Abstract:
A method of forming a head plate for enhanced cleaning action during brushing. In one embodiment, the invention can be a method of forming a head plate comprising: a) forming a mounting plate comprising a first section and a second section, the first section separated from the second section by a gap, a groove formed into the second section that extends from the gap to a cleaning element location; b) positioning the mounting plate in a mold cavity; c) injecting a molten resilient material into the mold cavity so that the molten resilient material: (1) flows into the gap; (2) flows into the groove; and (3) flows into a cleaning element chamber; and d) solidifying the molten resilient material, the solidified resilient material in the gap coupling the first and second sections of the plate together, the solidified resilient material in the cleaning element chamber forming a first resilient tooth cleaning element.
Abstract:
An oral care implement (16000,17000,18000) is provided having a handle (8013) and a head (16002) with tooth cleaning elements (16018) extending from fixed pods (16010,16020). Additional tooth cleaning elements extend from one or more central pods (16050, 17050, 18050) suspended between the fixed pods via a bridge (16060). The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central pods (16050, 17050, 18050) to move from an initial position toward the head (16002) during use. The central pods (16050, 17050, 18050), the bridge (16060) and outer portions of the fixed pods (16010,16020) may be formed as a unitary structure. When a single central pod (16050, 17050, 18050) is employed, a flexible section (16052) may be disposed in the middle of the central pod so that cleaning elements extending from either end of the central pod (16050, 17050, 18050) can move toward one another during use.
Abstract:
An oral care implement having a body that appears to float within an aperture of the handle. The body can perform both a decorative and/or utilitarian function depending on its design and/or location on the handle. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle; an aperture in the handle; and a grip body disposed within the aperture and enveloping a body, the grip body constructed of a first material and the body constructed of a second material, the second material being harder than the first material.
Abstract:
An oral care system and method wherein a dispenser is mounted to the handle of an oral care implement, such as a toothbrush. The dispenser holds an oral care material and is alterable between a storage state wherein a dispending end of the dispenser nests within the handle and an application state wherein the dispensing end of the dispenser is un-nested and exposed for oral care use. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care system comprising: an oral care implement comprising a head, a handle having a longitudinal axis, and one or more oral surface engaging elements; a dispenser having a reservoir containing an oral care material and an applicator for dispensing the oral care material from the reservoir; the dispenser alterable between: (i) a storage state wherein the applicator or the dispensing end of the dispenser is nested within the handle; and (ii) an application state wherein the applicator or the dispensing end is un-nested from the handle and exposed for oral care use.
Abstract:
An oral care implement having an turbine-like arrangement of cleaning elements. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care implement comprising a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head comprising a first surface, the first surface comprising an elliptical zone and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart spirals spreading out from the elliptical zone; and for each spiral, an arcuate cleaning element wall extending outward from the first surface of the head along the spiral. In another aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for incorporation into an ansate oral care implement that utilizes the aforementioned arrangement of cleaning elements.
Abstract:
A package (10) for displaying a plurality of items (12) where the package has first (20) and second (22) containers connectable between an open position and a closed position, each container having an outer surface having at least one elongated protrusion (26), the at least one protrusion having a head end (26a) and a tail end (26b), the head end extending further outwardly from the package than the tail end, and an inner surface having at least one inner cavity (30) aligned with the at least one protrusion, the cavity having a depth varying along the protrusion and configured to receive one of the plurality of items, wherein the head end of the at least one protrusion, of the first container is proximate the tail end of the al least one protrusion, of the second container in the closed position.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an enhanced cleaning toothbrush bristle pattern, wherein two rows of taller bristle tufts transversely divide the toothbrush head into three sections, the bristle tufts within each section having a trim pattern which in profile is convex in relation to the toothbrush face; wherein the two rows of taller bristle tufts penetrate between teeth, while the curved trim profile of each section provides for good conformity to the curved tooth surfaces and for an improved sweeping action.
Abstract:
A package that demonstrates a functionality of a contained product has a demonstration feature that changes from a resting state to an active state, whereby the active state is demonstrative of the product functionality.