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Toothbrush

a technology of tooth brush and bristle, which is applied in the field of toothbrush, can solve the problems of keeping other teeth away from the teeth, stiffness of some bristles, etc., and achieve the effect of easy compression under load

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-06-30
COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a toothbrush that solves the problem of traditional toothbrushes where the stiffness of some bristles keeps other bristles away from the teeth. The invention uses alternating sets of cleaning elements or bristles, with one set being longer and rigid to reach the interproximal areas between teeth, and the other set being shorter and springier to easily compress and extend into those areas. This combination of bristle types facilitates cleansing of all portions of the teeth. The invention can be used in both manual and power toothbrushes.

Problems solved by technology

A problem common to many prior art toothbrushes is that the stiffness of some bristles keeps other bristles away from the teeth.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0015]FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a manual toothbrush 10 in accordance with this invention. As shown therein toothbrush 10 includes a handle 12 and a head 14. Handle 12 may include a suitable grip pad made of an elastomeric material. The invention, however, is primarily directed to the arrangement of cleaning elements relative to head 14. As shown in FIGS. 1-4 head 14 has a base portion 18 with an upper surface 20 which forms the base for inserting cleaning elements 22. As illustrated in these Figures, one set of cleaning elements 24 is longitudinally aligned in rows and is relatively rigid relative to a second set of cleaning elements 26 which is shorter and springier.

[0016] The invention is particularly suitable for cleaning elements in the form of strands or bristles attached via anchor free tufting (AFT). In anchor free tufting a plate or membrane is mounted in the head generally by using ultrasonic welding of the plate or membrane to portions of the head. Bristles extend through the ...

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PUM

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Abstract

A toothbrush includes a head having multiple cleaning elements. One set of the cleaning elements is longer than the other and relatively rigid. That set alternates with a shorter, springier set of cleaning elements. The flexibility of the shorter springier cleaning elements facilitates penetration of the longer cleaning elements into the interproximal area of the user's teeth.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention is directed to a toothbrush, either manual or powered, which includes a handle and a head. Cleaning elements are mounted to the head such as tufts of bristles. When toothpaste is applied to the cleaning elements the user inserts the head into the mouth and brushes the teeth in a known manner. [0002] The head of a conventional toothbrush usually has a flat or slightly altered surface to which cleaning elements are attached. Usually the cleaning elements are strands of plastic material(s) formed into tufts, bundles or other groupings. The strands are attached to the head either before or after forming the toothbrush. Cleaning elements should be arranged in the head so that all areas of the teeth are cleansed, particularly the interproximal spaces. [0003] One approach to cleaning of tooth surfaces is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,111 issued to Paolo Cavazza on May 28, 1985. This patent discloses a toothbrush where dual sets of...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A46B9/04
CPCA46B9/005A46B2200/1066A46B9/04A46B9/028
Inventor HOHLBEIN, DOUGLAS
Owner COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO
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