Patent Application
20110271473
The present invention pertains to a personal hygiene device, more particularly to an oral care device.
Over the past several years, an attempt has been made to make toothbrushes which better conform to the curvature of the teeth in the oral cavity. It is believed that by closely following the curvature of the oral cavity better cleaning may occur.
As such, there is a need for a toothbrush which can conform to the curvature of the teeth within the oral cavity.
The oral care device of the present invention may adapt to the curvature of teeth of a user and provide the user with additional comfort. An oral care device may be in the form of a toothbrush either manual or electric. In some embodiments, a toothbrush head may comprise a base portion and a cleaning portion. The cleaning portion may comprise a plurality of cleaning elements, wherein the cleaning portion is attached to the base portion at a first end and a second end. A mid-section of the cleaning portion is elevated above the base portion such that an opening is created between the base portion and the cleaning portion, and wherein the opening extends along a longitudinal axis of the head.
In some embodiments, a toothbrush head may comprise a base support and a cleaning portion. The base support may include a free end and an attachment end, and a first surface and a second surface. The cleaning portion may include a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end may be attached to the base support. A mid section of the cleaning portion may be elevated above the first surface, wherein an opening defined by the first surface and the cleaning portion extends along a lateral direction on the head.
In some embodiments, a toothbrush may comprise a base support and a first carrier. The base support may include a free end and an attachment end, and a first surface and a second surface. The first carrier may comprise a plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls may form a cavity, wherein the cavity houses a first oral care agent. The first oral care agent may comprise an antibacterial composition.
The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments of the present invention. The description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible, and it will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. All publications and patents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference.
It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). No term is intended to be essential to the present invention unless so stated. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph.
For ease of explanation, the oral hygiene implement described hereafter shall be a manual toothbrush; however, an oral hygiene implement constructed in accordance with the present invention is not limited to a manual toothbrush construction and may be implemented in a refill for a power toothbrush. In addition, the device of the present invention may have a form of an oral applicator which can facilitate applying treatments to the oral cavity, to both hard and soft tissue.
As shown in
As shown in
Referring back to
The cushioned area 50 may have a height 150. The height 150 of the cushioned area 50 is determined by measuring the maximum distance between a first surface 25 of the base 20 and a bottom surface 35 of the support 33. The height 150 of the cushioned area 50 is discussed in more detail hereafter.
The cushioned area 50 may allow the carrier 30 to flex, bend, move, or the like, with respect to the first surface 25 of the base 20 such that the carrier 30 may better accommodate the curvature of the teeth of a user. In order to achieve this flexibility, the carrier 30 may be constructed from a material which allows such flexibility. Any suitable material can be utilized. Some suitable examples of material from which the carrier 30 may be constructed include polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, thermal plastic elastomer, silicone, nylon, polyester, the like, and/or combinations thereof.
In some specific embodiments, the carrier 30 may comprise cleaning elements 40 which include materials which would generally not be considered for use as a cleaning element in a toothbrush. For example, the cleaning elements may comprise a material having a Shore A hardness of greater than 80. Such materials are generally considered to be too hard for use as cleaning elements in a toothbrush.
The height 150 may be any suitable length. Some examples of suitable length include greater than about 1 mm, greater than about 2 mm, greater than about 3 mm, greater than about 4 mm, greater than about 5 mm, greater than about 6 mm, greater than about 7 mm, greater than about 8 mm, greater than about 9 mm, greater than about 10 mm, greater than about 11 mm, greater than about 12 mm, greater than about 13 mm, greater than about 14 mm, and/or less than about 15 mm, less than about 14 mm, less than about 15 mm, less than about 14 mm, less than about 13 mm, less than about 12 mm, less than about 11 mm, less than about 10 mm, less than about 9 mm, less than about 8 mm, less than about 7 mm, less than about 6 mm, less than about 5 mm, less than about 4 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, or any individual number within the ranges described or any range described.
In some embodiments, the height 150 may be varied along the longitudinal axis 100 of the base 20 and/or toothbrush 10. For example, referring to both
In some embodiments, the height 150 may be constant in a particular area of the cleaning portion 16. For example, adjacent the free end 110, the height 150 may be a first height. This height may be realized in the carrier 30 along about 10 percent of overall longitudinal length of the carrier 30. In some embodiments, the height 150 may be constant through greater than about 1 percent, greater than about 5 percent, greater than about 10 percent, greater than about 15 percent, greater than about 25 percent, greater than about 30 percent, greater than about 35 percent, greater than about 40 percent, greater than about 45 percent, greater than about 50 percent, greater than about 55 percent, greater than about 60 percent, greater than about 65 percent, greater than about 70 percent, greater than about 75 percent, and/or less than about 75 percent, less than about 70 percent, less than about 65 percent, less than about 60 percent, less than about 55 percent, less than about 50 percent, less than about 45 percent, less than about 40 percent, less than about 35 percent, less than about 30 percent, less than about 25 percent, less than about 20 percent, less than about 15 percent, less than about 10 percent, or any individual number within these ranges. In such embodiments, the height 150 adjacent the attached end 120 may be less than that of the carrier 30 adjacent the free end 110. Additionally, in such embodiments, the height 150 adjacent the attached end 120 may be constant, may decrease gradually toward the attached end 120, may increase gradually toward the attached end 120, or combinations thereof.
As stated previously the carrier 30 includes a plurality of cleaning elements 40. The cleaning elements 40 may be attached to the support 33 in any suitable fashion. For example, the cleaning elements 40 may be integral with the support 33 such that the support 33 and the cleaning elements 40 are injection molded, created, fabricated, machined, and/or the like, as one piece. As yet another example, the cleaning elements 40 may be inserted into openings through the support 33. Other examples include flocked, woven, thermally bonded, stamped, the like, or combinations thereof.
The cleaning elements 40 may extend from a large portion of an outer surface 37 of the support 33. For example, cleaning elements 40 may extend from the support 33 adjacent the first end 60 and/or the second end 70 of the support 33. In other embodiments, the cleaning elements 40 may be spaced from the first end 60 and/or the second end 70.
The cleaning elements 40 may have any suitable shape. Referring back to
The cleaning elements 40 may have any suitable length. Some examples of suitable length include greater than about 2 mm, greater than about 2.5 mm, greater than about 3 mm, greater than about 3.5 mm, greater than about 4.0 mm, greater than about 4.5 mm, greater than about 5.0 mm, greater than about 5.5 mm, greater than about 6.0 mm, greater than about 6.5 mm, greater than about 7.0 mm, greater than about 7.5 mm, greater than about 8.0 mm, greater than about 8.5 mm, and/or less than about 8.5 mm, less than about 8.0 mm, less than about 7.5 mm, less than about 7.0 mm, less than about 6.5 mm, less than about 6.0 mm, less than about 5.5 mm, less than about 5.0 mm, less than about 4.5 mm, less than about 4.0 mm, or less than about 3.5 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2.5 mm, less than about 2 mm, or any individual number within the ranges specified.
In some embodiments, the cleaning elements 40 adjacent the free end 110 may have a height which is greater than the height of the cleaning elements 40 adjacent the attached end 120. This may provide better cleaning of the teeth in the back of the oral cavity. Additionally, the cleaning elements 40 in zones 33A and 33B may have a length which is greater than those of zone 33C. This feature may provide better interdental cleaning by the cleaning elements 40.
Referring still to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that during brushing, the support, as described herein, may compress against the first surface providing enhanced contact of broad surfaces. When the first surface is concave it is believed that the compression of the support helps to guide elements between the teeth of a user. And, the compression may also help guide the cleaning elements in surrounding the teeth. When the first surface is convex, the compression of the support against the first surface may cause a ripple effect when the cleaning elements are applied to the hard and soft tissue of the oral cavity. It is believed that this provides improved interdental cleaning and improved soft tissue stimulation. When the first surface includes a combination of concavities and/or convexities, it is believed that both the benefits of the concave first surface and the convex surface may be able to be realized.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
As shown in
The carrier 230 may be configured to provide a cushioned area 50 having height 150 as described previously.
As shown in
The carriers 330A and 330B may be configured to provide a cushioned area similar to that described previously with regard to the cushioned area 50 of
As shown in
Embodiments are contemplated where a toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises a carrier having a cushioned area extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis, and a carrier having a cushioned area extending generally parallel to a lateral axis. For example, a toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention may comprise first carrier adjacent a free end of the brush. The first carrier may include a cushioned area which extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis. The brush may further include a second carrier adjacent an attachment end. The second carrier may include a cushioned area which extends generally parallel to a lateral axis or vice versa.
Although not shown, the carriers 430A and 430B may comprise an opening in their respective supports. The openings may be configured in any suitable manner. For example, the opening may comprise a serpentine split. However, any suitable shape may be utilized.
As shown in
The soft tissue cleanser 570 may similarly comprise a support 573 and a plurality of cleaning elements 580. The cleaning elements 580 may be configured similarly to the cleaning elements 40 described previously. Additionally, as shown in
In some embodiments, the soft tissue cleanser 570 may comprise a height which is less than a height of the carrier 530. In some embodiments, the soft tissue cleanser may comprise a height which is greater than the height of the carrier 530. Yet in other embodiments, the soft tissue cleanser may comprise a height which is equal to that of the carrier 530.
In order to reduce the gag reflex of the user, embodiments, are contemplated where the soft tissue cleanser 570 and/or the carrier 530 near a free end of the base 520 comprise a lower height than portions of the soft tissue cleanser 570 and/or the carrier 530 which are adjacent an attachment end of the base 520.
In some embodiments, the carrier 530 may be attached to the base 520 independently of the soft tissue cleanser 570. In other embodiments, the base 520 may comprise opening therethrough. The carrier 530 and the soft tissue cleanser 570 in such embodiments may be attached to one another. Additionally, in these embodiments, the carrier 530 may be integrally formed with the soft tissue cleanser 570. In these embodiments, the carrier 530 and the soft tissue cleanser 570 may be injection molded, created, fabricated, machined, and/or the like, as one piece. Such construction can help fix both the carrier 530 and the soft tissue cleanser 570 to the base 520.
As shown, the cushioned areas of both the carrier 530 and the soft tissue cleanser 570 may extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 500 and/or base 520. However, embodiments, are contemplated where the cushioned area of at least one of the carrier 530 and/or the soft tissue cleanser 570 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, while the other extends generally parallel to a lateral axis.
As shown in
As shown in
Soft tissue cleansers constructed in accordance with the present invention may comprise any suitable cleaning elements. For example, as shown in
As shown in
In another embodiment, as shown in
In other embodiments, referring to
Soft tissue cleansers of the present invention may comprise any suitable combination of wiping elements, arcuate elements, and/or rounded elements. These elements may be arranged in any suitable manner in order to provide efficacious cleaning of soft tissue within the oral cavity. These elements may also be designed to promote soft tissue stimulation and massage.
It is believed that by including a cushioned area in the soft tissue cleanser, generally harder materials may be utilized for the soft tissue cleanser. For example, it is known in the art to use thermoplastic elastomers for soft tissue cleansers. These thermoplastic elastomers generally have a Shore A hardness of between 20 and 80. In contrast, the soft tissue cleansers of the present invention may comprise a thermoplastic which has a Shore A hardness greater than 80 to provide better cleaning and stimulation, and still provide a softer feel to the user because of the cushioned area.
The cushioned area of either the carriers described herein or the soft tissue cleansers described herein can provide the user with additional advantages. For example, as shown in
The releasable material 1090 may be any suitable substance. For example, the releasable material 1090 may comprise any suitable biocompatible medication or chemical for oral use. The releasable material 1090 can be provided in a suitable shape in a tablet form for oral use or any other suitable form. The releasable material 1090 may be released to the inside of the mouth, lips, or cheeks by way of several methods, including but not limited to abrasion, a temperature change, a change in pH or dissolution.
In some embodiments, the releasable material 1090 may comprise a soluble breath freshening agent which dissolves in an oral fluid, such as salvia. In particular, the breath freshening agent may be an anti-bacterial substance used to treat anaerobic flora and bacteria residing on the tongue or other soft tissues of the mouth. One preferred example of a breath freshening agent which may be used is triclosan. In some embodiments, the releasable material 1090 may comprise a dentifrice, gel, mouthrinse, plaque indication substances, the like, and/or combinations thereof.
In other embodiments, the releasable material 1090 can comprise a chemical substance which imparts other benefits. For example, a chemical substance (e.g., a sensate) can be used to provide a biochemical sensory response to the inside tissue of the mouth and/or lips of a user. As one example, a chemical substance known as capsiason can be used to provide a tingle, a warm massage, or a soothing sensation to a user. In another example, spilanthol can be used to provide a residual tingle sensation as well as breathe freshening benefits. In another example, chamomile and lavender can be used to provide stress relief and relaxation benefits to the user. In yet another example, a flavoring can be used to enhance the user's enjoyment during cleansing of the mouth.
In yet other embodiments, the releasable material 1090 can comprise a chemical or medicament for oral benefits. For example, HUMPHRIES 3 or benzocaine can be used for pain relief. In another example, zo-caine type of medicines can be used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss treatment. In yet another example, the releasable material can be aspirin and the like. In an alternative construction, the releasable material may be a health supplement, such as a vitamin or mineral. Nevertheless, a wide variety of other chemicals which provide a medicinal or sensory response can be used with the oral care implement. Also, depending on the chemicals, a plurality of chemicals may be combined in tablets or the like of releasable material for multiple benefits.
Other suitable examples of the releasable material 1090 include antibacterial agents, whitening agents, glossing agents, anti-sensitivity agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-attachment agents, plaque indicator agents, flavorants, sensates, breath freshening agents, gum health agents and colorants. Examples of these agents include metal ion agents (e.g., stannous ion agents, copper ion agents, zinc ion agents, silver ion agents) triclosan; triclosan monophosphate, chlorhexidine, alexidine, hexetidine, sanguinarine, benzalkonium chloride, salicylanilide, domiphen bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride, tetradecylpyridinium chloride, N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride (TDEPC), octenidine, delmopinol, octapinol, nisin, essential oils, furanones, bacteriocins, flavans, flavinoids, folic acids, vitamins, minerals, hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, sodium percarbonate, PVP-H2O2, polymer-bound peroxides, potassium nitrates, occluding agents, bioactive glass, arginine salts, arginine bicarbonate, bacalin, polyphenols, ethyl pyruvate, guanidinoethyl disulfide, tartar control agents, anti-stain ingredients, phosphate salts, polyvinylphosphonic acid, PVM/MA copolymers; enzymes, glucose oxidase, papain, ficin, ethyl lauroyl arginate, menthol, carvone, and anethole, various flavoring aldehydes, esters, and alcohols, spearmint oils, peppermint oil, wintergreen oil, sassafras oil, clove oil, sage oil, eucalyptus oil, marjoram oil, cinnamon oil, lemon oil, lime oil, grapefruit oil, and/or orange oil.
The releasable material(s) and/or its medium can be selected to complement a toothpaste formula, such as by coordinating flavors, colors, aesthetics, or active ingredients. A flavor can be administered to create a gradual flavor change during brushing, which presently is not possible using toothpaste alone. The flavor changes described here along with other changes in sensation can also be used as a signal for indicating that an effective brushing routine is complete. In one example, the flavorings could be released to indicate that an oral care element is functioning properly or to indicate that the implement is exhausted and ready to be disposed or refilled. A colorant can be added to create a color change during use. Flavor and/or color can also be used to signal another benefit, such as tooth whitening or anti-bacterial action.
The releasable material 1090 may be compatible with toothpaste, or may be unstable and/or reactive with typical toothpaste ingredients. The releasable material 1090 also may be a tooth cleaning agent to boost the overall efficacy of brushing.
The releasable material 1090 can be provided in any suitable vehicle, such as in aqueous solution or in the form of gel or paste. The vehicle can have a variety of different visual aesthetics including clear solution or gel or opaque solution or gel. Non-limiting examples of vehicles include water, monohydric alcohols such as ethanol, poly(ethylene oxides) such as polyethylene glycols such as PEG 2M, 5M, 7M, 14M, 23M, 45M, and 90M available from Union Carbide, carboxymethylene polymers such as Carbopol® 934 and 974 available from B.F. Goodrich, and combinations thereof. The selection of a suitable vehicle will be apparent to persons skilled in the art depending on such factors as the properties of the active agent and the desired properties of the medium, such as viscosity. Examples of tooth whitening compositions are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,770,266 and 6,669,930, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Embodiments are contemplated where a toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of releasable materials and/or active agents. For example, adjacent cushioned areas may carry the same or different oral care agents. Similarly, the same cushioned area can carry different oral care agents (A, B), either layered on top of each other for controlled release timing or adjacent to each other so they will react simultaneously when they come into contact with an activator.
The active oral care agents within one or more cushioned areas can function as, for example, abrasives, mouth fresheners, tooth whiteners, vitamins, anti-bacterial/anti-microbial agents, plaque dispersants, de-sensitizing agents for the mouth and teeth, anti-cavity agents, and/or combinations of these functional agents to provide individual or combined, synergistic benefits. Oral care agents can also include flavorings, decorations, nutritional and body supplements such as calcium. The calcium could, for example, be provided in 1 mg single use dosages. The flavorings could be released to indicate that an oral care element is functioning properly or to indicate that the instrument is exhausted and ready to be disposed or recharged. Also, the oral care agents could eliminate particular enzymes from within the mouth of the user. The decorations applied by the oral care agents could temporarily add coloring, sparkle, glitter and/or indicia to the teeth of the user. Further, the lack of fluid within the mouth could trigger an oral care agent, such as stimulant for the salivary gland, provided within the cushioned area. The amount and rate of delivery for these agents will depend on the amount needed and the agent being applied.
During the production of the oral care instrument, the oral care agents can be delivered to the cushioned areas in a solid and/or liquid compound. In one embodiment, the material of the oral care instrument is immersed in a desired liquid so that the oral care agent(s) within the liquid can flow and remain within the cushioned areas. As it dries, the oral care agent may become secure within the cushioned area. It is also possible to impregnate the cushioned areas with desired oral care agent(s) during production. For example, a material may be deposited within the cushioned area(s) which could retain the oral care agent(s). Some suitable examples include sponges. It is also understood that a spent oral care instrument, i.e., one in which the oral care agent(s) has been depleted, may advantageously be recharged with an oral care agent by immersing it again in a liquid that carries the desired oral care agent(s). The cushioned areas can be replenished (recharged) on a regular basis, including daily for those instruments providing single dosages of at least one oral care agent.
The releasable material 1090 may be in any suitable form. For example, the releasable material 1090 may be provided in the form of a gel capsule which holds and applies a mouth care solution for application to the oral cavity. The mouth care solution may be a toothpaste, a gel, a mouthwash, or similar dentifrice or oral hygiene product, or a combination of the same contained in a rupturable capsule. Preferably the gel capsule is a liquid-filled gel capsule having frangible, thin walls that easily rupture or burst when pressure is applied, when rubbed against hard oral surfaces, or dissolve when mixed with the saliva of a user. The materials making up gel capsule and the oral or mouth care solution contained therein preferably are consumable by the user, eliminating the need for water, a sink, or a waste receptacle to expectorate the gel capsule or its contents. The mouth care solution may remain in the gel capsule until the user applies pressure to either a carrier or soft tissue cleanser as described herein. Preferably, the gel capsule is fully sealed, helping the mouth care solution to remain fresh until use.
Embodiments are contemplated where the user may select from a variety of gel filled capsules to customize the desired effect. For example, during a brushing routine, the user may place a gel capsule having a dentifrice in the cushioned area and brush their teeth. Subsequently, the user may place a gel capsule having a whitening agent in the cushioned area to provide a whitening benefit. Various combinations of gel capsules can be selected. Some suitable chemistries and chemistry combinations were discussed previously and are similarly discussed hereafter. For such embodiments, the toothbrush may be sold along with a variety of gel capsules comprising chemistry for providing various benefits in a kit. As an example, a kit may include gel capsules having a dentifrice, having a whitening agent, having a tartar control agent, having an antimicrobial agent, having a breath freshening agent, having a re-mineralization agent, the like, and/or combinations thereof.
In use, the gel capsule would be rubbed against the teeth and burst, would be exposed to saliva and dissolve, or combinations thereof, thereby applying the mouth care solution over cleaning elements. The user then may brush their teeth with toothbrush. Embodiments are contemplated where a toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention includes at least one releasable material during brushing of the hard oral surfaces and at least one releasable material during cleaning of the soft tissue, e.g. tongue. An example would be a dentifrice and a mouth rinse. Additionally, as discussed previously, a toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention may include a plurality of carriers. Similarly, a toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention may comprise a plurality of releasable materials. Some of the releasable materials may be released simultaneously, while in some embodiments, releasable materials may be released sequentially.
In some embodiments, multiple oral care agents may be provided to the oral cavity. For example, the carrier(s) may dispense at least a first oral care agent, while a soft tissue cleanser dispenses at least a second oral care agent. Any suitable oral care agent may be utilized for the carrier(s) and/or the soft tissue cleanser(s). Some suitable examples were provided heretofore.
Other suitable examples of a first releasable material and a second releasable material are shown in Table 1 below.
Additional structures are contemplated for the carriers. For example, as shown in
The carriers 1130A and 1130B may each comprise a support 1133A and 1133B, respectively, and a plurality of cleaning elements 1140. The supports 1133A and/or 1133B may be configured similarly to the supports described herein. The supports 1133A and/or 1133B may comprise wall portions 1175. As shown, at least some of the wall portions 1175 are oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis, and at least some of the wall portions 1175 are oriented generally parallel to a lateral axis. The wall portions 1175 may be oriented in any suitable manner. For example, the wall portions 1175 may be positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis and/or the later axis.
As shown, the wall portions 1175 are positioned in a generally vertical orientation. Between adjacent wall members is an opening 1150 and 1151. The wall portions 1175 may be configured such that a cavity is formed within each of the carriers 1130A and/or 1130B. At least one of the cavities may comprise the releasable material described heretofore. The releasable material may be released via the openings 1150 and/or 1151. In some embodiments, the carrier 1130A may comprise a first releasable material and the second carrier 1130B may comprise a second releasable material. The first releasable material and the second releasable material may be as described heretofore.
As shown, each of the carriers 1130A and/or 1130B may comprise a plurality of cleaning elements. As shown in
The carriers 1130A and/or 1130B may be incorporated with any of the embodiments described herein. Additionally, any of the carriers described herein may be further utilized with other traditional elements. For example, a carrier as described herein may be used in conjunction with a plurality of bristle tufts. In such embodiments, the carrier and the bristle tufts may be attached to a base in any suitable manner. The bristle tufts may be positioned adjacent the carrier or may be configured such that the bristle tufts extend through the carrier.
A handle as disclosed herein may comprise any suitable material. Some suitable examples include polymers, such as polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, as well as copolymers and thermoplastic elastomers. Combinations of materials may be used for performance, i.e., bonding, flexibility and gripping, as well as appearance benefits.
In addition to better cleaning, the conformity of this device facilitates applying treatments to the oral cavity, both hard and soft tissue, thus it can serve as an applicator as well as a toothbrush.
The handle, carrier(s), and/or soft tissue cleanser(s), as disclosed herein may be manufactured via any suitable process. An example of a suitable process is injection molding. For example, the handle comprising a first material may be injection molded initially. The carriers) may then be injection molded to the handle, wherein the carriers) and/or soft tissue cleanser(s) comprise a second material. In some embodiments, the handle, carrier(s), and/or soft tissue cleanser(s) may be injection molded at the same time such that the handle, carriers) and/or soft tissue cleanser(s) are integral with one another. In such embodiments, cleaning elements may similarly be created in this injection molding step for both the carriers) and/or the soft tissue cleanser(s).
The carriers described herein may be used in conjunction with conventional cleaning elements e.g. bristle tufts, fins, elastomeric fins, elastomeric cups, elastomeric walls, the like, and/or combinations thereof.
The carriers described herein may be utilized in any suitable manner. For example, a pair of carriers may be laterally spaced apart with open areas extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the oral care device. As yet another example, a first plurality of carriers may be laterally spaced apart with open areas extending generally parallel to a lateral axis of a head of the oral care device. As yet another example, a first plurality of carriers may be laterally spaced apart and have open areas extending generally parallel to the lateral axis of the head, and a second plurality of carriers may be longitudinally spaced apart from the first pair and have open areas extending generally parallel to the lateral axis. As yet another example, a first plurality of carriers may be spaced apart laterally and have open areas extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a second plurality of carriers may be longitudinally spaced from the first plurality and have open areas extending generally parallel to the lateral axis. As yet another example, a first plurality of carriers may be laterally spaced apart where at least one of the first plurality has an open area extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and at least one of the first plurality of carriers has an open area extending generally parallel to the lateral axis.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/332,344, filed on May 7, 2010, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61332344 | May 2010 | US |
