CN102933114A - Toothbrush having closed-loop arrangement of cleaning elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A toothbrush (100) having an arrangement of cleaning elements (130) for improved oral care and dentifrice retention. In one aspect, the invention is a toothbrush comprising a first set (140) of cleaning elements forming a loop that extends from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head. The loop has the shape of a racetrack and comprises a first par- elliptical wall (141) of cleaning elements at the distal periphery of the head and a second par- elliptical wall of cleaning elements located at the proximal periphery of the head. The par elliptical walls are connected first and second arcuate rows (142, 143) of cleaning elements. In one embodiment, the first and second arcuate rows are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis so that peripheral convex surfaces of the first and second arcuate rows face the longitudinal axis.

Description

Toothbrush with cleaning elements in closed loop arrangement

technical field

The present invention relates generally to handled oral care implements, and in particular to manual or electric toothbrushes having a handle and a head with cleaning elements for oral cleaning.

Background technique

Toothbrushes are used to clean teeth by removing plaque and debris from the tooth surfaces. Conventional toothbrushes provided with straight trimming bristles are limited in their ability to conform to the curvature of the teeth, penetrate into the interproximal areas between teeth, remove plaque and debris, and clean along the gum line. Furthermore, such toothbrushes are limited in their ability to retain the dentifrice used to clean the teeth. During toothbrushing, the dentifrice typically slides over the bristle tufts and out of the interface between the bristles and the teeth. As a result, the dentifrice is often dispersed around the oral cavity rather than being concentrated at the bristle-tooth interface. Therefore, the efficiency of the cleaning process is reduced.

While considerable effort has been made to improve the cleaning elements of toothbrushes to increase the efficiency of the oral cleaning process and to hold dentifrice in place during brushing, the industry continues to seek arrangements of cleaning elements that will improve upon the foregoing technology.

In early attempts to improve the cleaning elements, toothbrushes were developed that had two or three circular brush segments arranged in a holder, wherein the holder could be screwed into a matching receptacle in the toothbrush handle to enable cleaning as needed. Remove and replace them. Each brush segment contains rigid cleaning elements and is spaced from the other brush segments along the longitudinal axis of the handle by a distance less than the thickness of the teeth so that the brush operates on the lingual (inside) and facial (outer) surfaces of the teeth.

Another existing toothbrush includes a head containing a flexible, rubber-like prophy cup or "prophy cup" similar to the ones that dentists use to clean teeth professionally. Such prophy cups are filled with toothpaste and applied to the teeth by the user. "Soft rubber-like prophy cup device conforms to tooth contours more effectively than bristles". Ring-shaped cleaning elements ("bristle tufts") are positioned about the periphery of the toothbrush head, and these cleaning elements cooperate with the prophy cup to clean the user's teeth and gums.

More recently, the strategic placement and combination of cleaning elements in the form of elastomeric prophy cups and bristle tufts has become more common as a way to increase cleaning efficiency and keep dentifrice in place during brushing. One example of the combined use and strategic placement of elastomeric prophy cups and bristle tufts is a toothbrush having a head portion that includes a plurality of inner loops formed by elastomeric walls. The central inner ring is surrounded by an outer ring formed by the bristles. A central cleaning element formed as a tuft of bristles is located within the elastomeric inner loop.

Another example of the combined use and strategic placement of elastomeric prophy cups and bristle tufts can be found in a toothbrush having a head portion comprising a plurality of soft elastomeric prophy cups surrounded by a ring of bristles. In another embodiment, there is a toothbrush in which the central prophy cup is formed from groups of closely packed cleaning elements surrounded by a ring of bristles. The bristle rings in such toothbrushes are also disclosed as having one or more angled tufts.

Contents of the invention

In one aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head having a proximal periphery, a distal periphery, a first surface, a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis; a first A set of cleaning elements forming a ring extending from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head, the first set of cleaning elements comprising: a first similarly elliptical wall of cleaning elements located at the distal periphery of the head, the A first similarly elliptical wall terminates at a first end and a second end; a second similarly elliptical wall of the cleaning element positioned at the proximal periphery of the head terminates at the first end and a second end; from The first row of cleaning elements extending from the first end of the first similar elliptical wall to the first end of the second similar elliptical wall; and extending from the second end of the first similar elliptical wall to the second similar elliptical wall a second row of cleaning elements at the second end; wherein the first row and the second row are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, the first row and the second row being separated by a first distance that increases with distance from the transverse axis; a third row of cleaning elements extending adjacent to the first row and positioned along the first lateral periphery of the head, the third row being located outside the loop, the third row extending obliquely upwardly from the first surface so as to diverge from the first row, The third row has a height greater than the height of the first row; and a fourth row of cleaning elements extending adjacent to the second row and positioned along the second lateral perimeter of the head, the fourth row is located outside the ring, the fourth row is obliquely Extending upwardly from the first surface so as to diverge from the second row, the fourth row has a height greater than that of the second row.

In another aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head having a proximal perimeter, a distal perimeter, a first surface, and a longitudinal axis; a first set of cleaning elements , which form a loop extending from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head, the first set of cleaning elements comprising: a first oval shaped wall of cleaning elements positioned at the distal periphery of the head, the first A similar elliptical wall terminates at a first end and a second end; a second similar elliptical wall of the cleaning element positioned at the proximal periphery of the head, the second similar elliptical wall terminates at the first end and a second end; A first row of cleaning elements extending from a first end of a similar elliptical wall to a first end of a second similar elliptical wall; and a first row of cleaning elements extending from a second end of the first similar elliptical wall to a second similar elliptical wall A second row of cleaning elements at both ends; a third row of cleaning elements extending adjacent to the first row and positioned along the first lateral perimeter of the head, the third row being outside the ring, the third row extending obliquely upward from the first surface so as to diverge from the first row, the third row has a height greater than the height of the first row; and a fourth row of cleaning elements extending adjacent to the second row and positioned along the second lateral periphery of the head, the fourth row is positioned at the ring Outboard of the circle, a fourth row extends obliquely upwardly from the first surface so as to diverge from the second row, the fourth row having a height greater than that of the second row.

In yet another aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head having a proximal perimeter, a distal perimeter, a first surface, and a longitudinal axis; a first set of cleaning elements , which form a loop extending from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head, the first set of cleaning elements comprising: a first oval shaped wall of cleaning elements positioned at the distal periphery of the head, the first A similar elliptical wall terminates at a first end and a second end; a second similar elliptical wall of the cleaning element positioned at the proximal periphery of the head, the second similar elliptical wall terminates at the first end and a second end; an arcuate first row of cleaning elements extending from a first end similar to an elliptical wall to a first end of a second similar elliptical wall; and extending from a second end of the first similar elliptical wall to a second similar elliptical wall The arcuate second row of cleaning elements at the second end of the second end; and wherein the arcuate first row and the arcuate second row are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis such that the peripheral raised surfaces of the arcuate first row and the arcuate second row facing the longitudinal axis.

In yet another aspect, the present invention may be a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head having a proximal periphery, a distal periphery, a first surface, and a longitudinal axis; a first set of cleaning elements forming a ring extending from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head, the first set of cleaning elements comprising: a first oval shaped wall of cleaning elements positioned at the distal periphery of the head, the first A similar elliptical wall terminates at the first end and the second end; a second similar elliptical wall of the cleaning element located at the proximal periphery of the head, the second similar elliptical wall terminates at the first end and the second end; from The first row of cleaning elements extending from the first end of the first similar elliptical wall to the first end of the second similar elliptical wall; and extending from the second end of the first similar elliptical wall to the second similar elliptical wall A second row of cleaning elements at the second end; wherein the top surface of the collar has an outwardly extending S-shaped longitudinal side profile.

In yet another aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head having a proximal perimeter, a distal perimeter, a first surface, and a longitudinal axis; a first set of cleaning elements , which forms a loop extending from the distal perimeter of the head to the proximal perimeter of the head; and wherein the top surface of the loop has a longitudinal side profile comprising a peak extending from the most distal point of the loop A concave section extending from the top to a transition point at the middle portion of the loop, and a convex section extending from the transition point to the most lateral point of the second similarly elliptical wall.

Description of drawings

The present invention can be used in a wide variety of oral care implements and hygiene products. The figures illustrate one use of the invention and should not be construed as the only embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3 is a left side view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 4 is a right side view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 5 is a top view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1 .

6 is an enlarged perspective view of the head of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 .

Fig. 7 is an enlarged front view of the head of the toothbrush of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of Fig. 1 along line VIII-VIII of Fig. 7 .

9 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 along line IX-IX of FIG. 7 .

10 is a left side view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 with certain cleaning elements removed to clearly show the lateral side profile of the substantially closed loop formed by the first set of cleaning elements.

Detailed ways

In the following description, the invention is illustrated in terms of a manual toothbrush incorporating the subject cleaning element arrangement. In other forms, however, the invention may take the form of other oral care implements including soft tissue cleaning implements, electric toothbrushes, or other handle implements designed for oral care.

Referring first to Figures 1-5 concurrently, a toothbrush 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Toothbrush 100 generally includes a handle 110 and a head 120 . The handle 110 provides the user with a mechanism by which he/she can easily hold and manipulate the toothbrush 100 . The handle 110 is shown in a general sense and can be formed from many different shapes, sizes, materials, and various manufacturing methods well known to those skilled in the art. The handle 110 may include a suitably textured grip (not shown) of elastomeric material, if desired, or may be of multi-piece construction. In short, the details of the handle 110 are not limiting of the invention, and thus need not be further described for the purposes of the invention.

Toothbrush 100 extends from a proximal end 112 to a distal end 113 along a longitudinal axis A-A (shown in FIG. 2 ). Head 120 is operatively connected to handle 110 . The head 120 and handle 110 of the toothbrush are preferably formed as a single unitary structure using molding, milling, cutting or other suitable processes. However, in other embodiments, handle 110 and head 120 may be formed as separate components that are assembled at a later stage in the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including but not limited to heat welding, tight fit , coupling sleeves, adhesives or fasteners) are operably connected. Whether the head 120 and handle 110 are of unitary or multi-piece construction (including connection techniques) is not a limitation of the invention.

At this point it should be noted that relative terms such as distal, middle, proximal, upper, lower, top, bottom, left, right, etc. are only used to describe the relative positions of the components of toothbrush 100 with respect to each other and are not intended to be of any further significance. way to limit the invention.

Head 120 generally includes a front surface 121 and a rear surface 122 . The front surface 121 and the rear surface 122 of the head 120 can assume a variety of shapes and configurations, none of which are limiting of the present invention. For example, front surface 121 and rear surface 122 may be flat, contoured, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the rear surface 122 may also include other structures for oral cleaning, such as soft tissue cleaners, if desired. Examples of suitable soft tissue cleansers are disclosed in US Patent 7,143,462 issued December 5, 2006 to the assignee of the present application, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, while the head 120 is generally widened relative to the neck 111 of the handle 110 , it may simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the handle 110 in some configurations.

Head 120 also includes a distal perimeter 124 , a first lateral perimeter 125 , a second lateral perimeter 126 , and a proximal perimeter 127 . The distal perimeter 124 , the first lateral perimeter 125 and the second lateral perimeter 126 are bounded by the peripheral side surface 123 of the head 120 . A proximal perimeter 127 is defined where the head 120 transitions into the neck 111 .

A collection 130 of cleaning elements is disposed on the front surface of the head 120 for cleaning in contact with oral surfaces, preferably teeth. Although the collection of cleaning elements 130 is particularly suitable for brushing teeth, the collection of cleaning elements 130 can also be used to clean oral soft tissues, such as the tongue, gums or cheeks, in addition to or instead of teeth. As used herein, the term "cleaning element" is used in a general sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean or massage oral surfaces through opposing surface contact. Common examples of "cleaning elements" include, but are not limited to, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymeric protrusions, coextruded filaments, curly bristles, curly bristles, Antimicrobial bristles and combinations thereof and/or structures comprising such materials or combinations.

The collection of cleaning elements 130 of the present invention can be attached to the head 120 in any manner known in the art. For example, anchor-free tufting (AFT) may be used to install cleaning elements. In AFT, a plate or membrane is secured to the brush head, such as by ultrasonic welding. Bristles (or other elastomeric elements) extend through the plate or membrane. The free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or membrane perform a cleaning function. The bristle ends on the other side of the plate or membrane are fused together by heating to anchor in place. Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used in the broad practice of the invention. Alternatively, the bristles may be mounted on the tuft blocks or segments by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks such that the bases of the bristles fit within or below the tuft blocks.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7 concurrently, details of the head 120 and the collection of cleaning elements 130 extending therefrom will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The head 120 of the toothbrush includes a longitudinal axis A-A and a transverse axis C-C. Generally, the collection 130 of cleaning elements includes a first set 140 of cleaning elements, a second set 150 of cleaning elements, a third set 160 of cleaning elements, and a plurality of prophy cups 171-173.

The first set 140 of cleaning elements generally includes a distal similarly elliptical wall 141 of cleaning elements, two arcuate rows 142 - 143 of cleaning elements, and a proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 . The distal similarly elliptical wall 141 is formed by cleaning elements 141a-141b. The proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 is formed by cleaning elements 144a-144d. The arcuate first row 142 is formed by cleaning elements 142a-142c, while the arcuate second row 143 is formed by cleaning elements 143a-143c.

A second set 150 of cleaning elements is arranged in a row along the lateral perimeter 125 of the head 120 . Similarly, a third set 160 of cleaning elements is arranged in a line along the lateral perimeter 126 of the head 120 . Specifically, the rows formed by the first set 150 of cleaning elements include cleaning elements 150a-150e, and the rows formed by the second set 160 of cleaning elements include cleaning elements 160a-160e.

Preferably, all cleaning elements of the distal similarly elliptical wall 141 , the two arcuate rows 142-143 and the proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 are formed of tightly packed bristles. However, the invention is not so limited and one, some or all of these cleaning elements may be formed from other materials such as elastomers or the like. Furthermore, while the distal similarly elliptical wall 141, the two arcuate rows 142-143, and the proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 are shown as being formed from two, three and four cleaning elements, respectively, the distal similarly elliptical wall Each of 141, the two arcuate rows 142-143 and the proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 may be formed from more or fewer cleaning elements than in the illustrated embodiment. Furthermore, the distal similarly elliptical wall 141, the two arcuate rows 142-143 and the proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 may even be formed as a single cleaning element wall.

Prophy cup 171 is formed from three arcuate elastomeric wall sections 171a-171c. Similarly, prophy cup 173 is formed from three arcuate elastomeric wall sections 172a-172c. Central prophy cup 172 is formed from two arcuate elastomeric wall sections 172a-172b. Of course, each of the prophy cups 171-173 could be constructed of more or fewer segments than the illustrated embodiment and could be constructed of other materials such as tightly packed bristles. Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible elastic material suitable for use in oral hygiene devices. In order to provide optimum comfort and cleaning effect, the elastomeric material preferably has hardness properties in the A10 to A40 Shore hardness range, and preferably A25 Shore hardness. A preferred elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. However, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the above hardness range may be used.

All prophy cups 171-173 are arranged within a ring formed by the first set of cleaning elements 140 (described in more detail below), which ring is preferably a substantially closed ring. Prophy cups 171-173 are also arranged along the longitudinal axis A-A of the head. The prophy cup 172 is also located on the transverse axis C-C of the head 120 .

Further related to the first set of cleaning elements 140 , a prophy cup 171 is located within the distal similarly elliptical wall 141 , and a prophy cup 173 is located within the proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 . The prophy cup 172 is centrally located between the two arcuate rows 142-143.

An elongated central cleaning element 181-183 is located within each of the prophy cups 171-173 and extends upwardly from the first surface 121 of the head 120 in a substantially perpendicular manner. Specifically, the central cleaning element 181 is located within the prophy cup 171 and extends along the central axis X-X of the prophy cup 171 . Central cleaning element 182 is located within prophy cup 172 and extends along a central axis Y-Y of prophy cup 182 . The central cleaning element 183 is located within the prophy cup 173 and extends along the central axis Z-Z of the prophy cup 173 . Each of the elongated cleaning elements 181-183 is preferably taller than its corresponding prophy cup 171-173 and extends above its top surface. Each of the elongated central cleaning elements 181-183 terminates in a cleaning end that is preferably a tapered end. Of course, the invention is not so limited and the cleaning ends of the central cleaning elements 181-183 may take other shapes. The central cleaning elements 181-183 are preferably tightly packed tufts of bristles, but could also be elastomeric fingers if desired. In some embodiments of the invention, elongated cleaning elements 181-183 may be omitted altogether.

The first pair of elongated cleaning elements 191a-191b are also located within the substantially closed loop formed by the first set 140 of cleaning elements. A first pair of elongated cleaning elements 191a - 191b is positioned between the first prophy cup 171 and the second prophy cup 172 . Similarly, the second pair of elongated elements 192a-192b are positioned within the substantially closed loop formed by the first set of cleaning elements 140. The second pair of elongated cleaning elements 192a - 192b is positioned between the second prophy cup 172 and the third prophy cup 173 .

Referring now to Figure 7 alone, details of the front profile of the first set 140 of cleaning elements will be described. The distal similarly elliptical wall 141 of the cleaning elements, the two arcuate rows 142-143 of the cleaning elements, and the proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 collectively form a proximal perimeter 127 extending from the distal perimeter 124 of the head 120 to the head 120. A substantially closed loop of . The substantially closed loop formed by the distal similarly elliptical wall 141 of the cleaning elements, the arcuate two rows 142-143 of cleaning elements, and the proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 is also positioned symmetrically along the longitudinal axis A-A of the head 120. . As best seen in Figure 7, the substantially closed loop is shaped like a racetrack. Of course, other shapes may be used in some alternative embodiments.

The distal similarly elliptical wall 141 extends circumferentially from a first end 241a to a second end 241b. The distal similarly elliptical wall 141 extends circumferentially at least 180 degrees, and in the illustrated embodiment extends approximately 180 degrees. The proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 extends circumferentially from a first end 244a to a second end 244b. The proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 extends circumferentially at least 180 degrees, and in the illustrated embodiment extends approximately 180 degrees.

The arcuate first row 142 extends from a first end 241a of the distal like-elliptical wall 141 to a first end 244a of the proximal like-elliptical wall 144 . Similarly, the arcuate second row 143 extends from a distal second end 241b of the oval-like wall 141 to a proximal second end 244a of the oval-like wall 144 . The arcuate first row 142 and the arcuate second row 143 are arranged on the head 120 so as to be positioned symmetrically about both the longitudinal axis A-A and the transverse axis C-C of the head. The arcuate first row 142 and the arcuate second row 143 are separated by a distance D which increases with distance from the transverse axis C-C. The arcuate rows 142, 143 are arranged such that their convex circumferences face each other.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9 concurrently, details of the second set 150 and third set 160 of cleaning elements and their relationship to the first set 140 of cleaning elements and head 120 will be described. As noted above, the second set 150 and the third set 160 of cleaning elements are arranged in rows along the first lateral perimeter 125 and the second lateral perimeter 126 of the head 120, respectively. Cleaning elements 160a-160e extend from first surface 121 of head 120 at a non-perpendicular angle θ such that cleaning elements 160a-160e extend from first surface 121 of head 120 to clean elements from second row 143 (which preferably The substantially perpendicular angle diverges (or diverges) from the first surface 121 ). Similarly, cleaning elements 150a-150e extend from first surface 121 of head 120 at a non-perpendicular angle θ such that cleaning elements 150a-150e extend from first surface 121 of head 120 to clean elements from first row 142 ( It preferably diverges from the first surface 121 at a substantially perpendicular angle). Preferably, the angle Θ is in the range of 1 to 15 degrees, and most preferably 4 degrees.

A longitudinal channel 165 is formed between the third set 160 of cleaning elements 160a-160e and the third row 143 of cleaning elements 143a-143c. Similarly, a longitudinal channel 155 is formed between the second set 150 of cleaning elements 150a-150e and the second row 142 of cleaning elements 142a-142c. The longitudinal channels 155, 165 provide cavities for receiving and retaining dentifrice during oral care.

A third set 160 of cleaning elements 160a-160e terminates at cleaning ends 161a-161e. The cleaning ends 161a-161e preferably taper to form a longitudinal edge 162 along the row formed by the third set 160 of cleaning elements 160a-160e. Similarly, a second set 150 of cleaning elements 150a-150e terminates at cleaning ends 151a-151e. The cleaning ends 151a-151e preferably taper so as to form a second longitudinal edge 152 along the row formed by the third set 150 of cleaning elements 150a-150e. The tapered and angled nature of the second row 150 of cleaning elements 150a-150e and the third row 160 of cleaning elements 160a-160e not only provides increased cleaning of the teeth along the gum line during brushing, but also provides a means by which dentifrice can be introduced into these teeth. means in the region.

As best seen in FIG. 9, the second set 150 of cleaning elements 150a-150e and the third set 160 of cleaning elements 160a-160e are taller than the second row 142 of cleaning elements 142a-142c and the third row 143 of cleaning elements 143a-143c, respectively. . In other words, the second set 150 of cleaning elements 150a-150e and the third set 160 of cleaning elements 160a-160e have a height greater than the height of the second row 142 of cleaning elements 142a-142c and the third row 143 of cleaning elements 143a-143c, respectively. As used herein, height is the vertical distance from the first surface 121 of the head 120 to the uppermost portion of the theme element.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 9 simultaneously, as described above, the prophy cup 171 is located within the distal similarly elliptical wall 141 and the prophy cup 173 is located within the proximal similarly elliptical wall 144 . As a result, there is an annular channel 195 between the prophy cup 171 and the distal, similarly elliptical wall 141 . Similarly, there is an annular channel 196 between the prophy cup 173 and the proximal similarly oval wall 144 . These annular channels 195, 196 provide cavities for receiving and further retaining dentifrice during oral care.

As can be seen in FIG. 9 , the distal-most portion of the first similarly elliptical wall 141 extends upwardly from the first surface 121 of the head 120 in an inclined manner away from the handle 110 at an angle β. Preferably, the angle β is in the range of 1 to 15 degrees, and most preferably 4 degrees. Conversely, a proximal-most portion of the second similarly elliptical wall 144 extends upwardly from the first surface 121 of the head 120 in an inclined manner towards the handle 110 at an angle φ. Preferably, the angle φ is in the range of 1 to 15 degrees, and most preferably 4 degrees.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 10 concurrently, the configuration of the substantially closed loop formed by the first set 140 of cleaning elements will be illustrated. FIG. 10 shows a simplified longitudinal profile of the top surface of the substantially closed loop formed by the distal quasi-elliptical wall 141 , the two arcuate rows 142 - 143 and the proximal quasi-elliptical wall 144 . As can be seen, the top surface 149 has a lateral side profile comprising a concave section 40 extending from a peak P at the most distal point of the distal similarly elliptical wall 141 to an arcuate A transition point T at the middle portion of the two rows 142-143. The lateral side profile also includes a raised section 50 extending from the transition point T to the proximal-most point F of the second similarly elliptical wall 144 . The longitudinal side profile is roughly S-shaped extending outward.

In other words, the first similarly elliptical wall 141 has a first height H1 at the first end 241a and the second end 241b and a peak height at the location where the first similarly elliptical wall 144 intersects (or is assumed to intersect) the longitudinal axis A-A HP. The first similarly elliptical wall 144 slopes upwardly from the first height H1 to a peak height HP, moving from the first end 241a and the second end 241b to a position P where the first similarly elliptical wall intersects the longitudinal axis A-A. When moving from the first similarly elliptical wall 141 to the second similarly elliptical wall 144 , the heights of the first row 142 and the second row 143 first slope down a part until reaching the height H2 . Thereafter, the height of the first row 142 and the second row 143 then ramps up the second portion until reaching the height H3. At all points, second similarly elliptical wall 144 preferably has a height greater than height H2 and less than peak height HP.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, various alternatives and modifications will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Since various changes could be made in the above-described methods, components and structures without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in this application, including all above-mentioned mechanisms and/or modes of interaction, should be interpreted as illustrative only. It is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims in any way.

Claims (36)

1. toothbrush comprises:

Handle;

Be connected to the head on the described handle, described head has proximal, perimeter, distal circumference, first surface, longitudinal axis and axis of pitch;

First group of cleaning element, it forms the ring that extends to the proximal, perimeter of described head from the distal circumference of described head, and described first group of cleaning element comprises:

Be positioned at the first kind of cleaning element at distal circumference place of described head like elliptical wall, the described first kind ends at first end and the second end like elliptical wall;

Be positioned at the Equations of The Second Kind of cleaning element at proximal, perimeter place of described head like elliptical wall, described Equations of The Second Kind ends at first end and the second end like elliptical wall;

Extend to described Equations of The Second Kind like the first row cleaning element of the first end of elliptical wall from the described first kind like the first end of elliptical wall; And

Extend to described Equations of The Second Kind like the second row cleaning element of the second end of elliptical wall from the described first kind like the second end of elliptical wall;

Wherein, described the first row and described the second row arrange symmetrically that about described longitudinal axis and described axis of pitch described the first row and described the second row separate with the first distance that increases with the distance with described axis of pitch;

Contiguous described the first row extension and the third line cleaning element of locating along the first side direction periphery of described head, described the third line is positioned at the described ring outside, described the third line extends upward so that from described the first row fork, the height that described the third line has is greater than the height of described the first row from described first surface obliquely; And

Contiguous described the second row extension and the fourth line cleaning element of locating along the second side direction periphery of described head, described fourth line is positioned at the described ring outside, described fourth line extends upward so that from described the second row fork, the height that described fourth line has is greater than the height of described the second row from described first surface obliquely.

2. toothbrush according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described toothbrush also comprises:

Wherein, the described first kind has the first height and has peak height in the described first kind like the position that elliptical wall and described longitudinal axis intersect at first end and the second end place of the described first kind like elliptical wall like elliptical wall, the described first kind like elliptical wall from described first highly upwards along tiltedly to described peak height, thereby move to the described first kind like the crossing position of elliptical wall and described longitudinal axis from the described first kind like the first end of elliptical wall and the second end;

Wherein, moving to described Equations of The Second Kind when the elliptical wall from the described first kind like elliptical wall, the height of described the first row and described the second row is at first downwards along an oblique part and then upwards along oblique second portion; And

Wherein, the height that has like elliptical wall of described Equations of The Second Kind is less than described peak height.

3. toothbrush according to claim 2 is characterized in that, described the third line cleaning element and described fourth line cleaning element have and be apered in order to form respectively the top surface of the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge.

4. toothbrush according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the bristle of described first group of cleaning element for closely tying up.

5. toothbrush according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described the first row and described the second behavior arcuate wall.

6. toothbrush according to claim 5 is characterized in that, described the third line and described fourth line are arranged symmetrically about longitudinal axis and the described axis of pitch of described head.

7. toothbrush according to claim 6 is characterized in that, is forming the first conduit between described the first row and described the third line and form the second conduit between described the second row and described fourth line.

8. toothbrush according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described toothbrush also comprises:

Wherein, described the third line has first end and the second end, and described the third line extends into so that the first end of described the third line and the described first kind are adjacent like the outer surface of elliptical wall like the outer surface of elliptical wall the second end and described Equations of The Second Kind adjacent and described the third line; And

Wherein, described fourth line has first end and the second end, and described fourth line extends into so that the first end of described the third line and the described first kind are adjacent like the outer surface of elliptical wall like the outer surface of elliptical wall the second end and described Equations of The Second Kind adjacent and described the third line.

9. toothbrush according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the described first kind is at least 180 degree like elliptical wall and described Equations of The Second Kind like elliptical wall in circumference.

10. toothbrush according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described toothbrush also comprises:

Be positioned at the described first kind like the first elastomer cup of elliptical wall;

The second elastomer cup between described the first row and described the second row; And

Be positioned at described Equations of The Second Kind like the 3rd elastomer cup of elliptical wall.

11. toothbrush according to claim 10, it is characterized in that described toothbrush also comprises in described the first elastomer cup and the described first kind like the first annular gap between the elliptical wall with at described the second elastomer cup and described Equations of The Second Kind the second annular gap between the elliptical wall seemingly.

12. toothbrush according to claim 10 is characterized in that, described the first elastomer cup, described the second elastomer cup and described the 3rd elastomer cup are along the longitudinal axis location of described head.

13. toothbrush according to claim 10 is characterized in that, described toothbrush also comprises:

Along the first microscler cleaning element that the central axis of described the first elastomer cup extends, it is higher than described the first elastomer cup;

Along the second microscler cleaning element that the central axis of described the second elastomer cup extends, it is higher than described the second elastomer cup; And

Along the 3rd microscler cleaning element that the central axis of described the 3rd elastomer cup extends, it is higher than described the 3rd elastomer cup.

14. toothbrush according to claim 13 is characterized in that, described the first elastomer cup and described the 3rd elastomer cup are formed by three arc wall sections, and described the second elastomer cup is formed by two arc wall sections.

15. toothbrush according to claim 10, it is characterized in that, described toothbrush also be included in the described ring at the microscler cleaning element of the first couple between described the first elastomer cup and described the second elastomer cup and the microscler cleaning element of the second couple between described the second elastomer cup and described the 3rd elastomer cup in described ring.

16. toothbrush according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described toothbrush comprises that also wherein said ring seals basically.

17. toothbrush according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the described first kind of cleaning element extends upward with the first surface of inclination mode from described head away from described handle like the farthest side part of elliptical wall; And wherein, the described Equations of The Second Kind of cleaning element extends upward with the first surface of inclination mode from described head towards described handle like the recent side part of elliptical wall.

18. a toothbrush comprises:

Handle;

Be connected to the head on the described handle, described head has proximal, perimeter, distal circumference, first surface and longitudinal axis;

First group of cleaning element, it forms the ring that extends to the proximal, perimeter of described head from the distal circumference of described head, and described first group of cleaning element comprises:

Be positioned at the first kind of cleaning element at distal circumference place of described head like elliptical wall, the described first kind ends at first end and the second end like elliptical wall;

Be positioned at the Equations of The Second Kind of cleaning element at proximal, perimeter place of described head like elliptical wall, described Equations of The Second Kind ends at first end and the second end like elliptical wall;

Extend to described Equations of The Second Kind like the first row cleaning element of the first end of elliptical wall from the described first kind like the first end of elliptical wall; And

Extend to described Equations of The Second Kind like the second row cleaning element of the second end of elliptical wall from the described first kind like the second end of elliptical wall;

Contiguous described the first row extension and the third line cleaning element of locating along the first side direction periphery of described head, described the third line is positioned at the described ring outside, described the third line extends upward so that from described the first row fork, the height that described the third line has is greater than the height of described the first row from described first surface obliquely; And

Contiguous described the second row extension and the fourth line cleaning element of locating along the second side direction periphery of described head, described fourth line is positioned at the described ring outside, described fourth line extends upward so that from described the second row fork, the height that described fourth line has is greater than the height of described the second row from described first surface obliquely.

19. toothbrush according to claim 18, it is characterized in that, described the first row and described the second row arrange symmetrically that about longitudinal axis and the axis of pitch of described head described the first row and described the second row separate with the first distance that increases with the distance with described axis of pitch.

20. toothbrush according to claim 19 is characterized in that, described the first row and described the second behavior arcuate wall; And wherein, described ring is basically to seal.

21. toothbrush according to claim 18 is characterized in that, described toothbrush also comprises:

Wherein, the described first kind has the first height and has peak height in the described first kind like the position that elliptical wall and described longitudinal axis intersect at first end and the second end place of the described first kind like elliptical wall like elliptical wall, the described first kind like elliptical wall from described first highly upwards along tiltedly to described peak height, thereby move to the described first kind like the crossing position of elliptical wall and described longitudinal axis from the described first kind like the first end of elliptical wall and the second end;

Wherein, moving to described Equations of The Second Kind when the elliptical wall from the described first kind like elliptical wall, the height of described the first row and described the second row is at first downwards along an oblique part and then upwards along oblique second portion; And

Wherein, the height that has like elliptical wall of described Equations of The Second Kind is less than described peak height.

22. a toothbrush comprises:

Handle;

Be connected to the head on the described handle, described head has proximal, perimeter, distal circumference, first surface and longitudinal axis;

First group of cleaning element, it forms the basically ring of sealing that extends to the proximal, perimeter of described head from the distal circumference of described head, and described first group of cleaning element comprises:

Be positioned at the first kind of cleaning element at distal circumference place of described head like elliptical wall, the described first kind ends at first end and the second end like elliptical wall;

Be positioned at the Equations of The Second Kind of cleaning element at proximal, perimeter place of described head like elliptical wall, described Equations of The Second Kind ends at first end and the second end like elliptical wall;

Extend to described Equations of The Second Kind like the arc the first row cleaning element of the first end of elliptical wall from the described first kind like the first end of elliptical wall; And

Extend to described Equations of The Second Kind like the second arc row cleaning element of the second end of elliptical wall from the described first kind like the second end of elliptical wall; And

Wherein, described arc the first row and described the second arc row arrange symmetrically about described longitudinal axis, so that the peripheral projection surface of the peripheral projection surface of described arc the first row and described arc the second row is to described longitudinal axis.

23. toothbrush according to claim 22 is characterized in that, described toothbrush also comprises:

Contiguous described the first row extension and the third line cleaning element of locating along the first side direction periphery of described head, described the third line is positioned at the ring outside of described basically sealing, described the third line extends upward so that from described the first row fork, the height that described the third line has is greater than the height of described the first row from described first surface obliquely; And

Contiguous described the second row extension and the fourth line cleaning element of locating along the second side direction periphery of described head, described fourth line is positioned at the ring outside of described basically sealing, described fourth line extends upward so that from described the second row fork, the height that described fourth line has is greater than the height of described the second row from described first surface obliquely.

24. toothbrush according to claim 22 is characterized in that, described toothbrush also comprises:

Wherein, the described first kind has the first height and has peak height in the described first kind like the position that elliptical wall and described longitudinal axis intersect at first end and the second end place of the described first kind like elliptical wall like elliptical wall, the described first kind like elliptical wall from described first highly upwards along tiltedly to described peak height, thereby move to the described first kind like the crossing position of elliptical wall and described longitudinal axis from the described first kind like the first end of elliptical wall and the second end;

Wherein, moving to described Equations of The Second Kind when the elliptical wall from the described first kind like elliptical wall, the height of described arc the first row and described arc the second row is at first downwards along an oblique part and then upwards along oblique second portion; And

Wherein, the height that has like elliptical wall of described Equations of The Second Kind is less than described peak height.

25. a toothbrush comprises:

Handle;

Be connected to the head on the described handle, described head has proximal, perimeter, distal circumference, first surface and longitudinal axis;

First group of cleaning element, it forms the ring that extends to the proximal, perimeter of described head from the distal circumference of described head, and described first group of cleaning element comprises:

Be positioned at the first kind of cleaning element at distal circumference place of described head like elliptical wall, the described first kind ends at first end and the second end like elliptical wall;

Be positioned at the Equations of The Second Kind of cleaning element at proximal, perimeter place of described head like elliptical wall, described Equations of The Second Kind ends at first end and the second end like elliptical wall;

Extend to described Equations of The Second Kind like the first row cleaning element of the first end of elliptical wall from the described first kind like the first end of elliptical wall; And

Extend to described Equations of The Second Kind like the second row cleaning element of the second end of elliptical wall from the described first kind like the second end of elliptical wall;

Wherein, the top surface of described ring has vertical side profile of the S shape that is outside stretching, extension.

26. toothbrush according to claim 25, it is characterized in that, described the first row and described the second row arrange symmetrically that about longitudinal axis and the axis of pitch of described head described the first row and described the second row separate with the first distance that increases with the distance with described axis of pitch.

27. toothbrush according to claim 26 is characterized in that, described the first row and described the second behavior have the arcuate wall in the face of the peripheral projection surface of described longitudinal axis.

28. toothbrush according to claim 27 is characterized in that, described toothbrush also comprises:

Contiguous described the first row extension and the third line cleaning element of locating along the first side direction periphery of described head, described the third line is positioned at the described ring outside, described the third line extends upward so that from described the first row fork, the height that described the third line has is greater than the height of described the first row from described first surface obliquely; And

Contiguous described the second row extension and the fourth line cleaning element of locating along the second side direction periphery of described head, described fourth line is positioned at the described ring outside, described fourth line extends upward so that from described the second row fork, the height that described fourth line has is greater than the height of described the second row from described first surface obliquely.

29. toothbrush according to claim 28 is characterized in that, described toothbrush also comprises:

Be positioned at the described first kind like the first elastomer cup of elliptical wall;

The second elastomer cup between described the first row and described the second row; And

Be positioned at described Equations of The Second Kind like the 3rd elastomer cup of elliptical wall.

30. toothbrush according to claim 29, it is characterized in that described toothbrush also comprises in described the first elastomer cup and the described first kind like the first annular gap between the elliptical wall with at described the second elastomer cup and described Equations of The Second Kind the second annular gap between the elliptical wall seemingly.

31. toothbrush according to claim 30 is characterized in that, described the first elastomer cup, described the second elastomer cup and described the 3rd elastomer cup are along the longitudinal axis location of described head.

32. toothbrush according to claim 29 is characterized in that, described toothbrush also comprises:

Along the first microscler cleaning element that the central axis of described the first elastomer cup extends, it is higher than described the first elastomer cup;

Along the second microscler cleaning element that the central axis of described the second elastomer cup extends, it is higher than described the second elastomer cup; And

Along the 3rd microscler cleaning element that the central axis of described the 3rd elastomer cup extends, it is higher than described the 3rd elastomer cup.

33. toothbrush according to claim 32, it is characterized in that, described toothbrush also be included in the described ring at the microscler cleaning element of the first couple between described the first elastomer cup and described the second elastomer cup and the microscler cleaning element of the second couple between described the second elastomer cup and described the 3rd elastomer cup in described ring.

34. toothbrush according to claim 25 is characterized in that, the described first kind of cleaning element extends upward with the first surface of inclination mode from described head away from described handle like the farthest side part of elliptical wall; And wherein, the described Equations of The Second Kind of cleaning element extends upward with the first surface of inclination mode from described head towards described handle like the recent side part of elliptical wall.

35. a toothbrush comprises:

Handle;

Be connected to the head on the described handle, described head has proximal, perimeter, distal circumference, first surface and longitudinal axis;

First group of cleaning element, it forms the ring that extends to the proximal, perimeter of described head from the distal circumference of described head; And

Wherein, the top surface of described ring has the vertical side profile that comprises recessed section and protruding section, the female section extends to the transition point of the pars intermedia office that is positioned at described ring from being positioned at the described basically peak section of the farthest side point of the ring of sealing, described protruding section extends to described Equations of The Second Kind like the recent side point of elliptical wall from described transition point.

36. toothbrush according to claim 35 is characterized in that, described ring is basically to seal.

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