD637400S1 (en) * 2006-05-08 2011-05-10 Colgate-Palmolive Company Toothbrush
USD670505S1 (en) 2009-12-18 2012-11-13 Colgate-Palmolive Company Toothbrush handle with tissue cleaner
USD675830S1 (en) 2009-12-18 2013-02-12 Colgate-Palmolive Company Toothbrush
USD654696S1 (en) 2009-12-18 2012-02-28 Colgate-Palmolive Company Toothbrush handle with tissue cleaner
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AU2004249300A1 (en) 2004-12-29
AU2004249249B2 (en) 2010-09-30
CA2922504A1 (en) 2004-12-29
RU2530849C1 (en) 2014-10-20
RU2354311C2 (en) 2009-05-10
RU2006101568A (en) 2006-06-10
CA2842174A1 (en) 2004-12-29
CN102783811A (en) 2012-11-21
TW200517079A (en) 2005-06-01
CA2526826A1 (en) 2004-12-29
CA2526830C (en) 2013-07-30
TW201121461A (en) 2011-07-01
AU2004249249A1 (en) 2004-12-29
CN102132995B (en) 2013-03-27
AU2011200008C1 (en) 2013-01-17
CN103099426B (en) 2015-04-01
IN2015DN00952A (en) 2015-07-10
TWI260976B (en) 2006-09-01
CA2800233C (en) 2014-11-04
RU2488330C2 (en) 2013-07-27
AU2004249300B2 (en) 2010-09-02
WO2004112538A1 (en) 2004-12-29
CA2800233A1 (en) 2004-12-29
RU2009121914A (en) 2010-12-20
CA2526826C (en) 2013-02-19
RU2006101576A (en) 2006-06-10
BRPI0411539B1 (en) 2015-11-10
TWI371252B (en) 2012-09-01
AU2011200008B2 (en) 2012-05-24
TWI371251B (en) 2012-09-01
MX363882B (en) 2019-04-05
CA2842174C (en) 2016-04-26
CN103099426A (en) 2013-05-15
BRPI0411539A (en) 2006-08-01
RU2370194C2 (en) 2009-10-20
CN102783811B (en) 2015-11-18
CA2526830A1 (en) 2004-12-29
CN102132995A (en) 2011-07-27
CA2922504C (en) 2019-05-07
AU2011200008A1 (en) 2011-01-27
IN2015DN00951A (en) 2015-07-10

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