Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to toothbrushes and in particular to toothbrushes whose
head position can be manipulated by applying pressure to specific segments of the
handle.
[0002] The present invention specifically relates to a toothbrush having a user manipulatable
head, comprising an elongated handle having a longitudinal axis, an upper side and
a lower side. Such toothbrush is known from EP 0 339 350, (WO 89/10076).
Background of the Invention
[0003] Conventional toothbrushes comprise uniform tufts of bristles each having a first
end which is held captive in and fixed to a brush head, and a second end which is
free and which is used for brushing. The free ends of the various tufts present a
surface envelope which is capable of slight deformation by the bristles bending when
they come in contact with a surface to be brushed, but which is incapable of adequately
matching a surface having a complex shape. Such a complex surface is present in the
mouth, wherein the teeth generally lie in a "C" shaped curve within the upper and
lower jaw, each row of teeth consequently having a convex outer curve and a concave
inner curve.
[0004] In toothbrushing the desire of users to cause the bristles to conform to the teeth
is expressed by the forceful application of the brush to adequately deform the bristles
to the arcuate contours of the dentiture. Such forceful application of the brush against
the teeth merely leads to excessive wear of the tooth surfaces and gums, without adequate
conformation of the brush to the teeth to provide the desired cleaning.
[0005] Toothbrushes having a flexibly neck located between the brush head, containing the
bristles, and the handle have been disclosed in the prior art to provide conformation
of the brush to the contours of the dentiture. Examples of such flexibly neck toothbrushes
include the toothbrushes disclosed in U.S. Patents 759,490 and 4,520,526. U.S. 759,490
creates neck flexibility by interposing a flexibly resilient material between a rigid
brush head and handle, which flexibly resilient material may be reinforced with a
second such type of material. U.S. 4,520,526 creates neck flexibility by the alternatives
of either removing part of the material from the top and bottom of the neck portion
of the brush, or having an oval shaped hollow in the neck extending from one side
to the other. Such flexibly resilient toothbrush necks permit the bristle head to
yield relative to the handle when the user, whereby the danger of injury to the teeth
and gums is reduced, applies excessive force. However, such flexure means do not allow
the user the ability to control the contour of the brush head to the particular arch
of the oral surface being brushed, to avoid the need to apply excessive force in the
first instance.
[0006] U.S. Patent 4,333,199 discloses a toothbrush whose head is pivotally mounted on a
coiled spring above a recessed handle, such that the head is adapted to rotate and
tilt as it is applied to the teeth. While such flexing action will allow the brush
head to generally follow the arch of the oral surface being brushed, it provides no
direct control by the user of the moving, tilting, and rotating of the toothbrush
head.
[0007] PCT International Application WO 89/10076, discloses a toothbrush having the capability
of varying the angle between the brush head and the handle in order to position the
brush head in parallel with a arcuate section of the dentiture. WO 89/10076 discloses
a toothbrush having a handle pivotally connected to the head, wherein the handle is
formed of a pair of spaced apart, rigid, upper and lower sides, which sides are pivotally
linked together to be movable lengthwise relative to each other. Alternatively, the
spaced apart, rigid, upper and lower sides may be connected by means of an elastic
spacer layer, which will also allow them to be movable lengthwise relative to each
other. Use of such a pivotally connected handle and head, controlled by the lengthwise
movement of the rigid sides of the toothbrush, to accurately control the position
of the toothbrush head is difficult at best. Such lack of precise control is due to
the fact that pivoting linkages, which lack rigidity or resistance will tend to move
the head excessively; while, the alternative use of an elastic layer will limit the
movement of the head proportional to the degree of elasticity therein.
[0008] EP 0 454 625 furthermore discloses a toothbrush having a head and a longitudinal
handle, in which the form and position of the head can be manipulated by an oval wheel
positioned within the handle, rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the handle.
[0009] There is a need in the art for a toothbrush, wherein the user, to position the head
in conformity with the arcuate configuration of the dentiture can more precisely control
the position of the toothbrush head.
Summary of the Invention
[0010] The present invention encompasses a toothbrush comprised of an elongated handle formed
of a relatively rigid, generally S-curved longitudinal backbone section, extending
at one end into a relatively straight neck with a flattened head portion containing
a plurality of bristle tufts extending therefrom; wherein, the generally S-curved
longitudinal backbone is opposed by a corresponding generally S-curved section of
a relatively resiliently flexible elastomeric material, such that the opposed S-curves
form a generally elongated figure 8 having extending transversely therethrough at
least an upper and a lower aperture. During brushing of the teeth, the user can manipulate,
i.e. apply pressure to, the upper relatively rigid S-curve backbone section, while
simultaneously compressing the elastomeric section, to position the bristle bearing
toothbrush face in a controlled manner to conform to the arcuate configuration of
the dentiture.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0011]
Fig. 1 is a longitudinal perspective view, showing a first embodiment of the toothbrush
of the present invention with an arbitrarily curved bristle pattern, a sufficiently
clear elastomer about the handle and extending to the base of the neck, such that
the S-curved relatively rigid backbone is visible, and a broadened base.
Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1, wherein a vertical plane
and horizontal plane have been added; the vertical plane being perpendicular to the
face of the toothbrush and through the longitudinal axis, A-A.
Fig. 2 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a second embodiment of the toothbrush
of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 3 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a third embodiment of the toothbrush
of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 4 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a fourth embodiment of the toothbrush
of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1, shown from a broadened base
and extending to the head thereof, with an arbitrary bristle pattern.
Fig. 6 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a fifth embodiment of the toothbrush
of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 7 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a sixth embodiment of the toothbrush
of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 8 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a seventh embodiment of the toothbrush
of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 9 is a cross-section side plan view, showing an eighth embodiment of the toothbrush
of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 10 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a ninth embodiment of the toothbrush
of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a typical narrowed
toothbrush base.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0012] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same
or similar elements among the several figures, and in particular referring to Fig
1; wherein there is shown a toothbrush, 12. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush
of the present invention about a longitudinal axis A-A, with an upper side, 13, and
an opposed lower side, 15, wherein the toothbrush has a head, 14, integral to and
extending from a neck, 16, which neck is integral to and extending from a handle,
18, which handle is integral to and extending from a base, 24. The head, 14, having
a face, 20, on the upper side, 13, thereof; from which face extend rows of bristle
tufts, 22, transverse to the longitudinal axis A-A.
[0013] In accordance with the present invention, the head, 14, can flex relative to the
handle, 18, in the vertical plane, identified as V in Fig. 1A; but, is substantially
rigid relative to the handle in the horizontal plane, identified as H in Fig. 1. Such
flexibility is due to the fact that the handle, 18, is multi-sectional, that is formed
in sections of at least two materials having significantly different modulus of elasticity;
one section being formed of a relatively rigid plastic and the other section being
formed of a resiliently flexible elastomer. The relatively rigid plastic section comprises
a generally S-curved longitudinal backbone, 26, extending from the neck of the toothbrush
to the broadened base, 24, thereof. The resiliently flexible elastomeric section is
also in the general shape of an S-curve, 28, and in opposed relation to the generally
S-curved longitudinal backbone, 26, such that the opening of the generally S-curved
rigid longitudinal backbone are closed by the generally S-curves of the resilient
flexibly elastomeric section, 28. Together, the S-curved rigid longitudinal backbone,
26 and opposed generally S-curved resilient flexibly elastomeric section, 28, form
a generally elongated figure 8-shape. The interlocking S-curves that form the generally
figure 8-shape handle define two apertures, an upper aperture, 30, more proximate
to the neck, 16, and a lower aperture, 32, more proximate to the base, 24; both apertures
are preferably approximately equal in cross-sectional area.
[0014] The apertures, 30 and 32, are of sufficient cross-sectional area such that when the
user applies a greater force to the relatively rigid backbone section, 26, about the
upper aperture, 30, than to the opposed relative resiliently flexible section, 28,
about the upper aperture, 30, or to the opposed relatively rigid backbone section
about the lower aperture, 32, the connected bristle bearing head, 14, deflects to
a position in the direction of the upper side, 13, of the toothbrush. The forces involved
in this manipulation by the user are illustrated in Fig. 1 by the opposed arrows at
an acute angle to the longitudinal axis A-A. Correspondingly, the user can apply a
greater force, at an appropriate angle, to the relatively resiliently flexible section,
28, about the upper aperture, 30, than to the corresponding relatively rigid backbone,
26, about the upper aperture, 30, such that the bristle bearing head, 14, will deflect
to a position in the opposite direction, i.e. away from the upper side, 13, of the
toothbrush.
[0015] The interlocking S-curve sections that form the handle are shown in Fig. 1 as being
substantially equally spaced about the longitudinal axis A-A; however, in alternate
embodiments of the present invention, the interlocking S-curves can be more forward
of the longitudinal axis A-A, Fig. 2, or more behind the longitudinal axis A-A, Fig.
3. Further, while in Fig. 1 the apertures 30 and 32 are generally oval with a relatively
narrow transverse axis in relationship to a longer longitudinal axis, which longer
longitudinal axis may be aligned with or at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis
A-A of the toothbrush; these apertures can be rounder, with much greater transverse
axial length in relationship to their longitudinal axial length, such as shown in
Fig. 2. Alternatively, the apertures, 30 and 32, can be crescent shaped as illustrated
in Fig. 8.
[0016] In accordance with the present invention the head, 14, the neck, 16, the S-curved
backbone, 26, and the base, 24, are molded as an integral work-piece of relatively
rigid polypropylene or other plastic with a similarly relatively rigid structure,
such as a polyamide, i.e. nylon; or a polyester or a co-polyester, such as polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), or a polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate that is acid
modified (PCTA); or a cellulosic plastic; or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) or acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS). The polypropylene or other rigid plastic is preferably of
a Shore A Hardness ranging from 40 to 110, more preferably 60 to 110 and most preferably
from 80 to 100. Suitable polypropylene is available from Huntsman Corporation, Longview,
Texas, 75603 under the trade-designation Huntsman Polypropylene P4G3Z-039.
[0017] The relatively resiliently flexible elastomeric S-curve section, 28, may be molded
of a variety of elastomeric materials, most especially thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).
Acceptable TPE materials for the relatively resiliently flexible S-curved elastomeric
section, 28, including styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) Type styrene block
copolymers, such as styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprenestyrene, and related
copolymers, as well as, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a thermoplastic vulcanate
(TPV) which consists of a mixture of polypropylene and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene
monomers) which is available as Santoprene (brand), described in U.S. Patent 5,393,796;
or Vyram (brand), another TPV consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and natural
rubber, both Santoprene and Vyram being elastomers marketed by Advanced Elastomer
Systems LP, Akron, Ohio 44311. Another, and preferred TPE is Dynaflex G6713 (brand),
marketed by GLS Corp., Cary, Illinois 60013. These and other suitable elastomers have,
typically, a Shore A hardness of from about 1 to 94, with about 15 to 60 being a preferred,
and about 15 to 40 being most preferred.
[0018] The resiliently flexible elastomeric material can be overmolded about the handle,
18, as shown in Fig. 4, a cross-section view, as the elastomic overmolded region.
The resiliently flexible elastomic S-curved section is shown in Fig. 4 as areas, 38
and 40, which are separated in the cross-section shown by the generally elongated
S-curved relatively rigid backbone, 26. The degree of flexibility of both the relatively
rigid backbone section, 26, and of the resiliently flexible elastomeric S-curve section,
areas 38 and 40, can be further controlled by varying the thickness thereof, i.e.
to provide more or less flexibility.
[0019] If a substantially clear appearance is desired for the relatively rigid components
of the toothbrush, i.e. the toothbrush head, 14, the neck, 16, the relatively rigid
generally S-curved backbone section, 26, and the base, 24, can be of polyester, such
as polyethylene terephthalate or a copolyester, such as PCTA polyester or SAN, or
a cellulosic plastic, such as cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). If a substantially
clear appearance is desired for the resiliently flexible elastomeric components of
the toothbrush, i.e. the resiliently flexible S-curved elastomeric section, 28, certain
TPE, or TPUS, or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) materials can be used. A preferred substantially
clear TPE is available from Teknor Apex Company, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02861, sold
under the trade-designation 96-E0807A-03NT WAT CLR.
[0020] Alternative embodiments of the present invention can contain within the upper and
lower segments of the generally figure 8 shaped handle, 18, not only the two apertures
previously discussed; but, also within each segment a single aperture or a grouping
of a plurality of apertures, i.e. three (30, 48, 50), four (32, 42, 44, 46), five
or six apertures. In the case of either a single or such a grouping of apertures in
the handle, 18, the relatively rigid backbone forms a first side of each aperture
or grouping of apertures and a relatively resilient flexibly elastomer forms the second
side of each aperture or grouping of apertures. The aperture(s), may be generally
crescent, generally oval or generally round, with their longitudinal axis generally
aligned with or at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush A-A.
Such multiple apertures may all be located substantively about the longitudinal axis
of the toothbrush, or on either side thereof. Illustrative illustrations of such alternative
embodiments are shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 9.
[0021] As the embodiment of the present invention containing a broadened base taken with
the overall dual component construction add significantly to the weight of a typical
toothbrush, the base can be hollow to minimize the additional weight. As shown in
Fig. 5, such a hollow base can be formed of an inner injection molded relatively rigid
polypropylene shell, 34, surrounded by the resilient flexibly elastomeric material,
36 which comprises the resiliently flexible elastomeric material. Alternatively, as
shown in Fig. 10, the present invention may contain a typical narrowed toothbrush
base, reducing incremental weight.
[0022] Multi-section component toothbrushes of the present invention can be molded by conventional
injection molding technology, which is well known in the art. For example, in accordance
with the present invention, the resiliently flexible elastomeric material section
may be overmolded about the handle, 18, by a second injection step, after the first
step of injection molding the frame or skeleton, which is comprised of the hard bristle
implanting head, 14, neck, 16, relatively rigid handle backbone section, 26, and base,
24. In this second injection step the frame is positioned in a second mold into which
the resiliently flexible elastomeric material is injected about the handle, 18, thereof;
more specifically, about the relatively rigid backbone section, 26, extending from
the base, 24, to the base of the neck, 16.
[0023] Facilitation of the two step injection molding of toothbrushes of the present invention
can be by using a two component mold. Two component molds are available from numerous
suppliers, including Machines Boucherie N.V., Izegem, Belgium; Anton Zahoransky GmbH
& Company, Todtnau, Germany; or Braun Formenbau GmbH, Bahlingen, Germany; which molds
can be mounted in typical injection molding machines for such implementing the two
step injection process, such machines including 300 ton, two component injection molding
machines available from Engel Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Schwertberg, Austria or Netstal-Maschinen
AG, Nafels, Switzerland.
[0024] The toothbrush bristles may be implanted in the toothbrush face, 20, using either
typical staple technology or using more modern non-staple technology as disclosed
in U.S. Patents 4,635,313, 4,637,660, 4,954,305, 5,045,267, 5,609,890, 5,390,984,
5,533791, and 5,823,633. Such non-staple technology involves processes wherein the
bristle tufts, 22, are fused into the toothbrush head, 14, by heating both the bristle
tufts, 22, and the toothbrush head, 14, which are then brought together in a fusion
process; or, wherein the ends of the bristle tufts, 22, are pre-positioned in the
injection mold prior to the introduction of the toothbrush material, which toothbrush
material is subsequently injected about the ends of the bristle tufts, 22, locking
the bristle tufts, 22, in place in the toothbrush head, 14.
1. A toothbrush (12) having a user manipulatable head (14) comprising: an elongated handle
(18) having a longitudinal axis (A-A), an upper side (13) and a lower side (15) characterized in that the handle (18) comprises a first relatively rigid, generally S-curved backbone section
(26) and an opposed second and resiliently flexible elastomeric generally S-curved
section (28); the first generally S-curved section (26) extending at one end into
a base (24) and at the other end extending into a neck (16) portion provided with
a flattened head portion having an upper face (20) containing a plurality of bristle
tufts (22) extended therefrom; the opposed S-curve sections (26, 28) define an elongated
figure 8 with an upper and lower segment, wherein the upper segment contains at least
an upper aperture (30; 48, 50) and the lower segment at least a lower aperture (32;
42, 44, 46) so that by applying pressure to the first relatively rigid S-curved backbone
section about the upper aperture while simultaneously compressing the there opposed
second resiliently flexible elastomeric S-curved section the head is positioned.
2. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional areas of the upper
and lower apertures (30, 48, 50; 32, 42, 44, 46) are generally equal.
3. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the upper and lower apertures
(30, 48, 50; 32, 42, 44, 46) are generally oval in shape.
4. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the upper and lower apertures
(30, 48, 50; 32, 42, 44, 46) are generally round in shape.
5. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the upper and lower apertures
(30, 48, 50; 32, 42, 44, 46) are generally crescent shaped.
6. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first S-curved backbone
section (26) has a Shore A Hardness ranging from 40 to 110.
7. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein one segment contains a single aperture
(30) and the other contains a plurality of apertures (32, 42, 44, 46).
8. A toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein there is at least one aperture which is
oval in shape, the major axis thereof being aligned generally with the longitudinal
axis (A-A) of the toothbrush.
9. A toothbrush according to claim 7 or 8, wherein there is at least one aperture which
is oval in shape, the major axis thereof enclosing an acute angle with the longitudinal
axis of the toothbrush.
10. A toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein the apertures are generally round.
11. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 7-10, wherein the relatively rigid backbone
section (26) has a Shore A Hardness ranging from 40 to 110.
12. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 7-11, wherein the relatively resiliently
flexible elastomeric section (28) has a Shore A Hardness ranging from about 1 to 94.
13. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein each segment contains a plurality of apertures
(30, 48, 50; 32, 42, 44, 46).
14. A toothbrush according to claim 13, wherein the apertures (30, 48, 50; 32, 42, 44,
46) are oval in shape, the major axis thereof being aligned generally with the longitudinal
axis of the toothbrush.
15. A toothbrush according to claim 13, wherein the apertures (30, 48, 50; 32, 42, 44,
46) are oval in shape, the major axis thereof being aligned at an acute angle with
the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.
16. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the relatively rigid backbone
section (26) has a Shore A Hardness ranging from 40 to 110.
17. A toothbrush according to any one claims 13-16, wherein the relatively resiliently
flexible elastomeric section (28) has a Shore A Hardness ranging from about 1 to 94.
18. A method for positioning a toothbrush head according to claim 1, comprising the step
of positioning the head (14) of the toothbrush (12) by applying pressure to the first
relatively rigid S-curved backbone section (26) about the upper aperture (30; 48,
50) while simultaneously compressing the there opposed second relatively resiliently
flexible elastomeric S-curved section (28).
1. Zahnbürste (12) mit einem von einem vom Benutzer manipulierbarem Kopf (14) mit: einem
länglichen Griff (18), der eine Längsachse (A-A) aufweist, eine obere Seite (13) und
eine untere Seite (15), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Griff (18) einen ersten verhältnismäßig steifen, im Allgemeinen S-förmig gekrümmten
Stützabschnitt (26) und einen gegenüberliegenden zweiten nachgiebig flexiblen, elastomeren,
im Allgemeinen S-förmig gekrümmten Abschnitt (28) aufweist, wobei der im Allgemeinen
S-förmig gekrümmte Abschnitt (26) sich an einem Ende in eine Basis (24) und an dem
anderen Ende in einen Halsabschnitt (16) erstreckt, der mit einem abgeflachten Kopfabschnitt
versehen ist, der eine obere Seite (20) mit einer Anzahl von Borstenschlaufen (22)
aufweist, die sich davon erstrecken; wobei die entgegengesetzten S-förmig gekrümmten
Abschnitte (26, 28) eine längliche Ziffer 8 mit einem oberen und einem unteren Abschnitt
bilden, wobei der obere Abschnitt zumindest eine obere Öffnung (30; 48, 50) aufweist
und wobei der untere Abschnitt zumindest eine untere Öffnung (32; 42, 44, 46) besitzt,
sodass durch Aufbringen von Druck auf den ersten verhältnismäßig steifen S-förmig
gekrümmten Stützabschnitt über die obere Öffnung der Kopf positioniert wird, während
gleichzeitig der dort gegenüberliegende zweite nachgiebig flexible, elastomere S-förmig
gekrümmte Abschnitt zusammengedrückt wird.
2. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Querschnittsflächen der oberen und unteren Öffnungen
(30, 48, 50; 32, 42, 44, 46) im Allgemeinen gleich sind.
3. Zahnbürste nach einem der Ansprüche 1-2, wobei die oberen und unteren Öffnungen (30,
48, 50; 32, 42, 44, 46) im Allgemeinen ovale Form haben.
4. Zahnbürste nach einem der Ansprüche 1-2, wobei die oberen und unteren Öffnungen (30,
48, 50; 32, 42, 44, 46) im Allgemeinen eine runde Form haben.
5. Zahnbürste nach einem der Ansprüche 1-2, wobei die oberen und unteren Öffnungen (30,
48, 50; 32, 42, 44, 46) im Allgemeinen mondsichelförmig sind.
6. Zahnbürste nach einem der Ansprüche 1-5, wobei der erste S-förmig gekrümmte Stützabschnitt
(26) eine Shore A-Härte im Bereich von 40 bis 110 hat.
7. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 1, wobei ein Abschnitt eine einzige Öffnung (30) und der
andere eine Anzahl von Öffnungen (32, 42, 44, 46) aufweist.
8. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 7, wobei die zumindest eine Öffnung, die eine ovale Form
hat, mit ihrer großen Achse im Allgemeinen zu der Längsachse (A-A) der Zahnbürste
ausgerichtet ist.
9. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, bei der mindestens eine Öffnung vorgesehen ist,
die eine ovale Form hat, und wobei deren Hauptachse einen spitzen Winkel mit der Längsachse
der Zahnbürste einschließt.
10. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Öffnungen im Allgemeinen rund sind.
11. Zahnbürste nach einem der Ansprüche 7-10, wobei der verhältnismäßig steife Stützabschnitt
(26) eine Shore A-Härte von 40 bis 110 hat.
12. Zahnbürste nach einem der Ansprüche 7-11, wobei der verhältnismäßig nachgiebige flexible
elastomere Abschnitt (28) eine Shore A-Härte von ungefähr 1 bis 94 hat.
13. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 1, wobei jeder Abschnitt eine Anzahl von Öffnungen (30, 48,
50; 32,42, 44, 46) aufweist.
14. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 13, wobei die Öffnungen (30, 48, 50; 32, 42, 44, 46) eine
ovale Form haben, von der die Hauptachse im Allgemeinen wie die Längsachse der Zahnbürste
ausgerichtet ist.
15. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 13, wobei die Öffnungen (30, 48, 50; 32, 42, 44, 46) eine
ovale Form haben, wobei die Hauptachse davon unter einem spitzen Winkel zur Längsachse
der Zahnbürste ausgerichtet ist.
16. Zahnbürste nach einem der Ansprüche 13-15, wobei der verhältnismäßig starre Stützabschnitt
(26) eine Shore A-Härte von 40 bis 110 hat.
17. Zahnbürste nach einem der Ansprüche 13-16, wobei der verhältnismäßig nachgiebige flexible
elastomere Abschnitt (28) einen Shore A-Härte von etwa 1 bis 94 hat.
18. Verfahren zum Positionieren eines Zahnbürstenkopfs nach Anspruch 1, mit dem Schritt
der Positionierung des Kopfs (14) der Zahnbürste (12) durch Anwenden von Druck auf
einen ersten verhältnismäßig starren S-förmig gekrümmten Stützabschnitt (26) über
die obere Öffnung (30; 48, 50) während gleichzeitig der dort gegenüberliegende zweite,
verhältnismäßig nachgiebige flexible elastomere S-förmig gekrümmte Abschnitt (28)
zusammengedrückt wird.
1. Brosse à dents (12) ayant une tête (14) manipulable par l'utilisateur et comprenant
:
un manche allongé (18) ayant un axe longitudinal (A-A), un côté supérieur (13) et
un côté inférieur (15),
caractérisé en ce que le manche (18) comprend une première section (26) formant ossature centrale généralement
courbée en S et relativement rigide, et une seconde section (28) opposée en élastomère,
généralement courbée en S et flexible élastiquement ; la première section (26) généralement
courbée en S se développe à une extrémité en une base (24) et à l'autre extrémité
se développe en une partie en forme de col (16) pourvue d'une partie en tête aplatie
ayant une face supérieure (20) contenant une pluralité de touffes de poils (22) qui
s'étendent à partir de celle-ci ; les sections (26, 28) courbées en S opposées définissent
une figure 8 allongée avec un segment supérieur et un inférieur, dans laquelle le
segment supérieur contient au moins une ouverture supérieure (30 ; 48, 50) et le segment
inférieur au moins une ouverture inférieure (32 ; 42, 44, 46), de sorte qu'en appliquant
une pression à la première section formant ossature centrale courbée en S et relativement
rigide au niveau de l'ouverture supérieure tout en comprimant simultanément la seconde
section opposée en élastomère courbée en S et flexible élastiquement on détermine
la position de la tête.
2. Brosse à dents selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle les surfaces en coupe transversale
des ouvertures supérieures et inférieures (30, 48, 50 ; 32, 42, 44, 46) sont généralement
égales.
3. Brosse à dents selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, dans laquelle les
ouvertures supérieures et inférieures (30, 48, 50 ; 32, 42, 44, 46) sont généralement
de forme ovale.
4. Brosse à dents selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, dans laquelle les
ouvertures supérieures et inférieures (30, 48, 50 ; 32, 42, 44, 46) sont généralement
de forme ronde.
5. Brosse à dents selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, dans laquelle les
ouvertures supérieures et inférieures (30, 48, 50 ; 32, 42, 44, 46) sont généralement
en forme de croissant.
6. Brosse à dents selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans laquelle la première
section (26) formant ossature centrale courbée en S a une dureté Shore A allant de
40 à 110.
7. Brosse à dents selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle un segment contient une seule
ouverture (30) et l'autre contient une pluralité d'ouvertures (32, 42,44,46).
8. Brosse à dents selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle il y a au moins une ouverture
qui soit de forme ovale, le grand axe de celle-ci étant généralement aligné avec l'axe
longitudinal (A-A) de la brosse à dents.
9. Brosse à dents selon la revendication 7 ou 8, dans laquelle il y a au moins une ouverture
qui soit de forme ovale, le grand axe de celle-ci formant un angle aigu avec l'axe
longitudinal de la brosse à dents.
10. Brosse à dents selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle les ouvertures sont généralement
rondes.
11. Brosse à dents selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 10, dans laquelle la
section (26) formant ossature centrale relativement rigide a une dureté Shore A allant
de 40 à 110.
12. Brosse à dents selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 11, dans laquelle la
section (28) en élastomère relativement flexible élastiquement a une dureté Shore
A allant d'environ 1 à 94.
13. Brosse à dents selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle chaque segment contient une
pluralité d'ouvertures (30, 48, 50 ; 32, 42, 44, 46).
14. Brosse à dents selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle les ouvertures (30, 48, 50
; 32, 42, 44, 46) sont de forme ovale, le grand axe de celles-ci étant généralement
aligné avec l'axe longitudinal de la brosse à dents.
15. Brosse à dents selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle les ouvertures (30, 48, 50
; 32, 42, 44, 46) sont de forme ovale, le grand axe de celles-ci formant un angle
aigu avec l'axe longitudinal de la brosse à dents.
16. Brosse à dents selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 15, dans laquelle la
section (26) formant ossature centrale relativement rigide a une dureté Shore A allant
de 40 à 110.
17. Brosse à dents selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 16, dans laquelle la
section (28) en élastomère relativement flexible élastiquement a une dureté Shore
A allant d'environ 1 à 94.
18. Procédé pour déterminer la position de la tête d'une brosse à dents selon la revendication
1, comprenant l'étape de détermination de la position de la tête (14) de la brosse
à dents (12) en appliquant une pression à la première section (26) formant ossature
centrale courbée en S et relativement rigide au niveau de l'ouverture supérieure (30
; 48, 50) tout en comprimant simultanément la seconde section (28) opposée en élastomère
courbée en S et relativement flexible élastiquement.