[0001] This invention relates generally to toothbrushes and more particularly is directed
to a bristle bearing head, supporting stem and handle construction providing accessibility
to the interproximal spaces and beneath the free gingival margin and enabling the
user to more easily manipulate the head on the buccal, labial and lingual surfaces
of the maxillary and mandibular teeth.
[0002] It is currently recognized that while it is desirable with each brushing to remove
as much baterial plaque as possible from the interproximal spaces and from beneath
the free gingival margin as well as from the surfaces of the teeth, the bateria in
the plaque which are responsible for tooth decay and gingival deterioration are inactivated
for periods of time up to twenty-four hours by isolation of the bacteria from their
grouping in a plaque form, that is, by disturbing the plaque formed on the teeth and
breaking up the grouping of the bacteria. Accordingly, it is being urged that teeth
be brushed in a rotary motion in an attempt to reach beneath the free gingival margin
rather than in a reciprocating movement parallel to the occlusal plane and also by
such rotary motion to avoid tooth structure erosion caused by reciprocating brushing.
[0003] Inasmuch as the structure of the toothbrushes currently available do not promote
the use of the desired rotary brushing motion nor provide means to facilitate reaching
into the interproximal spaces and beneath the free gingival margin, there is a present
need to provide a toothbrush which will not only discourage brushing parallel to the
occlusal plane and encourage as well as facilitate the desirable rotary brushing movement
but will also provide means for reaching the interproximal spaces and beneath the
free gingival margin.
[0004] The invention is intended to provide a toothbrush which provides at least some of
the requirements set out in the preceding paragraph.
[0005] According to the invention there is provided a toothbrush construction characterised
in that it has the capability for simultaneously penetrating the interproximal spaces
and under the free gingival margins of the teeth of both the maxillary and mandibular
arches and comprises a stem extending from a handle , a leading end section of said
stem
having a longitudinal axis, said leading end section terminating in an elongated bristle
bearing head having a major axis (x-x) extending between opposite ends of said head
and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said bristle bearing head comprising
a back having a substantially flat surface , a plurality of bristles
projecting from said flat surface in a predetermined arrangement bilaterally symmetrical
with respect to a minor axis of said head said stem longitudinal axis being coaxial
with said minor axis, said predetermined bristle arrangement including a wedge-like
configuration
having an apex located adjacent each of said opposite ends the length of said head
between said apices being such as to position each apex
at the gingival margin of each of said arches when the mouth is in an open position
and said handle disposes said stem longitudinal axis in the occlusal plane.
[0006] Thus there is provided a toothbrush construction having bristles which are shaped,
sized, located and flexible for reaching into the interproximal spaces and under the
free gingival margins and which are particularly adapted for penetrating those relatively
inaccessible areas of the molars and bicuspids from the lingual cavity and the buccal
cavity where the accumulation of plaque is relatively heavy, and which promote the
desirable rotary brushing motion while enabling the teeth of both the maxillary and
mandibular arches to be brushed simultaneously.
[0007] The invention contemplates a stem which extends from a handle and has a leading end
section terminating in an elongated bristle bearing head having a major axis perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis of the stem section. The bristle bearing head is formed as
a back having a flat surface from which a plurality of embedded bristles project in
a predetermined arrangement which is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the transverse
minor axis of the head.
[0008] The bristle arrangement, which may be clustered in a plurality of tufts, includes
wedge-like configurations of such tufts having one of the tufts located as an apex
adjacent each opposite end of the back. The length of the head along the major axis
spaces the bristles comprising the apices a distance apart to facilitate penetration
into the interproximal spaces and free gingival margins of the teeth of both the maxillary
and mandibular arches simultaneously when the stem, through handle manipulation, is
disposed along the occlusal plane with the mouth in an open, teeth brushing, position.
The tuft forming the apex of the wedge-like configuration is centrally located with
respect to the rounded end of the head on the major axis, or, where the ends of the
head are tapered, the tuft forming the apex is located along the trailing or leading
side edges of the head. The slope of the wedge-like configuration away from each apex
conforms to the scallopped contour of the gingival edges thereby improving the ability
of the bristles to penetrate beneath the free margins thereof and those bristles at
the apices to penetrate into the interproximal spaces at the gum-line.
[0009] A trailing end section of the stem has a stub shaft which removably telescopes into
the axial bore of the handle providing for separation and relative rotation therebetween.
The trailing stem section may be angularly disposed to the leading stem section to
offset the latter from the longitudinal axis of the handle about which the relative
rotation of the stem on the stub shaft occurs to improve handling and orientation
of the head in the mouth of the user.
[0010] An area of bristles adjacent the transverse minor axis of the head may be cut to
a shorter length than those bristles located toward the opposite ends of the head
including the bristles in the wedge-like configuration of tufts in order to facilitate
the flexing of the latter in achieving their hereinbefore described intended simultaneous
penetration.
[0011] A modified hourglass-shaped head provides additional wedge-like configurations of
bristles and tufts spaced apart along the leading and trailing side edges of the head
between the opposite ends thereof to facilitate interproximal and free gingival margin
penetration when the major axis of the head is held parallel to the occlusal plane
to render an additional capability to the toothbrush which is particularly useful
in cleaning the front teeth.
[0012] Some embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a toothbrush embodying the invention showing
the bristle bearing head terminating a stem having an offset from an opposite end
which is pivotally and removably mounted on a handle, parts of the handle being broken
away to show interior structure;
Figure 2 is a top view of the toothbrush shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a fragmentary enlarged view of the underside of the bristle bearing head
of the toothbrush shown in Figure 2 showing details of the bristle and tuft arrangement
and the wedge-like configuration at each opposite rounded end of the head;
Figure 4 is a slightly enlarged end view of the head as seen along line 4-4 in Figure
2;
Figure 5 is a side view of the maxillary and mandibular arches inside the mouth in
open position showing the toothbrush in Figure 1 in an operative, toothbrushing, position
wherein the bristles engage the buccal surfaces of the teeth and extend beneath the
free gingival margins of both arches.
Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing a modified form of head having
an hourglass shape for locating bristles and tufts in additional wedge-like configurations
along the opposite side edges of the head, and
Figure 7 is a fragmentary view of one end of another modified form of bilaterally
symmetrical head taken similar to Figure 3, wherein the opposite ends are tapered
and the apex tufts are located adjacent the trailing side edge of the head.
[0013] Referring in detail to the drawings, 10 generally denotes a toothbrush constructed
to embody the invention comprising a head 11 terminating the leading end of supporting
stem 15 which extends from handle 20. Head 11 is formed as a back 12 which may be
moulded integrally with stem 15 of a suitable plastics material, well known in the
art, and supports, by embedment therein, a plurality of bristles 13 arranged to project
from the flat underside 12a thereof in a tuft pattern hereinafter described. Back
12, and thus the contour of head 11, is generally elongate, having the length or major
axis x-x thereof extending perpendicular to the plane y-y in which stem 15 and handle
20 extend, as seen in Figure 2. The opposite ends 12b of back 12 are rounded, while
the sides therebetween are substantially parallel providing a uniform width between
the rounded opposite ends 12b.
[0014] Bristles 13 are suitably arranged on perpendicularly extending head 11 to achieve
the accessibility to the interproximal spaces and to the free gingival margins for
the purpose and in the manner hereinbefore described. To these ends, bristles 13 may
be embedded as tufts 14 in accordance with well known brush manufacturing methods.
As seen in Figure 3, the arrangement of tufts 14 is bilaterally symmetrical with respect
to the minor axis of head 11, which axis is seen to lie in plane y-y. Thus, two rows
R1 of four tufts 14 each are located adjacent each side of plane y-y. A second two
rows R2 of four tufts 14 each and a single row R3 of three tufts 14 are located in
sequence on each side of plane y-y beyond rows R1 and a single terminal tuft R4 is
positioned adjacent each rounded opposite end 12b centralized on the major axis x-x.
Rows R3 with terminal tuft R4 provide a wedge-like contour on each end of head 11
with terminal tuft R4 as an apex. Also, bristles 13 in the tufts 14 which are centrally
located on back 12 in the four rows R1 may be shorter than those in rows R2, R3 and
R4, as seen in Figure 4. The ends of the longer bristles may be cut to provide a convex
transverse contour with those tufts 14 located on or adjacent to the major axis x-x
being longer than those located laterally, as seen in Figure 1. Bristles 13 may be
natural or made of a suitable synthetic material, such as nylon (trademark), and have
a softness permitting flexure of the ends thereof sufficient for entering beneath
the free gingival margins when normal brushing pressure is applied against the surface
of the teeth.
[0015] Although head 11, constructed to embody the invention may be perpendicularly mounted
on a toothbrush stem and handle which are disposed coaxially with each other, an improved
construction is shown as stem 15 and handle 20 in Figures 1 and 2. The leading end
section 16 of stem 15, which terminates at the outer end in back 12, has its longitudinal
axis fixed in perpendicular relation to the major axis x-x of head 11. The opposite
or inner end of section 16 is integrally formed with an offsetting, angularly disposed
section 17 and tapers slightly in thickness from its inner end toward head 11, as
seen in Figure 1 leading end section 16 being of a length to substantially position
section 17 entirely on the exterior of the lips of the user in all operative positions
of head 11. Widthwise, section 16 may be broader at the inner end than section 17
and also tapers toward head 11, as seen in Figure 2. This enlargement of section 16
adjacent section 17 provides an upfacing surface area 16a to which pressure may be
applied by the index finger or thumb for in turn exerting pressure by bristles 13
against the teeth. A cylindrical stub shaft 18 terminates the rearward end of section
17 and is positioned with its axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of
section 16.
[0016] Handle 20 which is cylindrically shaped and sized to fit the user's hand to be grasped
thereby for manipulation of head 11 within the mouth in the preferred manner, has,
at its leading end, an axial bore 21 sized to telescopingly engage stub shaft 18 for
separation therefrom and rotation thereon. Rearwardly of bore 21, handle 20 may be
hollow, providing a storage chamber 22 fitted with a screw cap 23 which may have a
central opening 23a for access to chamber 22 when cap 23 is in mounted position.
[0017] The practical utility and operation of toothbrush 10 will now be apparent. To brush
one side of the mouth, toothbrush 10 is comfortably gripped in the opposite hand,
as for example, by three fingers being curled around handle 20 so that angularly disposed
section 17 extends between the thumb and index finger for disposing leading end section
16 along the occlusal plane to readily position head 11 in the buccal or lingual cavity
with bristles 13 engaging the teeth. The jaws are held open sufficiently but in a
relaxed fashion to position tufts R4 of the opposite ends of head 11 at the gum-line
of both the mandibular and maxillary arches as illustrated in Figure 5. The brushing,
to achieve the desired result of breaking up organized bacterial plaque, is performed
by applying light pressure against the teeth sufficient to flex the ends of the longer
bristles 13 in rows R2, R3 and R4. Head 11 is moved in a circular motion, which more
precisely may be eDiptical, with the major axis of the ellipse extending vertically
and parallel to the major axis x-x of head 11. The perpendicular disposition of the
major axis x-x of head 11 with respect to stem 15 and the arrangement of tufts 14
in accordance with the invention is particularly adaptable to and facilitates this
desirable brushing motion whereby the wedge-like contour of tufts 14 provided by rows
R3 and R4 penetrates the interproximal spaces at the base of the teeth and by said
flexure of bristles 13, the latter also extend beneath the free gingival margin along
the entire width of each tooth. The circular brushing motion is applied while slowly
advancing stem 15 along the occlusal plane. In this manner the buccal surfaces of
the teeth of the entire half of the mouth may be carefully brushed, and then by rotating
stem 15 180° in handle 20, the lingual surfaces of the teeth of the same half of the
mouth may likewise be brushed. The offset of leading end section 16 with respect to
handle 20 makes the lingual surfaces as well as the buccal surfaces of the teeth readily
accessible. The other half of the mouth is then similarly brushed holding handle 20
in the opposite hand. The use of toothbrush 10 is not necessarily limited to the simultaneous
brushing of the mandibular and maxillary arches but is also adaptable to brushing
each arch individually by the same hereinbefore described rotary movement particularly
when brushing the canines and incisors at the front of the mouth.
[0018] The occlusal surfaces of the teeth are brushed by conventional short reciprocating
strokes but utilizing the bristles 13 on one half of head 11, or, if desired, handle
20 may be held perpendicular to the arches thereby aligning axis x-x for reciprocal
movement along the arches and brushing with the bristles of the entire head 11.
[0019] Head 11 of toothbrush 10 may be proportioned for the intended use thereof, for example,
in a regular adult size and in a smaller child size. For adult use, an average overall
length for back 12 of approximately 24 mm. and width of 10 mm. satisfy the size requirements
of most adult mouths. The length of the longer bristles 13 in rows R2, R3 and R4 are
preferably 10 mm. while rows R1 are approximately 8 mm. long.
[0020] In keeping with the concept of providing a wedge-like configuration of tufts 14 formed
by rows R3 and R4 at each of the opposite ends of back 12, Figure 7 shows a modification
thereof as head 41 having a back 42 integrally formed with stem 15. The opposite ends
42a of back 42, instead of being rounded as ends 12a of back 12, are tapered forwardly
so that terminal tuft R14 may be positioned adjacent the trailing side edge 42d which
because of said taper is longer than leading side edge 42e. Rows R1, R2 and R3 of
tufts on back 42 are in the same arrangement as those on back 12, but terminal tuft
R14, as the apex of the wedge-like configuration, is located to one side of major
axis x-x. It will be apparent that the tapered end 42a tapering from a longer trailing
side edge 42d to a shorter leading side edge 42e as illustrated in Figure ? conforms
to the contour of the buccal and lingual cavities in the molar region of the mouth
facilitating brushing therein in the manner hereinbefore described and minimizing
irritation to the mucco-buccal fold..
[0021] Another modified form of toothbrush head is shown in Figure 6 as head 31 which comprises
a back 32 integrally formed with stem 15 and having a flat underside 32a from which
bristles 33 project in a predetermined pattern of tufts 34. Back 32 has an hourglass
contour which provides a pair of opposite end sections 32b, each having a rounded
or circular shape, interconnected by a constricted midportion 32c. In a manner comparable
to head 11, tufts 34 are in a bilaterally symmetrical arrangement with respect to
the minor axis of head 31, that is, with respect to plane y-y, whereby two rows R11
of two tufts 34 each are adjacent to each side of plane y-y. Thereafter, located in
sequence on each side of plane y-y beyond rows R11 are one row R22 of four tufts 34,
one row R33 of five tufts 34, one row R44 of four tufts and a single terminal tuft
R5 positioned at the extreme opposite ends of back 32 on the major axis x-x.
[0022] In addition to using toothbrush 10, when fashioned with head 31 having opposite end
wedge-like configurations provided by tufts 34 located in rows R5 and R44, in a manner
similar to that hereinbefore described for head 11, the tufts 34 located at the opposite
ends of rows R22, R33 and R44 form a wedge-like configuration on the opposite sides
of each end section 32b whereby head 31 may be applied to the teeth with major axis
x-x extending parallel to the occlusal plane instead of perpendicular thereto by holding
handle 20 in a vertical position. Circular or elliptical brushing movement, imparted
by head 31 particularly for brushing the front teeth, will enable the tufts 34 in
the wedge-like configurations located along the sides of head 31 to penetrate the
interproximal spaces and the free gingival margins in a manner similar to that of
the wedge-like configurations at the opposite ends of heads 11 and 31 when the latter
are held perpendicular to the occlusal plane.
[0023] Fewer than the twelve rows of tufts 14 and 34 may be used within the scope of the
invention as dictated by the dimensions of backs 12, 42 and 32 and the size of the
respective tufts 14 and 34. Thus, one row R2 on each end of backs 12 and 42 and/or
fewer than four rows R1 may be provided. Also, tufts 14 may be three abreast instead
of the four abreast illustrated in Figures 3 and 7. Likewise, fewer than four rows
R11 may be used on back 32 and tufts 34 in each of the rows R11, R22, R33 and R44
may be reduced in number. The bristles 33 in rows R11 of back 32 may be shorter than
those of the rows of end sections 32b in a manner similar to back 12. However, the
transverse contour of bristles 33 of end sections 32b may be flat rather than convex
as bristles 13 shown in Figure 1.
[0024] Where so desired, bristles 13 and 33 may be mounted in backs 12, 41 and 31, respectively,
as unitary or pairs of bilaterally symmetrical tufts having configurations providing
the wedge-like contours shown and described with respect to heads 11, 41 and 31.
[0025] By requiring as well as facilitating the hereinbefore described circular or elliptical
brushing motion on the buccal and lingual surfaces of the teeth, the perpendicular
relationship between major axis x-x of heads 11, 41 and 31 and the longitudinal axis
of leading end section 16 and handle 20, embodying the invention, also prevents, or
at the very least greatly discourages, continued use of the undesirable brushing habit
of taking long and hard strokes across the buccal and lingual surfaces of the teeth
in a direction parallel to the occlusal plane. Thus, erosion of the surface layer
of the teeth, particularly along the dento-enamel junction, the cause of which has
been attributed, to a large degree, to such parallel brushing, is substantially eliminated
or at least materially reduced by the use of toothbrush 10 fitted with heads 11, 41
or 31.
[0026] The readily separable connection between handle 20 and stem 15 permits one handle
to service a plurality of stems 15 each fitted with a toothbrush head embodying the
invention, one or more for each member of the family, or also fitted with a gum massaging
instrument such as a periodontal aid. The offset feature of leading end 16 with respect
to handle 20 may be preserved without the relative rotation of stem 15 in handle 20
by enlarging integrally formed stub shaft 18 to a convenient handle size.
[0027] Storage chamber 22 may be used to house a spool of dental floss (not shown), the
leading end of which may be fed through central opening 23a in screw cap, 23, or,
when traveling, a small tube or container of tooth paste or powder may be carried
therein.
[0028] The toothbrush constructions herein disclosed are seen to achieve the several objects
of the invention and to be well adapted to meet conditions of practical use. As various
possible embodiments might be made of this invention, and as various changes might
be made in the disclosed toothbrushes, it is to be understood that all matters herein
set forth or shown in the accompanying drawing are to be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense.
1. A toothbrush construction characterised in that it has the capability for simultaneously
penetrating the interproximal spaces and under the free gingival margins of the teeth
of both the maxillary and mandibular arches and comprises, a stem (15) extending from
a handle (20), a leading end section (16) of said stem (15) having a longitudinal
axis, said leading end section (16) terminating in an elongated bristle bearing head
(11; 31; 41) having a major axis (x-x) extending between opposite ends (12b; 32b;
42a) of said head (11; 31; 41) and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said bristle
bearing head (11; 31; 41) comprising a back (12; 32; 42) having a substantially flat
surface (12a; 32a), a plurality of bristles (13; 33) projecting from said flat surface
(12a; 32a) in a predetermined arrangement bilaterally symmetrical with respect to
a minor axis of said head (11; 31; 41), said stem longitudinal axis being coaxial
with said minor axis, said predetermined bristle arrangement including a wedge-like
configuration (R3, R4; R44, R5; R3, R14) having an apex (R4; R5; R14) located adjacent
each of said opposite ends (12b; 32b; 42a), the length of said head (11; 31; 41) between
said apices being such as to position each apex (R4; R5; R14) at the gingival margin
of each of said arches when the mouth is in an open position and said handle disposes
said stem longitudinal axis in the occlusal plane.
2. A toothbrush construction as claimed in Claim 1 in which the apices (R4; R5) of
said wedge-like configuration (R3, R4; R44, R5) are located along said major axis
(x-x) of the head (11; 31). 3. A toothbrush construction as claimed in Claim 1 in
which the opposite ends (42a) of said back (42) taper from a trailing side edge (42d)
to a relatively shorter leading side edge (42e), and the apices (R14) of said wedge-like
configuration are located adjacent said trailing side edge (42d).
4. A toothbrush construction as claimed in Claim 1 in which said back flat surface
(32a) has an hourglass contour providing circular shaped opposite end sections (32b),
said bilaterally symmetrical bristle (33) arrangement on said flat surface (32a) having
a configuration conforming substantially to said hourglass contour and including one
pair of second wedge-like configurations (R22, R33) for each of said end sections,
one wedge-like bristle configuration (R44, R5) of each of said pairs being located
along an opposite side edge of the section whereby said head (31), when applied to
the teeth with said major axis (x-x) extending parallel to the occlusal plane, positions
said second wedge-like configurations (R22, R33) for penetration into the interproximal
spaces and under the free gingival margins of the teeth.
5. A toothbrush construction as claimed in Claim 1, in which said bristle bearing
head (31) comprising a back (32) having a substantially flat surface (32a) has an
hourglass contour providing circular shaped opposite end sections (32b), a plurality
of bristles (33) projecting from said flat surface (32a) in a predetermined arrangement
bilaterally symmetrical with respect to a minor axis of said head (31), said stem
longitudinal axis being coaxial with said minor axis, said predetermined bristle arrangement
having a configuration conforming substantially to said hourglass contour including
a first pair of wedge-like configurations (R44, R5) having apices located adjacent
each of said opposite ends (32b), the length of said head (31) between said apices
being such as to position each apex (R5) at the gingival margin of each of said arches
when the mouth is in an open position and said handle (20) disposes said stem longitudinal
axis in the occusal plane, said predetermined bristle arrangement including second
pairs of wedge-like configurations (R22, R33), one pair for each of said end sections
(32b), one wedge-like bristle configuration of each of said second pairs (R22, R33)
being located along an opposite side edge of the section whereby said head (31), when
applied to the teeth with said major axis extending parallel to the occlusal plane,
positions said second wedge-like configurations for penetration into the interproximal
spaces and under the free gingival margins of the teeth.
6. A toothbrush construction as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which said
head (11; 31; 41) has a major axial length on the order of 24 mm.
7. A toothbrush construction as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, in which said
handle (20) has a longitudinal axis parallel to and offset from said longitudinal
axis of the leading end section (16) of the stem (15), said stem (15) having an angularly
disposed section (17) interconnecting said leading end section (16) and handle (20)
in said offset, parallel relation, said handle (20) and angularly disposed stem section
(17) being separable for interchange of the handle (20) with another stem (15) and
means separably interconnecting said handle and angularly disposed stem section including
a stub shaft (18) terminating said angularly disposed stem section (17), an axial
bore (21) formed in said handle (20) communicating with one end thereof into which
said stub shaft (18) telescopingly fits for relative rotation of said stem (15) and
head (11; 31; 41) with respect to said handle.
8. A toothbrush construction as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, in which said
handle (20) has a longitudinal axis parallel to and offset from said axis of the stem
(15), said stem (15) having an angularly disposed section (17) interconnecting said
leading end section (16) and handle (20) in said offset, parallel relation, said stem
leading end section (16) having a length along said longitudinal axis positioning
said angularly disposed section (17) on the exterior of the lips of a user in all
operative positions of said head (11; 31; 41) and providing an area (16a) on a surface
of said leading end section (16) adjacent said angularly disposed section (17) accessible
for thumb or index finger pressure when said handle (20) is gripped by the hand of
the user for exerting pressure by said bristles (13; 33) against the teeth for flexure
thereof into said interproximal spaces and free gingival margins.
9. A toothbrush construction characterised in that it comprises a stem (15) extending
from a handle (20), a leading end section (16) of said stem (15) having a longitudinal
axis, said handle (20) having a longitudinal axis parallel to and offset from said
axis of the stem (15), said stem (15) having an angularly disposed section (17) interconnecting
said leading end section (16) and handle (20) in said offset, parallel relation, said
stem (15) and handle (20) being coplanar, and an elongate bristle bearing toothbrush
head (11; 31; 41) terminating said stem leading end section (16) and having a major
axis (x-x) disposed perpendicular to the plane of said stem (15) and handle (20).
10. A toothbrush construction as claimed in Claim 9, in which said stem leading end
section (16) has a length along said longitudinal axis positioning said angularly
disposed section (17) on the exterior of the lips of a user in all operative positions
of said head (11; 31; 41) and provides an area on a surface (16a) of said leading
end section (16) adjacent said angularly disposed section (17) accessible for thumb
or index finger pressure when said handle (20) is gripped by the hand of the user.
11. A toothbrush construction as claimed in Claim 9 or 10, in which said handle (20)
and angularly disposed stem (17) section are separable for interchange of the handle
with another stem, and comprising means for separably interconnecting said handle
(20) and angularly disposed stem section (17) including a stub shaft (18) terminating
said angularly disposed stem section (17), an axial bore (21) formed in said handle
(20) communicating with one end thereof into which said stub shaft (18) telescopingly
fits for relative rotation of said stem (15) and toothbrush head (11; 31; 41) with
respect to said handle (20).
12. A toothbrush construction as claimed in Claim 11, in which said handle (20) is
formed with a second bore (23a) opposite said first mentioned bore (21) forming a
storage chamber (22) and a removable cap (23) for said chamber (22) terminating the
end of the handle (20) opposite said stem interconnection.
1. A toothbrush construction characterised in that it has the capability for simultaneously
penetrating the interproximal spaces and under the free gingival margins of the teeth
of both the maxillary and mandibular arches and comprises, a stem (15) extending from
a handle (20), a leading end section (16) of said stem (15) having a longitudinal
axis, said leading end section (16) terminating in an elongated bristle bearing head
(11; 31; 41) having a major axis (x-x) extending between opposite ends (12b; 32b;
42a) of said head (11; 31; 41) and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said bristle
bearing head (11; 31; 41) comprising a back (12; 32; 42) having a substantially flat
surface (12a; 32 a), a plurality of bristles (13; 33) projecting from said flat surface
(12a; 32a) in a predetermined arrangement bilaterally symmetrical with respect to
a minor axis of said head (11; 31; 41), said stem longitudinal axis being coaxial
with said minor axis, said predetermined bristle arrangement including a wedge-like
configuration (R3, R4; R44, R5; R3, R14) having an apex (R4; R5; R14) located adjacent
each of said opposite ends (12b; 32b; 42a), the length of said head (11; 31; 41) between
said apices being such as to position each apex (R4; R5; R14) at the gingival margin
of each of said arches when the mouth is in an open position and said handle disposes
said stem longitudinal axis in the occlusal plane.
2. A toothbrush construction as claimed in Claim 1 in which the apices (R4; R5) of
said wedge-like configuration (R3, R4; R44, R5) are located along said major axis
(x-x) of the head (11; 31).
3. A toothbrush construction as claimed in Claim 1 in which the opposite ends (42a)
of said back (42) taper from a trailing side edge (42d) to a relatively shorter leading
side edge (42e), and the apices (R14) of said wedge-like configuration are located
adjacent said trailing side edge (42d).
4. A toothbrush construction as claimed in Claim 1 in which said back flat surface
(32a) has an hourglass contour providing circular shaped opposite end sections (32b),
said bilaterally symmetrical bristle (33) arrangement on said flat surface (32a) having
a configuration conforming substantially to said hourglass contour and including one
pair of second wedge-like configurations (R22, R33) for each of said end sections,
one wedge-like bristle configuration (R44, R5) of each of said pairs being located
along an opposite side edge of the section whereby said head (31), when applied to
the teeth with said major axis (x-x) extending parallel to the occlusal plane, positions
said second wedge-like configurations (R22, R33) for penetration into the interproximal
spaces and under the free gingival margins of the teeth.
5. A toothbrush construction as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which said
handle (20) has a longitudinal axis parallel to and offset from said longitudinal
axis of the leading end section (16) of the stem (15), said stem (15) having an angularly
disposed section (17) interconnecting said leading end section (16) and handle (20)
in said offset, parallel relation, said handle (20) and angularly disposed stem section
(17) being separable for interchange of the handle (20) with another stem (15) and
means separably interconnecting said handle and angularly disposed stem section including
a stub shaft (18) terminating said angularly disposed stem section (17), an axial
bore (21) formed in said handle (20) communicating with one end thereof into which
said stub shaft (18) telescopingly fits for relative rotation of said stem (15) and
head (11; 31; 41) with respect to said handle.