[go: up one dir, main page]

EP1152671B1 - Toothbrush spontaneously taking up stable equilibrium position on a horizontal support - Google Patents

Toothbrush spontaneously taking up stable equilibrium position on a horizontal support Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1152671B1
EP1152671B1 EP00905150A EP00905150A EP1152671B1 EP 1152671 B1 EP1152671 B1 EP 1152671B1 EP 00905150 A EP00905150 A EP 00905150A EP 00905150 A EP00905150 A EP 00905150A EP 1152671 B1 EP1152671 B1 EP 1152671B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
brush
support
proximal portion
handle
brush according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00905150A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1152671A1 (en
Inventor
Arnaud Doat
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pierre Fabre Medicament SA
Original Assignee
Pierre Fabre Medicament SA
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
Application filed by Pierre Fabre Medicament SA filed Critical Pierre Fabre Medicament SA
Priority to EP04019909A priority Critical patent/EP1483982A1/en
Publication of EP1152671A1 publication Critical patent/EP1152671A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1152671B1 publication Critical patent/EP1152671B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0097—Self supporting, e.g. brushes that stand upright or in other particular ways
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S248/00—Supports
    • Y10S248/91—Weighted base

Definitions

  • the invention relates to toothbrushes.
  • the handle of the brush has a profiled sectional shape triangular cross section.
  • the handle of the brush has a profiled sectional shape triangular cross section.
  • the hairs are turned upwards in opposite direction to the support.
  • the bristles extend toward the support plan while being away from it.
  • the brush teeth can be left in this position after use. It can drip and dry without contact of the hairs with the support.
  • this position corresponding to a stable equilibrium, it suffices that the user places the brush in a position close to the stable position for the brush spontaneously found this stable position.
  • the handling of the brush does not require from the from the user a particular attention. He lives that, in the other two positions, the hairs are oriented upwards and are therefore likely to come in contact with other objects that the user would manipulate. This is harmful to a good hygiene of the brush.
  • WO-98 44823 discloses a toothbrush arranged to present a unique stable equilibrium position in which the brush is parallel to the support and the bristles extend in the opposite direction to the support.
  • the document CH-180 027 discloses a toothbrush arranged to present several positions of stable equilibrium. In one of these positions, the brush is horizontal with the hairs oriented toward the support and away from the support.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a brush which is easier to handle and reduces the risk of hair contact with an element outside.
  • stable equilibrium position we mean a position that the brush finds spontaneously under the effect of gravity once the brush has been deposited in any position close to the stable position, sometimes oscillations around the stable position. (Good heard, if the stable position is unique, this functioning will be valid regardless of the position starting point). From a physical point of view, in the every stable equilibrium position, the energy potential of the brush associated with gravity terrestrial is at an absolute minimum or local by comparison with other non-stable positions. We so speaks of bowl of potential.
  • the or each stable position depends on the volume of the brush and its mass distribution.
  • the brush is arranged so that the stable position is always the same, whatever either said starting position of any kind.
  • this position can be the one where the hairs are the closest to the support, without being in contact with this one, and are the least likely to be affected by another object.
  • the brush is in accordance with claim 3.
  • the proximal zone ensures the rolling of the brush on the support from a starting position any up to the or each stable position.
  • the brush is arranged so that the proximal area has a single point of contact with the support in the or each position stable balance.
  • the brush is arranged so that for any position in which the brush is supported by a horizontal plane support with the longitudinal direction substantially parallel to support, the proximal area presents a single point of contact with the support.
  • the proximal zone has a shape usually flat.
  • the proximal area can serve as support for one or more fingers of the user's hand wielding the brush and this to hold more firmly the brush in hand, or turn it over easily in hand during brushing.
  • This support can especially serve the thumb or index of this hand.
  • the proximal area forms an obstacle likely to limit or prevent any flow from the hairs along the handle to the hand of the user.
  • the handle of the handle remains clean and dries during brushing.
  • the proximal zone has a shape general flat in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the brush.
  • the proximal zone has a shape generally flat in a plane substantially inclined by relative to the longitudinal direction of the brush.
  • the proximal zone being off-center relative to a central longitudinal axis of the brush, the proximal area contributes so significant, even decisive, changeover brush up to the or each stable position.
  • the proximal area protrudes from one side of the opposite handle to another side of the handle bearing the fur.
  • the proximal zone extends into protrusion of the handle all around a longitudinal axis of the brush.
  • the proximal zone forms with the handle an indented ridge on one side of the area proximal located towards the hairs.
  • the proximal area forms an obstacle particularly effective at flows since bristles towards the handle.
  • the proximal zone forms with the handle an indented ridge on one side of the area proximal located towards the distal zone.
  • the proximal zone forms a good stop for the fingers of the hand holding the brush.
  • the proximal zone has a face outer elastomer.
  • the tilting of the brush up to or a stable position is performed silently, even if the plane support is made of hard material. We avoid so an unpleasant noise, even when the brush oscillates for a few moments around the stable position.
  • the brush is arranged so that the distal area has two points of contact with the support in the or each equilibrium position stable.
  • the distal zone presents a flat usually parallel to the direction longitudinal of the brush.
  • the brush has the shape illustrated in one of Figures 1 to 5.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first mode embodiment of the invention.
  • the toothbrush 2 has a handle 4 elongated in one direction general rectilinear.
  • the handle has one end terminal 6 provided with brushing bristles 9 thus forming a head of the brush.
  • the head 6 has a face 8 to from which extend the hairs 9, the face being flat in the vicinity of the hairs, and the hairs extending perpendicularly to the face 8.
  • the head has another face 10, opposite the face 8, of shaped shape in the longitudinal direction of the brush, the profile having a generally semicircular shape and thus generating in intersection with the face 8 two edges 12.
  • we'll call faces 8 and 10 respectively lower and upper.
  • the lower face 8 moves away from the face upper curve 10 so the thickness of the brush (measured parallel to the bristles 9) increases.
  • the lower face 8 is extended by a section with curved profile parallel to the direction longitudinal of the brush.
  • the lower face 8 ends by interrupting when the two edges 12 are join before reaching the middle of the length of the brush.
  • the handle On a next section 14 of the brush, the handle thus has a substantially circular profile.
  • the section 14 carries a ring or median zone or proximal 16 that we will describe later, located substantially halfway between the two ends end of the brush but however closer to the head 6 than the other end 20.
  • the stretch circular 14 extends to the other side of the ring 16.
  • the brush has a lower flat 18 extending from the same side of the handle as the face lower 8 carrying the hairs.
  • This flat 18 is generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the brush while being very slightly raised in direction of the back end 20 so that the thickness of the handle decreases towards this end.
  • the handle has the opposite side to the flat lower 18 an upper face 22 with a curved profile analogous to the upper face 10, prolonging the circular section 14 to the end 20.
  • the intersection of this upper face 22 with the lower flat 18 generates a shaped edge 24 elongated ellipse, the major axis of the ellipse being substantially parallel to the direction longitudinal of the brush.
  • the ring 16 is fixed relative to the handle. She has in this case the shape of an oval or ovoid galette very flattened.
  • the general plan of the ring 16 is here inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the length of the brush. In this case, the ring 16 extends protruding from the section 14, that is to say the handle 4, and this all around the neck, thus producing the impression that the handle passes through an imaginary hole in the Ring.
  • the ring 16 is furthermore decentered here by compared to the average fiber of the handle so the ring protrudes from the handle over a longer distance important on the side of the upper faces 10 and 22 that on the side of the lower face 8 and the flat part 18.
  • the ring 16 shape with the handle two hollow and shaped edges general circular 24, 26 and respectively to the front and the back of the brush.
  • the handle and the ring are made for example in a light and hard plastic material, the ring being for example further covered with an elastomer softer intended to constitute the outer face of the ring 16.
  • the mass distribution of the brush and its volume are chosen so that the brush has on a support any horizontal plane 30 a position of equilibrium stable in which the brush rests on the support through a point 32 located at the end back 20 on the flat 18, and a point 34 located on the circumference of the ring 16, on the side of the bristles 9.
  • the bristles 9 extend towards the support 9, perpendicularly to the plane thereof and to distance from it, the lower free end of the hairs being spaced apart from the support.
  • this position constitutes the unique stable balance position of the brush on a support horizontal plane.
  • the turnover is on the one hand at the end 20, on the upper face 22 and the flat part 18. It is on the other hand along the around the ring 16 which, because of the shape convex circular circumference of this circumference, still has only one only point in contact with the support.
  • the user can even arrange the brush in any position on the support, for example standing on the back end 20, the falling brush so always lying down, then rolling to its stable position.
  • the stable position will be reached here with some oscillations of the brush around its stable position until immobilization since, in the stable position, the brush rests on the support by only two points.
  • the eccentric ring 16 plays here a significant role in this functioning of the brush, just like volume and mass distribution of the entire brush.
  • the rolling of the brush from any position up to the stable position is done without any contact of the hair with the support, which improves the hygiene of the brush.
  • the elastomer covering the ring ensures a rolling noise of the brush, even if the support is hard material.
  • the user can hold the brush in the hand by means of the handle section forming a handle extending between the stop 16 and the rear end 20.
  • the ring 16 can then serve stop for at least one of the fingers of the hand, by example the thumb and / or the index to allow a hold the brush firmly or facilitate its rotation in the hand being brushed.
  • the stop 16 limit or even avoid liquid flows since the hairs up to the back end 20 and the hand of the user, the handle thus remaining clean and dried.
  • the part of section 14 of the handle on the side of the ring located towards the hairs may have a diameter less than the diameter of the other part 17 of the stretch 14 on the opposite side of the hair so that she can receive a cap covering the hair up to the ring and whose contour will be an extension of Part 17.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a second mode preferred embodiment very close to the previous one.
  • This mode differs from the previous one mainly by the inclination of the ring 16 which is opposite to that of the first fashion so the upper part of the ring, the most protruding of the handle, extends this time towards the head.
  • Other features of the brush are essentially unchanged.
  • the brush operation is the same, and remains characterized by a single stable position.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a third mode of production. This time, the inclination of the ring 16 is close to that of the first mode, though less pronounced.
  • the head 6 is substantially unchanged by compared to the first mode.
  • the section transverse of the handle decreases from the base of the head 6 and is at a minimum about a section 36 located midway between the head 6 and the 16. From this section, towards the rear end 20, the handle has an elongate shape very slightly curved (whose center of curvature is located on the opposite side to the hairs), the section transverse of the handle going increasing in direction of the rear end 20.
  • the flat lower 18 is still present though its width is lower than in the first mode.
  • the end 20 has the upper side a cutaway 38 elliptical in plan and slightly curved convex in longitudinal profile.
  • the operation of the brush is unchanged.
  • the ring 16 has a single point of contact with the support and the flat part 18 carries out here a contact surface against surface with the support with a number of contact points greater than or equal to three. It follows that the oscillations of the brush around the equilibrium position are reduced or absent. AT from any position, the rolling of the brush is performed on the one hand on the ring 16 and other share on the lower flat 18 and the upper half elliptical edge of the cutaway 38 located on the side of the opposite handle to the hairs.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth mode of embodiment of the invention.
  • the ring 16 always off-center, extends in a general plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the brush.
  • the part of the brush extending from the head 6, this included, up to the ring 16, is substantially same as Figure 1.
  • the part of the handle extending from the ring 16 to the rear end 20 is substantially symmetrical of the previous compared to a point of symmetry S located on the average fiber of the brush, inside of it at the level of the ring 16.
  • the portion of the handle handle present a lower circular face 40 and a flat face upper 42 curved near the ring 16.
  • the brush has a unique balance position stable. This time, in the stable position, the brush rests on the support by a point 34 of the ring and a point 32 of the lower curved face 40, near the rear end 20.
  • the brush for her has at least two stable equilibrium positions in each of which the brush extends parallel to the support, the hairs being directed towards the support, possibly being inclined with respect thereto, and away from the support.
  • the ring 16 makes it possible to obtain simple way the operation of the brush according to the invention.
  • this operation does not take only to the configuration of the ring and its position on the brush but also depends closely of the configuration of the entire brush.

Landscapes

  • Brushes (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)

Abstract

The toothbrush, made from a hard but lightweight plastic, consists of a head (6) with bristles (9) and a handle (17). Between the head and handle it has a circular collar (16), perpendicular or inclined relative to the lengthwise axis of the brush, and the handle has at least one flat surface (18), so that when the brush is laid on a horizontal support the bristles are raised above the surface of the support.

Description

L'invention concerne les brosses à dents.The invention relates to toothbrushes.

On connaít une brosse à dents comportant un manche de forme allongée et une tête munie de poils. Le manche de la brosse a une forme profilée à section transversale triangulaire. Lorsqu'on le dispose sur un support plan horizontal, il présente ainsi trois positions d'équilibre stable. Dans deux de ces positions, les poils sont tournés vers le haut en direction opposée au support. Dans la troisième position, les poils s'étendent en direction du support plan tout en étant à distance de celui-ci. La brosse à dents peut être laissée dans cette position après usage. Elle peut ainsi s'égoutter et sécher sans contact des poils avec le support. De plus, cette position correspondant à un équilibre stable, il suffit que l'utilisateur dépose la brosse dans une position voisine de la position stable pour que la brosse retrouve spontanément cette position stable. Le maniement de la brosse ne requiert donc pas de la part de l'utilisateur une attention particulière. Il demeure que, dans les deux autres positions, les poils sont orientés vers le haut et sont donc susceptibles d'entrer en contact avec d'autres objets que l'utilisateur manipulerait. Cela est nuisible à une bonne hygiène de la brosse.We know a toothbrush with a handle of elongated shape and a head with bristles. The handle of the brush has a profiled sectional shape triangular cross section. When it is available on a support horizontal plane, it thus presents three Stable equilibrium positions. In two of these positions, the hairs are turned upwards in opposite direction to the support. In the third position, the bristles extend toward the support plan while being away from it. The brush teeth can be left in this position after use. It can drip and dry without contact of the hairs with the support. In addition, this position corresponding to a stable equilibrium, it suffices that the user places the brush in a position close to the stable position for the brush spontaneously found this stable position. The handling of the brush does not require from the from the user a particular attention. He lives that, in the other two positions, the hairs are oriented upwards and are therefore likely to come in contact with other objects that the user would manipulate. This is harmful to a good hygiene of the brush.

Le document WO-98 44823 divulgue une brosse à dents agencée pour présenter une position d'équilibre stable unique dans laquelle la brosse est parallèle au support et les poils s'étendent en direction opposée au support.WO-98 44823 discloses a toothbrush arranged to present a unique stable equilibrium position in which the brush is parallel to the support and the bristles extend in the opposite direction to the support.

Le document CH-180 027 divulgue une brosse à dents agencée pour présenter plusieurs positions d'équilibre stable. Dans l'une de ces positions, la brosse est horizontale avec les poils orientés en direction du support et à distance du support.The document CH-180 027 discloses a toothbrush arranged to present several positions of stable equilibrium. In one of these positions, the brush is horizontal with the hairs oriented toward the support and away from the support.

Un but de l'invention est de fournir une brosse qui soit d'un maniement plus simple et réduise encore les risques de contact des poils avec un élément extérieur. An object of the invention is to provide a brush which is easier to handle and reduces the risk of hair contact with an element outside.

En vue de la réalisation de ce but, on prévoit selon l'invention une brosse à dents conforme à la revendication 1.In order to achieve this goal, it is expected that according to the invention a toothbrush according to claim 1.

Ainsi, quelle que soit la position dans laquelle l'utilisateur dépose la brosse sur le support, celle-ci prend une position dans laquelle les poils sont dirigés vers le support et à distance de celui-ci et sont ainsi peu exposés à un contact avec un autre élément. Etant donné que l'utilisateur peut déposer la brosse dans une position quelconque sur le support pour obtenir ce résultat, l'attention que requiert le maniement de cette brosse à dents est particulièrement réduite bien que la brosse garantisse une bonne hygiène des poils.So, whatever the position in which the user places the brush on the support, this one takes a position in which the hairs are directed to the support and remote from it and so are little exposure to contact with another element. Being given that the user can deposit the brush in a any position on the support to get this result, the attention that the handling of this toothbrush is particularly reduced well that the brush guarantees a good hygiene of the hairs.

Par position d'équilibre stable, on entend une position que la brosse retrouve spontanément sous l'effet de la gravité une fois que la brosse a été déposée dans une position quelconque voisine de la position stable, moyennant parfois quelques oscillations autour de la position stable. (Bien entendu, si la position stable est unique, ce fonctionnement sera valable quelle que soit la position de départ). D'un point de vue physique, dans la ou chaque position d'équilibre stable, l'énergie potentielle de la brosse associée à la gravité terrestre se trouve à un minimum absolu ou local par comparaison avec les autres positions non stables. On parle ainsi de cuvette de potentiel.By stable equilibrium position, we mean a position that the brush finds spontaneously under the effect of gravity once the brush has been deposited in any position close to the stable position, sometimes oscillations around the stable position. (Good heard, if the stable position is unique, this functioning will be valid regardless of the position starting point). From a physical point of view, in the every stable equilibrium position, the energy potential of the brush associated with gravity terrestrial is at an absolute minimum or local by comparison with other non-stable positions. We so speaks of bowl of potential.

La ou chaque position stable dépend du volume de la brosse et de sa répartition de masse.The or each stable position depends on the volume of the brush and its mass distribution.

Avantageusement, la brosse est agencée de sorte que la position stable est toujours la même, quelle que soit ladite position de départ quelconque.Advantageously, the brush is arranged so that the stable position is always the same, whatever either said starting position of any kind.

Ainsi, cette position peut être celle où les poils sont le plus proche du support, sans être en contact avec celui-ci, et risquent le moins d'être touchés par un autre objet.So, this position can be the one where the hairs are the closest to the support, without being in contact with this one, and are the least likely to be affected by another object.

Avantageusement, la brosse est conforme à la revendication 3.Advantageously, the brush is in accordance with claim 3.

Ainsi, la zone proximale assure le roulement de la brosse sur le support depuis une position de départ quelconque jusqu'à la ou chaque position stable.Thus, the proximal zone ensures the rolling of the brush on the support from a starting position any up to the or each stable position.

Avantageusement, la brosse est agencée de sorte que la zone proximale présente un unique point de contact avec le support dans la ou chaque position d'équilibre stable. Advantageously, the brush is arranged so that the proximal area has a single point of contact with the support in the or each position stable balance.

Avantageusement, la brosse est agencée de sorte que, pour toute position dans laquelle la brosse est supportée par un support plan horizontal avec la direction longitudinale sensiblement parallèle au support, la zone proximale présente un unique point de contact avec le support.Advantageously, the brush is arranged so that for any position in which the brush is supported by a horizontal plane support with the longitudinal direction substantially parallel to support, the proximal area presents a single point of contact with the support.

Avantageusement, la zone proximale a une forme généralement plate.Advantageously, the proximal zone has a shape usually flat.

Ainsi, la zone proximale peut servir d'appui pour un ou plusieurs doigts de la main de l'utilisateur maniant la brosse et ce pour tenir plus fermement la brosse en main, ou encore la faire tourner plus facilement en main durant le brossage. Cet appui pourra notamment servir au pouce ou à l'index de cette main. En outre, la zone proximale forme un obstacle susceptible de limiter voir d'empêcher tout écoulement depuis les poils le long du manche jusqu'à la main de l'utilisateur. Ainsi, la poignée du manche reste propre et sèche durant le brossage.Thus, the proximal area can serve as support for one or more fingers of the user's hand wielding the brush and this to hold more firmly the brush in hand, or turn it over easily in hand during brushing. This support can especially serve the thumb or index of this hand. In addition, the proximal area forms an obstacle likely to limit or prevent any flow from the hairs along the handle to the hand of the user. Thus, the handle of the handle remains clean and dries during brushing.

Avantageusement, la zone proximale a une forme générale plate dans un plan sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale de la brosse.Advantageously, the proximal zone has a shape general flat in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the brush.

Avantageusement, la zone proximale a une forme générale plate dans un plan sensiblement incliné par rapport à la direction longitudinale de la brosse.Advantageously, the proximal zone has a shape generally flat in a plane substantially inclined by relative to the longitudinal direction of the brush.

La zone proximale étant décentrée par rapport à un axe longitudinal central de la brosse, la zone proximale contribue de façon significative, voire déterminante, au basculement de la brosse jusqu'à la ou chaque position stable. The proximal zone being off-center relative to a central longitudinal axis of the brush, the proximal area contributes so significant, even decisive, changeover brush up to the or each stable position.

Avantageusement, la zone proximale s'étend en saillie d'un côté du manche opposé à un autre côté du manche portant les poils.advantageously, the proximal area protrudes from one side of the opposite handle to another side of the handle bearing the fur.

Avantageusement, la zone proximale s'étend en saillie du manche tout autour d'un axe longitudinal de la brosse.Advantageously, the proximal zone extends into protrusion of the handle all around a longitudinal axis of the brush.

Avantageusement, la zone proximale forme avec le manche une arête en creux d'un côté de la zone proximale situé vers les poils.Advantageously, the proximal zone forms with the handle an indented ridge on one side of the area proximal located towards the hairs.

Ainsi, la zone proximale forme un obstacle particulièrement efficace aux écoulements depuis les poils en direction de la poignée.Thus, the proximal area forms an obstacle particularly effective at flows since bristles towards the handle.

Avantageusement, la zone proximale forme avec le manche une arête en creux d'un côté de la zone proximale situé vers la zone distale.Advantageously, the proximal zone forms with the handle an indented ridge on one side of the area proximal located towards the distal zone.

Ainsi, la zone proximale forme une bonne butée pour les doigts de la main tenant la brosse.Thus, the proximal zone forms a good stop for the fingers of the hand holding the brush.

Avantageusement, la zone proximale a une face externe en élastomère.Advantageously, the proximal zone has a face outer elastomer.

Ainsi, le basculement de la brosse jusqu'à la ou une position stable s'effectue de façon silencieuse, même si le support plan est en matériau dur. On évite donc un bruit désagréable, même lorsque la brosse oscille quelques instants autour de la position stable.Thus, the tilting of the brush up to or a stable position is performed silently, even if the plane support is made of hard material. We avoid so an unpleasant noise, even when the brush oscillates for a few moments around the stable position.

Avantageusement, la brosse est agencée de sorte que la zone distale présente deux points de contact avec le support dans la ou chaque position d'équilibre stable.Advantageously, the brush is arranged so that the distal area has two points of contact with the support in the or each equilibrium position stable.

Avantageusement, la zone distale présente un méplat généralement parallèle à la direction longitudinale de la brosse. Advantageously, the distal zone presents a flat usually parallel to the direction longitudinal of the brush.

Avantageusement, la brosse a la forme illustrée à l'une des figures 1 à 5.Advantageously, the brush has the shape illustrated in one of Figures 1 to 5.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront encore dans la description suivante de quatre modes préférés de réalisation donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs. Aux dessins annexés :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une brosse à dents selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, reposant sur un support ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de dessous de la brosse de la figure 1 ; et
  • les figures 3 à 5 sont des vues analogues à la figure 1 montrant respectivement trois autres modes de réalisation.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description of four preferred embodiments given as non-limiting examples. In the accompanying drawings:
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the invention, resting on a support;
  • Figure 2 is a bottom view of the brush of Figure 1; and
  • Figures 3 to 5 are views similar to Figure 1 showing three other embodiments respectively.

On a illustré aux figures 1 et 2 un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention. La brosse à dents 2 comporte un manche 4 allongé suivant une direction générale rectiligne. Le manche présente une extrémité terminale 6 munie de poils de brossage 9 formant ainsi une tête de la brosse. La tête 6 présente une face 8 à partir de laquelle s'étendent les poils 9, la face étant plane au voisinage des poils, et les poils s'étendant perpendiculairement à la face 8. La tête présente une autre face 10, opposée à la face 8, de forme profilée suivant la direction longitudinale de la brosse, le profil ayant une forme générale de demi-cercle et générant ainsi en intersection avec la face 8 deux arêtes 12. Par commodité et en référence à la figure 1, nous appellerons les faces 8 et 10 respectivement inférieure et supérieure.FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first mode embodiment of the invention. The toothbrush 2 has a handle 4 elongated in one direction general rectilinear. The handle has one end terminal 6 provided with brushing bristles 9 thus forming a head of the brush. The head 6 has a face 8 to from which extend the hairs 9, the face being flat in the vicinity of the hairs, and the hairs extending perpendicularly to the face 8. The head has another face 10, opposite the face 8, of shaped shape in the longitudinal direction of the brush, the profile having a generally semicircular shape and thus generating in intersection with the face 8 two edges 12. For convenience and with reference to the figure 1, we'll call faces 8 and 10 respectively lower and upper.

En direction de l'autre extrémité terminale 20 de la brosse, la face inférieure 8 s'éloigne de la face supérieure courbe 10 de sorte que l'épaisseur de la brosse (mesurée parallèlement aux poils 9) augmente. Pour cela, la face inférieure 8 se prolonge par un tronçon à profil courbe parallèlement à la direction longitudinale de la brosse. La face inférieure 8 finit par s'interrompre lorsque les deux arêtes 12 se rejoignent avant d'atteindre le milieu de la longueur de la brosse. Sur un tronçon 14 suivant de la brosse, le manche a ainsi un profil sensiblement circulaire.Towards the other end 20 of the brush, the lower face 8 moves away from the face upper curve 10 so the thickness of the brush (measured parallel to the bristles 9) increases. For this, the lower face 8 is extended by a section with curved profile parallel to the direction longitudinal of the brush. The lower face 8 ends by interrupting when the two edges 12 are join before reaching the middle of the length of the brush. On a next section 14 of the brush, the handle thus has a substantially circular profile.

Le tronçon 14 porte une bague ou zone médiane ou proximale 16 que nous décrirons plus loin, située sensiblement à mi-distance des deux extrémités terminales de la brosse mais toutefois plus proche de la tête 6 que de l'autre extrémité 20. Le tronçon circulaire 14 se prolonge de l'autre côté de la bague 16.The section 14 carries a ring or median zone or proximal 16 that we will describe later, located substantially halfway between the two ends end of the brush but however closer to the head 6 than the other end 20. The stretch circular 14 extends to the other side of the ring 16.

La brosse présente un méplat inférieur 18 s'étendant du même côté du manche que la face inférieure 8 portant les poils. Ce méplat 18 est généralement parallèle à la direction longitudinale de la brosse tout en étant très légèrement relevé en direction de l'extrémité arrière 20 afin que l'épaisseur du manche diminue en direction de cette extrémité. Le manche présente du côté opposé au méplat inférieur 18 une face supérieure 22 à profil courbe analogue à la face supérieure 10, prolongeant le tronçon circulaire 14 jusqu'à l'extrémité 20. L'intersection de cette face supérieure 22 avec le méplat inférieur 18 génère une arête 24 en forme d'ellipse très allongée, le grand axe de l'ellipse étant sensiblement parallèle à la direction longitudinale de la brosse.The brush has a lower flat 18 extending from the same side of the handle as the face lower 8 carrying the hairs. This flat 18 is generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the brush while being very slightly raised in direction of the back end 20 so that the thickness of the handle decreases towards this end. The handle has the opposite side to the flat lower 18 an upper face 22 with a curved profile analogous to the upper face 10, prolonging the circular section 14 to the end 20. The intersection of this upper face 22 with the lower flat 18 generates a shaped edge 24 elongated ellipse, the major axis of the ellipse being substantially parallel to the direction longitudinal of the brush.

La bague 16 est fixe par rapport au manche. Elle a en l'espèce la forme d'une galette ovale ou ovoïde très aplatie. Le plan général de la bague 16 est ici incliné par rapport à la direction perpendiculaire à la longueur de la brosse. En l'espèce, la bague 16 s'étend en saillie du tronçon 14, c'est-à-dire du manche 4, et ce tout autour du manche, produisant ainsi l'impression que le manche traverse un orifice imaginaire de la bague. La bague 16 est en outre ici décentrée par rapport à la fibre moyenne du manche de sorte que la bague fait saillie du manche sur une distance plus importante du côté des faces supérieures 10 et 22 que du côté de la face inférieure 8 et du méplat 18. Cette distance est minimale du côté de la face inférieure 8, plus importante sur les côtés de la brosse, et maximale du côté des faces supérieures 10 et 22. Compte tenu de l'inclinaison de la bague, il s'ensuit que la bague fait saillie sur une courte distance du côté des poils et en direction de ceux-ci, tandis qu'elle fait saillie sur une grande distance du côté supérieur, opposé aux poils et en direction opposée à ceux-ci. La bague 16 forme avec le manche deux arêtes en creux et de forme générale circulaire 24, 26 et respectivement vers l'avant et l'arrière de la brosse.The ring 16 is fixed relative to the handle. She has in this case the shape of an oval or ovoid galette very flattened. The general plan of the ring 16 is here inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the length of the brush. In this case, the ring 16 extends protruding from the section 14, that is to say the handle 4, and this all around the neck, thus producing the impression that the handle passes through an imaginary hole in the Ring. The ring 16 is furthermore decentered here by compared to the average fiber of the handle so the ring protrudes from the handle over a longer distance important on the side of the upper faces 10 and 22 that on the side of the lower face 8 and the flat part 18. This distance is minimal on the side of the lower face 8, bigger on the sides of the brush, and maximum on the side of the upper faces 10 and 22. Given the inclination of the ring, it follows that the ring protrudes a short distance from the bristles and towards them, while she protrudes a great distance from the upper side, opposite the bristles and in the opposite direction to them. The ring 16 shape with the handle two hollow and shaped edges general circular 24, 26 and respectively to the front and the back of the brush.

Le manche et la bague sont réalisés par exemple dans une matière plastique légère et dure, la bague étant par exemple en outre recouverte d'un élastomère plus mou destiné à constituer la face externe de la bague 16.The handle and the ring are made for example in a light and hard plastic material, the ring being for example further covered with an elastomer softer intended to constitute the outer face of the ring 16.

La largeur de la brosse, perpendiculairement à son épaisseur, va en diminuant depuis la bague 16 jusqu'à chacune de ses extrémités terminales, pour lui donner une forme effilée comme l'illustre la figure 2.The width of the brush, perpendicular to its thickness, decreasing from ring 16 to each of its terminal ends, to give it a tapered shape as shown in Figure 2.

La répartition de masse de la brosse et son volume sont choisis de sorte que la brosse a sur un support plan horizontal quelconque 30 une position d'équilibre stable dans laquelle la brosse repose sur le support par l'intermédiaire d'un point 32 situé à l'extrémité arrière 20 sur le méplat 18, et d'un point 34 situé sur le pourtour de la bague 16, du côté des poils 9. Dans cette position, les poils 9 s'étendent en direction du support 9, perpendiculairement au plan de celui-ci et à distance de celui-ci, l'extrémité libre inférieure des poils étant espacée du support.The mass distribution of the brush and its volume are chosen so that the brush has on a support any horizontal plane 30 a position of equilibrium stable in which the brush rests on the support through a point 32 located at the end back 20 on the flat 18, and a point 34 located on the circumference of the ring 16, on the side of the bristles 9. In this position, the bristles 9 extend towards the support 9, perpendicularly to the plane thereof and to distance from it, the lower free end of the hairs being spaced apart from the support.

En outre, la répartition de masse et le volume sont tels que cette position constitue l'unique position d'équilibre stable de la brosse sur un support plan horizontal. Cela signifie que, lorsque l'utilisateur place la brosse sur le support dans une position quelconque où la brosse est allongée sensiblement parallèlement au support, la brosse roule spontanément sous l'effet de la gravité pour se placer dans la position stable précitée. Le roulement se fait d'une part à l'extrémité 20, sur la face supérieure 22 et le méplat 18. Il se fait d'autre part le long du pourtour de la bague 16 qui, du fait de la forme circulaire convexe de ce pourtour, n'a toujours qu'un seul point en contact avec le support. Par extension, l'utilisateur peut même disposer la brosse dans n'importe quelle position sur le support, par exemple debout sur l'extrémité arrière 20, la brosse retombant alors toujours en position allongée, puis roulant jusqu'à sa position stable. (Le seul risque est alors qu'au cours de cette chute, les poils ne contactent le support). La position stable sera ici atteinte moyennant quelques oscillations de la brosse autour de sa position stable jusqu'à immobilisation puisque, dans la position stable, la brosse repose sur le support par seulement deux points. La bague excentrée 16 joue ici un rôle significatif dans ce fonctionnement de la brosse, tout comme le volume et la répartition de masse de l'ensemble de la brosse.In addition, mass distribution and volume are such that this position constitutes the unique stable balance position of the brush on a support horizontal plane. This means that when the user places the brush on the support in a any position where the brush is lengthened substantially parallel to the support, the brush rolls spontaneously under the effect of gravity to place himself in the aforementioned stable position. The turnover is on the one hand at the end 20, on the upper face 22 and the flat part 18. It is on the other hand along the around the ring 16 which, because of the shape convex circular circumference of this circumference, still has only one only point in contact with the support. By extension, the user can even arrange the brush in any position on the support, for example standing on the back end 20, the falling brush so always lying down, then rolling to its stable position. (The only risk is then that during this fall, the hairs do not contact the support). The stable position will be reached here with some oscillations of the brush around its stable position until immobilization since, in the stable position, the brush rests on the support by only two points. The eccentric ring 16 plays here a significant role in this functioning of the brush, just like volume and mass distribution of the entire brush.

Le roulement de la brosse à partir de n'importe quelle position jusqu'à la position stable, s'effectue sans aucun contact des poils avec le support, ce qui améliore l'hygiène de la brosse. L'élastomère recouvrant la bague assure un roulement silencieux de la brosse, même si le support est en matériau dur.The rolling of the brush from any position up to the stable position, is done without any contact of the hair with the support, which improves the hygiene of the brush. The elastomer covering the ring ensures a rolling noise of the brush, even if the support is hard material.

Lors du brossage, l'utilisateur peut tenir la brosse dans la main au moyen du tronçon de manche formant poignée s'étendant entre la butée 16 et l'extrémité arrière 20. La bague 16 peut alors servir de butée pour l'un au moins des doigts de la main, par exemple le pouce et/ou l'index afin de permettre un maintien ferme de la brosse ou de faciliter sa rotation dans la main en cours de brossage. En outre, la butée 16 limite voire évite les écoulements liquides depuis les poils jusqu'à l'extrémité arrière 20 et la main de l'utilisateur, la poignée demeurant ainsi propre et sèche.When brushing, the user can hold the brush in the hand by means of the handle section forming a handle extending between the stop 16 and the rear end 20. The ring 16 can then serve stop for at least one of the fingers of the hand, by example the thumb and / or the index to allow a hold the brush firmly or facilitate its rotation in the hand being brushed. In addition, the stop 16 limit or even avoid liquid flows since the hairs up to the back end 20 and the hand of the user, the handle thus remaining clean and dried.

Durant le roulement de la brosse sur le support, la partie 17 du tronçon 14 du manche contigu à la bague 16 du côté opposé aux poils ne vient jamais en contact avec le support.During the rolling of the brush on the support, the portion 17 of the section 14 of the handle contiguous to the ring 16 the opposite side to the hairs never comes in contact with the support.

La partie du tronçon 14 du manche du côté de la bague situé vers les poils pourra avoir un diamètre inférieur au diamètre de l'autre partie 17 du tronçon 14 située du côté opposé aux poils afin qu'elle puisse recevoir un capuchon recouvrant les poils jusqu'à la bague et dont le contour sera dans le prolongement de la partie 17.The part of section 14 of the handle on the side of the ring located towards the hairs may have a diameter less than the diameter of the other part 17 of the stretch 14 on the opposite side of the hair so that she can receive a cap covering the hair up to the ring and whose contour will be an extension of Part 17.

On a illustré à la figure 3 un deuxième mode préféré de réalisation très proche du précédent. Ce mode se distingue du précédent principalement par l'inclinaison de la bague 16 qui est opposée à celle du premier mode de sorte que la partie supérieure de la bague, la plus en saillie du manche, s'étend cette fois en direction de la tête. Les autres caractéristiques de la brosse sont essentiellement inchangées. Le fonctionnement de la brosse est le même, et demeure caractérisé par une unique position stable.FIG. 3 illustrates a second mode preferred embodiment very close to the previous one. This mode differs from the previous one mainly by the inclination of the ring 16 which is opposite to that of the first fashion so the upper part of the ring, the most protruding of the handle, extends this time towards the head. Other features of the brush are essentially unchanged. The brush operation is the same, and remains characterized by a single stable position.

On a illustré à la figure 4 un troisième mode de réalisation. Cette fois, l'inclinaison de la bague 16 est proche de celle du premier mode, quoique moins prononcée. La tête 6 est sensiblement inchangée par rapport au premier mode. Toutefois, la section transversale du manche va en diminuant à partir de la base de la tête 6 et se trouve à un minimum environ à une section 36 située à mi-chemin entre la tête 6 et la bague 16. A partir de cette section, en direction de l'extrémité arrière 20, le manche a une forme allongée très légèrement courbe (dont le centre de courbure est situé du côté opposé aux poils), la section transversale du manche allant en augmentant en direction de l'extrémité arrière 20. Le méplat inférieur 18 est toujours présent quoique sa largeur soit plus faible que dans le premier mode. En outre, l'extrémité 20 présente du côté supérieur un pan coupé 38 de forme elliptique en plan et légèrement courbe convexe en profil longitudinal.FIG. 4 illustrates a third mode of production. This time, the inclination of the ring 16 is close to that of the first mode, though less pronounced. The head 6 is substantially unchanged by compared to the first mode. However, the section transverse of the handle decreases from the base of the head 6 and is at a minimum about a section 36 located midway between the head 6 and the 16. From this section, towards the rear end 20, the handle has an elongate shape very slightly curved (whose center of curvature is located on the opposite side to the hairs), the section transverse of the handle going increasing in direction of the rear end 20. The flat lower 18 is still present though its width is lower than in the first mode. In addition, the end 20 has the upper side a cutaway 38 elliptical in plan and slightly curved convex in longitudinal profile.

Le fonctionnement de la brosse est inchangé. Dans la position stable, la bague 16 a un unique point de contact avec le support et le méplat 18 réalise ici un contact surface contre surface avec le support avec un nombre de points de contact supérieur ou égal à trois. Il s'ensuit que les oscillations de la brosse autour de la position d'équilibre sont réduites voir absentes. A partir d'une position quelconque, le roulement de la brosse s'effectue d'une part sur la bague 16 et d'autre part sur le méplat inférieur 18 et la moitié supérieure du bord elliptique du pan coupé 38 située du côté du manche opposé aux poils.The operation of the brush is unchanged. In the stable position, the ring 16 has a single point of contact with the support and the flat part 18 carries out here a contact surface against surface with the support with a number of contact points greater than or equal to three. It follows that the oscillations of the brush around the equilibrium position are reduced or absent. AT from any position, the rolling of the brush is performed on the one hand on the ring 16 and other share on the lower flat 18 and the upper half elliptical edge of the cutaway 38 located on the side of the opposite handle to the hairs.

On a illustré à la figure 5 un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention. Cette fois, la bague 16, toujours décentrée, s'étend dans un plan général perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale de la brosse. La partie de la brosse s'étendant de la tête 6, celle-ci incluse, jusqu'à la bague 16, est sensiblement identique à celle de la figure 1. La partie du manche s'étendant de la bague 16 à l'extrémité arrière 20 est sensiblement symétrique de la précédente par rapport à un point de symétrie S situé sur la fibre moyenne de la brosse, à l'intérieur de celle-ci au niveau de la bague 16. Ainsi, la partie du manche formant poignée présente une face circulaire inférieure 40 et une face plane supérieure 42 recourbée près de la bague 16. Une fois encore, la brosse a une unique position d'équilibre stable. Cette fois, dans la position stable, la brosse repose sur le support par un point 34 de la bague et un point 32 de la face inférieure courbe 40, près de l'extrémité arrière 20.FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth mode of embodiment of the invention. This time, the ring 16, always off-center, extends in a general plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the brush. The part of the brush extending from the head 6, this included, up to the ring 16, is substantially same as Figure 1. The part of the handle extending from the ring 16 to the rear end 20 is substantially symmetrical of the previous compared to a point of symmetry S located on the average fiber of the brush, inside of it at the level of the ring 16. Thus, the portion of the handle handle present a lower circular face 40 and a flat face upper 42 curved near the ring 16. Once again, the brush has a unique balance position stable. This time, in the stable position, the brush rests on the support by a point 34 of the ring and a point 32 of the lower curved face 40, near the rear end 20.

Bien entendu, on pourra apporter à l'invention de nombreuses modifications sans sortir du cadre de celle-ci.Of course, we can bring to the invention of numerous modifications without departing from it.

Ainsi, on pourra agencer la brosse pour qu'elle présente au moins deux positions d'équilibre stable dans chacune desquelles la brosse s'étend parallèlement au support, les poils étant dirigés vers le support, éventuellement en étant inclinés par rapport à celui-ci, et à distance du support.Thus, we can arrange the brush for her has at least two stable equilibrium positions in each of which the brush extends parallel to the support, the hairs being directed towards the support, possibly being inclined with respect thereto, and away from the support.

On comprendra que les choix de volume et de répartition de masse pour la brosse selon l'invention sont innombrables. Notamment, les différences de formes entre deux brosses conformes à l'invention peuvent être très prononcées ou au contraire mineures, voire imperceptibles.It will be understood that the choice of volume and mass distribution for the brush according to the invention are innumerable. In particular, the differences in shape between two brushes according to the invention can be very pronounced or otherwise minor, even imperceptible.

Comme on l'a vu, la bague 16 permet d'obtenir de façon simple le fonctionnement de la brosse selon l'invention. Toutefois, ce fonctionnement ne tient pas seulement à la configuration de la bague et à sa position sur la brosse, mais dépend aussi étroitement de la configuration de l'ensemble de la brosse.As we have seen, the ring 16 makes it possible to obtain simple way the operation of the brush according to the invention. However, this operation does not take only to the configuration of the ring and its position on the brush but also depends closely of the configuration of the entire brush.

Claims (15)

  1. Toothbrush (2) of elongate form and comprising bristles (9), that is so designed that, when the brush is placed in any initial position on a flat horizontal support (30), the brush spontaneously adopts a stable position in which the longitudinal direction of the brush is essentially parallel to the support (30) and the bristles (9) lie at a distance from the support, characterized in that the brush has a mass distribution and a volume such that, in the or each stable position, the bristles extend towards the support, and the brush comprises a handle and a proximal portion projecting from two opposite faces of the handle each lying on both sides of the proximal portion, the proximal portion projecting to a greater distance from one face than from the other.
  2. Brush according to Claim 1, characterized in that the brush is so designed that the stable position is always the same, whatever said initial position may be.
  3. Brush according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the brush comprises:
    a distal portion (20), the proximal portion (16) extending between the bristles (9) and the distal portion (20) in the longitudinal direction; and
    an intermediate portion (17) between the distal and proximal portions,
    the brush being so designed that, for any position in which the brush is supported by a flat horizontal support (30) with the longitudinal direction essentially parallel to the support, the distal (20) and proximal (16) portions constitute the portions of contact of the brush with the flat support (30) and the intermediate portion (17) lies at a distance from the support.
  4. Brush according to Claim 3, characterized in that the brush is so designed that the proximal portion (16) exhibits a single point of contact (34) with the support (30) in the or each stable position.
  5. Brush according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the brush is so designed that, for any position in which the brush (2) is supported by a flat horizontal support (30) with the longitudinal direction essentially parallel to the support, the proximal portion (16) exhibits a single point of contact with the support.
  6. Brush according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the proximal portion (16) is of a generally flat shape.
  7. Brush according to any one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the proximal portion (16) is of a generally flat shape in a plane essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the brush.
  8. Brush according to any one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the proximal portion (16) is of a generally flat shape in a plane that is essentially inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the brush.
  9. Brush according to any one of Claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the proximal portion (16) projects from a side of the handle opposite another side of the handle supporting the bristles (9).
  10. Brush according to Claim 9, characterized in that the proximal portion (16) projects from the handle (4) all the way around a longitudinal axis of the brush.
  11. Brush according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the proximal portion (16) forms with the handle (4) a re-entrant edge (24) on a side of the proximal portion situated towards the bristles (9) .
  12. Brush according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the proximal portion (16) forms with the handle (4) a re-entrant edge (26) on a side of the proximal portion situated towards the distal portion (20).
  13. Brush according to any one of Claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the proximal portion (16) has an elastomeric outer face.
  14. Brush according to any one of Claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the brush is so designed that the distal portion (20) exhibits two points of contact with the support in the or each stable position.
  15. Brush according to any one of Claims 3 to 14, characterized in that the distal portion (20) has a flat (18) generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the brush.
EP00905150A 1999-02-18 2000-02-16 Toothbrush spontaneously taking up stable equilibrium position on a horizontal support Expired - Lifetime EP1152671B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04019909A EP1483982A1 (en) 1999-02-18 2000-02-16 Toothbrush spontaneously taking up stable equilibrium position on a horizontal support

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9901988A FR2789858B1 (en) 1999-02-18 1999-02-18 TOOTHBRUSH SPONTANEOUSLY TAKING A STABLE BALANCED POSITION ON A HORIZONTAL SUPPORT
FR9901988 1999-02-18
PCT/FR2000/000384 WO2000048483A1 (en) 1999-02-18 2000-02-16 Toothbrush spontaneously taking up stable equilibrium position on a horizontal support

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04019909A Division EP1483982A1 (en) 1999-02-18 2000-02-16 Toothbrush spontaneously taking up stable equilibrium position on a horizontal support

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1152671A1 EP1152671A1 (en) 2001-11-14
EP1152671B1 true EP1152671B1 (en) 2005-04-27

Family

ID=9542195

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04019909A Withdrawn EP1483982A1 (en) 1999-02-18 2000-02-16 Toothbrush spontaneously taking up stable equilibrium position on a horizontal support
EP00905150A Expired - Lifetime EP1152671B1 (en) 1999-02-18 2000-02-16 Toothbrush spontaneously taking up stable equilibrium position on a horizontal support

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04019909A Withdrawn EP1483982A1 (en) 1999-02-18 2000-02-16 Toothbrush spontaneously taking up stable equilibrium position on a horizontal support

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US7007335B1 (en)
EP (2) EP1483982A1 (en)
AT (1) ATE293906T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2678300A (en)
CA (1) CA2362169C (en)
DE (1) DE60019729T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2241578T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2789858B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000048483A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050142515A1 (en) * 2002-12-12 2005-06-30 Hiam Levy Dental tool having a hand grip
US7934284B2 (en) 2003-02-11 2011-05-03 Braun Gmbh Toothbrushes
WO2016018823A1 (en) * 2014-07-28 2016-02-04 Ordal Jeremy Toiletry item stand
US9861187B2 (en) 2015-09-16 2018-01-09 Israel Harry Zimmerman Self-righting toothbrush
WO2017049084A1 (en) * 2015-09-16 2017-03-23 Israel Zimmerman Self-righting toothbrush
US10092087B2 (en) 2016-06-03 2018-10-09 Israel Harry Zimmerman Self-righting toothbrush
US10485330B2 (en) 2017-02-20 2019-11-26 Israel Harry Zimmerman Self-righting toothbrush
US10517386B2 (en) 2017-03-30 2019-12-31 Israel Harry Zimmerman Self-righting toothbrush
USD874832S1 (en) 2018-03-23 2020-02-11 Israel Harry Zimmerman Toothbrush handle
USD876097S1 (en) 2018-03-23 2020-02-25 Israel Harry Zimmerman Toothbrush handle
US20220088810A1 (en) * 2020-09-21 2022-03-24 Beauty Perspectives, LLC Razor handle

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US442510A (en) * 1890-12-09 Moistening device for envelopes
US860527A (en) * 1905-12-21 1907-07-16 James Anson Cochrane Tooth-brush.
US1048778A (en) * 1912-02-13 1912-12-31 James W Wood Shaving-brush and like article.
US1593763A (en) * 1925-02-24 1926-07-27 William J Corbett Rotary toothbrush
CH180027A (en) * 1935-03-23 1935-10-15 Billeter Ernst Toothbrush.
US2414775A (en) * 1945-09-06 1947-01-21 Robert W Stavely Toothbrush
US2722703A (en) * 1952-11-28 1955-11-08 Myron B Green Protective guard for toothbrush
US3968950A (en) * 1975-04-10 1976-07-13 Gallo George T Combination support and guard for a toothbrush
DE3240637A1 (en) 1982-11-04 1984-05-10 Makowsky, Herbert, Dr.med., 2800 Bremen TOOTHBRUSH
FR2654314A1 (en) 1989-11-15 1991-05-17 Rog Betinna Autostable toothbrush with or without refillable integral reservoir for toothpaste or gel and with interchangeable or fixed brush
EP0552147A1 (en) * 1989-11-21 1993-07-28 GRIMBERG, Alain Tooth brush for veterinary use
US5353464A (en) * 1990-05-04 1994-10-11 Atkins Marie B Toothbrush construction
US5774921A (en) * 1991-11-25 1998-07-07 Zooth, Inc. Child's utensil
JPH0690823A (en) * 1992-09-16 1994-04-05 Seiko Sangyo Kk Toothbrush
FR2751856B3 (en) 1996-08-02 1998-10-09 Hardy Patrice TOOTHBRUSH
DE29619569U1 (en) 1996-11-12 1997-03-27 Brandes, Jörg, 47669 Wachtendonk Self-straightening or upright commodity, preferably a toothbrush
US5860190A (en) * 1997-03-21 1999-01-19 Cano; Rolando M. Expanded implement handle grip
US5956796A (en) * 1997-04-04 1999-09-28 Gillette Canada Inc. Personal hygiene implement construction
US6134790A (en) * 1997-07-01 2000-10-24 Play It Safe, Inc. Utensil for children

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2362169A1 (en) 2000-08-24
DE60019729D1 (en) 2005-06-02
ES2241578T3 (en) 2005-11-01
EP1152671A1 (en) 2001-11-14
ATE293906T1 (en) 2005-05-15
DE60019729T2 (en) 2006-01-19
EP1483982A1 (en) 2004-12-08
FR2789858B1 (en) 2001-06-08
AU2678300A (en) 2000-09-04
FR2789858A1 (en) 2000-08-25
US7007335B1 (en) 2006-03-07
WO2000048483A1 (en) 2000-08-24
CA2362169C (en) 2008-01-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1152671B1 (en) Toothbrush spontaneously taking up stable equilibrium position on a horizontal support
EP1051093B1 (en) Toothbrush comprising gum-massaging sticks
CA2208317C (en) Brush with plano-concave profile
CA2275206C (en) Lips and eyelash make-up device and applicator
LU81754A1 (en) INSTRUMENT FOR DENTAL CARE
FR2858529A1 (en) APPLICATOR AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLICATION COMPRISING SUCH AN APPLICATOR
EP0900033B1 (en) Transversal toothbrush
EP1157629A1 (en) Device for applying a cosmetic or care product in paticular eyelashes or eyebrows
FR2641109A1 (en)
BE1007687A5 (en) Teat adjustable rate variable and intended to adapt in a bottle for infant feeding.
EP0926966B1 (en) Toothbrush with handle comprising means for vertical storage
EP1210890B1 (en) Tasting glass
FR2622785A1 (en) Device for wringing out a mop and mop fitted with the said device
EP1563759A1 (en) Cosmetic applicator
FR2681517A1 (en) Support for a toothbrush with removable fastening
EP0011039B1 (en) Vehicle seats
FR2492015A1 (en) U=clip for fixing to edge of perforated plate - has tubular shank and is centred by conical boss on inner leg face
FR3120998A1 (en) Built-in electrical device
FR2648333A1 (en) Lipstick case; display unit for the said case and method of manufacturing such a case
FR2751856A1 (en) Toothbrush with weight in handle keeping it vertical
FR2676116A1 (en) Sling (catapult) particularly for throwing bait for a fisherman
BE540217A (en)
FR2494982A1 (en) AGITATOR FOR A VACUUM AND A VACUUM PROVIDED WITH SUCH AN AGITATOR
FR2662587A1 (en) MECHANISM FOR LIPSTICK HOLDER.
FR2766075A1 (en) Combination spoon and fork

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20010903

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020410

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: PIERRE FABRE MEDICAMENT

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050427

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050427

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60019729

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20050602

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050727

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050727

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050727

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: MICHELI & CIE INGENIEURS-CONSEILS

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20050902

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051010

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2241578

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20060130

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20080122

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20080121

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20080206

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20080115

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20080227

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 20080227

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: MC

Payment date: 20080115

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20080219

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080229

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20080212

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20080304

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050427

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: PIERRE *FABRE MEDICAMENT

Effective date: 20090228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20090216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090216

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090228

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20091030

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090901

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20090217

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090216

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090302

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090217

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090216