Abstract:
An oral care implement having a multi-component handle is disclosed. In one aspect, the oral care implement comprises: a handle; a head coupled to the handle; at least one tooth cleaning element extending from the head; the handle comprising: a first component constructed of a first hard material; and a second component constructed of a second hard material, the second component comprising a plurality of strips that collectively form a strap network that wraps around the first component.
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.
Abstract:
A toothbrush comprises a handle and a head. The head includes a first section having cleaning elements extending outwardly from its outer surface. A ball joint is mounted to the head adjacent to the first section. The ball joint also includes cleaning elements extending outwardly from the outer surface. The head includes resilient material urging the ball joint to be in its initial position after the pivotal movement of the ball joint cleaning elements.
Abstract:
A toothbrush comprises a handle having an elongated head mounted to the handle. The head has a longitudinally central portion which comprises a plurality of longitudinally aligned segments connected to each other by a joint. Cleaning elements are mounted to the segments and extend outwardly from the outer surface of the head. A shelf-like protrusion extends laterally outwardly from each side of the central section. Further cleaning elements are flexibly mounted to the protrusions. Preferably the shelf-like protrusions are covered with an elastomer. The central section is made of a harder material than the material of the covered protrusions.
Abstract:
A toothbrush head (14) is provided with a plurality of separate cleaning areas. The distal end and the proximal end of the head (14) include cleaning elements (18) mounted to generally non-movable bases (16, 20). The central portion of the head includes resilient pods (22, 24) carrying cleaning elements (26) in such a manner that the cleaning elements (26) are capable of bending away from their initial position and then returning to their initial position. In another aspect of the invention the pods are made as a separate unitary subassembly (23) wherein the cleaning elements are bristles (26A) in an IMT procedure. The unitary subassembly (23) is secured to the remainder of the cleaning head (14A) of the brush (10A) during the molding operation of the remainder of the head (14A) and the handle (12A). In this aspect of the invention non-movable bases may be provided or may be omitted.
Abstract:
An oral care implement having a multi-component handle is disclosed. In one aspect, the oral care implement comprises: a handle comprising a first component constructed of a first material and a second component constructed of a second material; the first component comprising: first, second and third depressions formed into an outer surface of the first component; and a first through-hole extending from a floor of the second depression to a floor of the third depression, the first through-hole extending through sidewalls of the first depression; and the second component comprising: a first portion disposed within the first depression, a second portion disposed within the second depression, and a third portion disposed within the first depression; and the first, second and third portions connected together to form an integral mass of the second material.
Abstract:
An oral care implement that includes a handle (120) and a head (100) with a front surface. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend from the front surface. In one embodiment the plurality of tooth cleaning elements include a conical tuft (130) that is formed by a wall of bristles. The tooth cleaning elements may also include first and/or second sets of peripheral tooth cleaning elements located adjacent to opposing lateral edges of the head. The peripheral tooth cleaning elements may include elastomeric sleeve portions (144, 154) and bristle tuft portions (145, 155). The elastomeric sleeve portions may be formed as a part of an integrally formed elastomeric component (170).
Abstract:
An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleaner. The inventive oral care implement comprises different kinds of soft tissue cleaners that offer expanded in -mouth cleaning. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle (110); a head (120) having a structural body having a front surface (121) and a rear surface (122) opposite the front surface; a basin (190) formed into the rear surface of the structural body, the structural body comprising a protuberance extending upward from a recessed floor of the basin, the basin surrounding the protuberance; a first cleaner (140) formed of a resilient material for cleansing soft oral tissue located within the basin, the protuberance of the structural body extending through a central hole of the first cleaner; and a second cleaner (160) formed of a resilient material for cleansing soft oral tissue, the second cleaner located on the protuberance of the structural body.
Abstract:
An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The tooth cleaning elements preferably include an elastomeric polishing element defining an elevated dentifrice retaining recess spaced above the toothbrush head for holding dentifrice. In one embodiment, the recess may be configured as an annular groove. Preferred embodiments of the recess include a partially or completely closed bottom portion to support and minimize loss of dentifrice during brushing. In some embodiments, the polishing element may be collectively formed from a plurality of Y-shaped polishing members.
Abstract:
A toothbrush (10) includes a head (14) having a bristle carrying surface formed from a thin flexible dome shaped membrane (24). An air space (28) is located between the base of the head and the membrane so that the membrane can be capable of flexing to alter its shape during use and then resuming the original shape. In a second embodiment, the head (114) and/or handle (112) have elastomeric portions at least partially surrounding an open area. These portions are readily deflectable under pressure during use to improve handling of the toothrush and orientation of the cleaning elements (124). Alternatively the toothbrush includes a resilient spring-like longitudinal hinge (222) collinear with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush head so as to separate the head into a pair of side by side longitudinal sections having extending cleaning elements (228) wherein the hinge urges the sections to return to their original position after the hinge has been opened as a result of the cleaning elements contacting teeth.