TOOTHBRUSH

Description

[0001] This invention relates to toothbrushes, particularly to hand held toothbrushes having a novel bristle configuration.

[0002] Toothbrushes generally comprise a head and a grip handle disposed along a longitudinal axis. Bristles extend from a bristle face of the head in a general bristle direction. Generally the bristles are arranged in tufts which are circular in section across the general bristle direction at their base on the bristle face, although some toothbrushes are known having tufts of other sectional shapes, for example as disclosed in WO-A-95/06420. US-A- 4617695 discloses a toothbrush with all its tufts of a hexagonal section. GB-A- 705725 discloses a toothbrush with tufts of rectangular section. WO-A- 91/19437 discloses a toothbrush having all its tufts of an elongated oval shape with the long axis of the oval across the longitudinal axis of the head. US-A-1981657 discloses a toothbrush having tufts of a triangular section with their apex pointing inwardly toward the central axis of the head.

[0003] Circular section tufts are sometimes not able to reach into the interdental spaces, or otherwise adapt themselves to the shape of the teeth and adjacent areas of the gums, resulting in a reduced cleaning efficiency. It is an object of this invention to provide a toothbrush having a novel bristle configuration which in part at least solves this problem.

[0004] According to this invention, a toothbrush is provided according to claim 1.

[0005] The triangular sectional shape of the tufts may have a base facing, suitably substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis.

[0006] Such triangles may be equiangular, i.e. with all three angles and sides the same, or may be irregular, i.e. with all three angles and sides different. Such triangles may be isosceles triangles, i.e. with two sides and their respective angles with the base being the same, for example with their base generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. Such triangles may be right-angled triangles, for example with a first side substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second side perpendicular to the first side.

[0007] The above described triangular sectioned tufts may themselves be arranged in clusters of various numbers of tufts in various shapes, particularly in triangular clusters. For example two such right-angled triangle sectioned tufts may be arranged back-to-back to produce an isosceles triangle shaped cluster. For example three such triangular sectioned tufts may be arranged with their apexes pointing inwardly to form a triangular cluster.

[0008] Suitably the triangular sectioned tufts and clusters of tufts have a point which lies at or along the outer edge of the tuft pattern on the bristle face, to enable the said tufts to easily come into contact with the teeth during brushing.

[0009] The above mentioned triangular sectioned tufts and triangular clusters (respectively "first tufts and clusters") are combined in a tuft pattern with tufts (herein termed "second tufts") of rectangular or lozenge shapes elongated in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis to enhance the cleaning effect, and with one or more tufts (termed "third tufts") which have a sectional shape across the general bristle direction which is a rectangular or lozenge shape elongated in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The said first tufts and clusters of tufts have the advantage of improved conformation to the concavity of the curve of the gumline where the teeth meet the gums, and the combination of these tufts with tufts of other sectional shapes can enhance the cleaning effect, for example if such other sectional shaped tufts are suited to clean other areas of the tooth or gum surface, the gumline or interdental spaces.

[0010] At the end of the head extreme from the handle, there may be a rounded, e.g. circular, oval or polygonal pattern of tufts for example in the form of a polygon of tufts optionally surrounding a central tuft, or alternatively a single large section tuft of rounded or polygonal shape (all herein termed "fourth tuft(s)"),. The term "rounded" used in the context of these fourth tuft(s) means an imaginary closed curved line can be drawn through the tufts at the perimeter of the cluster, e.g. through the corners of a polygon.

[0011] Also, when two of the said first tufts or clusters are arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, between them, i.e. on or disposed about the longitudinal axis there may be one or more second or third tufts situated between them.

[0012] In one embodiment of this invention the said first, second, third and fourth tufts may be arranged on the toothbrush head in an arrangement comprising a pattern of fourth tufts at the end of the head remote from the handle, then a sequence of sets of first tufts evenly disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis optionally with one or more third tufts between them, longitudinally alternating with a pattern of second tufts. Suitably in this embodiment there are first tufts longitudinally adjacent to the fourth tufts, adjacent the base end of the head, and at or near the longitudinal midpoint of the head.

[0013] In another embodiment of this invention the said first, second and fourth tufts may be arranged on the toothbrush head in an arrangement comprising a pattern of fourth tufts at the end of the head remote from the handle, then in sequence towards the handle a sequence of one or more transverse rows of second tufts, then sets of first tufts of triangular section evenly disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis, optionally with one or more third tufts between them, then a further sequence of one or more rows of second tufts, then adjacent the base of the head a further set of first tufts of triangular section evenly disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis.

[0014] In the above described embodiments the said first, second, third and fourth tufts may all extend to the same distance from the bristle face, or they may vary in length so that the ends of the bristles remote from the bristle face lie in an undulating surface. Suitably the said first, and optionally also the said fourth, tufts may be longer than the said second tufts.

[0015] The tufts of bristles, of all types, may be fixed into the toothbrush head by conventional means, for example conventional small metal clips retaining them in socket holes in the head, or alternatively they may be fused into the material of the head by known processes, e.g. as disclosed in US-A- 4637660 or EP-A- 0142885A.

[0016] The head and handle of the toothbrush may be made of plastics materials which are conventional in the toothbrush industry, using a conventional injection moulding process. Alternatively the head and handle may be made by the novel process disclosed in WO-A-9702770, in which the head is made first with a first engagement part and the handle is then formed with a second engagement part in engagement with the first engagement part.

[0017] The head and handle may include known features of toothbrushes, for example elastomeric grip mats on the handle, and regions which modify flexibility, for example folded regions or cut-outs containing an elastomeric material. The head may have an undulating surface as disclosed in WO-A-9625866, the contents of which are included herein by way of reference. The bristles may be made of conventional materials, for example known nylon filaments.

[0018] The invention will now be illustrated by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0019] Fig 1 shows a plan view of a toothbrush head of this invention.

[0020] Referring to Fig. 1, the head 1 of a toothbrush is shown in a plan view. At one end the head 1 connects to a grip handle (not shown) via neck 2 in a conventional manner, the head 1 and handle being integrally made of plastics material. The head 1 and handle lie along a longitudinal axis A--A.

[0021] From a bristle face 3 of the head 1 extend bristles 4, 5, 6, 7 arranged in tufts. The view of Fig. 1 is down the general bristle direction in which the bristles extend.

[0022] Some of the tufts 4 are arranged in tufts which have a section, across the general bristle direction, which is a right-angled triangle, with one of the right angled sides generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A--A, and the other generally parallel to it. Tufts 4, 4A, 4B are right angled triangle shaped in section across the brisde direction, and taper in a direction away from the longitudinal axis A-A, such that the base of the triangle faces the longitudinal axis and the apex is toward the outer edge of the tuft pattern.

[0023] Alternating with the triangular section tufts 4 is a pattern of second tufts 5, which have a sectional shape, across their bristle direction, which is elongated in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A--A, being substantially lozenge shaped.

[0024] At the end of the head 1 remote from the neck 2 are fourth tufts 6 in the form of a polygonal pattern arranged around a central tuft.

[0025] Where some of the tufts 4 are opposite each other across the longitudinal axis A--A there are third tufts 7 between them, on the longitudinal axis A-A of the head 1, having a sectional shape across their bristle direction which is elongated in a direction across the longitudinal axis A--A, being of oval section.

[0026] The toothbrush of Fig. 1 is used in the same way as known toothbrushes, preferably in a manner as recommended by dental practitioners. The triangular sectional shape of the first tufts 4 enable the bristles in these tufts to accommodate themselves better to the shape of the teeth, particularly the gumline. The second, third and fourth tufts 5, 6 and 7 facilitate cleaning of the other areas of the teeth and the interdental spaces. The overall combination of tufts on the toothbrush of the invention therefore results in an advantageous tooth cleaning effect.

Claims

1. A toothbrush head (1) with bristles extending from a bristle face (3) of the head (1) in a general bristle direction perpendicular to the face of the head (1), at least some of the bristles being arranged in tufts (4) which have a triangular sectional shape across the general bristle direction, characterised by:

a tapering triangular sectional shape of said tufts (4) which tapers in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the head (1) towards the outer edge of the bristle face (3), being narrower at the end towards the said outer edge,

said triangular section tufts combined in the tuft pattern with one or more tufts (5,7) having an elongated rectangular or lozenge sectional shape (5) across the general bristle direction, which is elongated in a direction generally aligned with the longitudinal axis, or with one or more tufts having an elongated rectangular or lozenge sectional shape (7) across the general bristle direction which is longer in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

2. A toothbrush head according to claim 1 characterised in that the triangular sectioned tufts are themselves arranged in triangular clusters (4A, 4B).

3. A toothbrush head according to claim 2 characterised in that two right-angled triangle sectioned tufts (4A, 4B) are arranged back-to-back to produce an isosceles triangle shaped cluster.

4. A toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that at the end of the head (1) extreme from the handle (2), there is a rounded or polygonal pattern of tufts (6) or alternatively a single large section tuft of rounded or polygonal shape.

5. A toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that two of the said triangular section tufts (4) or clusters (4A, 4B,) are arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and there are one or more elongated tufts (5,7) situated between them.

6. A toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the said triangular (4) and elongated section tufts (5, 7) are respectively of different lengths so that the ends of the bristles remote from the bristle face (3) lie in an undulating surface.

7. A toothbrush head according to claim 6 characterised in that the triangular section tufts (4) are longer than the elongated section tufts (5, 7).

8. A toothbrush comprising a head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a grip handle (2) disposed along a longitudinal axis of the head (1).

Ansprüche

1. Zahnbürstenkopf (1) mit Borsten, die sich von einer Borstenfläche (3) des Kopfes (1) in einer allgemeinen Borstenrichtung lotrecht zur Fläche des Kopfes (1) erstrecken, wobei mindestens einige der Borsten in Büscheln (4) angeordnet sind, die eine dreieckige Schnittform quer zur allgemeinen Borstenrichtung haben, gekennzeichnet durch:

eine zulaufende dreieckige Querschnittform der Büschel (4), die in einer von der Längsachse des Kopfes (1) zur Außenkante der Borstenfläche (3) wegführenden Richtung zuläuft, wobei sie am Ende zur Außenkante schmaler ist, die Büschel mit dreieckigem Schnitt im Büschelmuster in Kombination sind mit einem oder mehreren Büscheln (5, 7) mit einer langgestreckten rechtwinkligen oder rautenförmigen Schnittform (5) quer zur allgemeinen Borstenrichtung, die in einer allgemein zur Längsachse ausgerichteten Richtung langgestreckt ist, oder mit einem oder mehreren Büscheln mit einer langgestreckten rechtwinkligen oder rautenförmigen Schnittform (7) quer zur allgemeinen Borstenrichtung, die in einer Richtung länger ist, die allgemein lotrecht zur Längsachse ist.

2. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Büschel mit dreieckigem Schnitt selbst in dreieckigen Gruppen (4A, 4B) angeordnet sind.

3. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwei Büschel mit rechtwinkligem Dreieckschnitt (4A, 4B) Rücken an Rücken angeordnet sind, um eine Gruppe mit gleichschenkliger Dreieckform zu erzeugen.

4. Zahnbürste nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß am äußersten Ende des Kopfes (1) vom Griff (2) ein gerundetes oder Polygonmuster von Büscheln (6) oder alternativ ein einzelnes Büschel mit großem Schnitt mit gerundeter oder Polygonform vorhanden ist.

5. Zahnbürste nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwei der Büschel (4) oder Gruppen (4A, 4B) mit dreieckigem Schnitt auf entgegengesetzten Seiten der Längsachse zueinander entgegengesetzt angeordnet sind und sich zwischen ihnen ein oder mehrere langgestreckte Büschel (5, 7) befinden.

6. Zahnbürste nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die mit dreieckigem (4) und langgestrecktem Schnitt versehenen Büschel (5, 7) jeweils unterschiedliche Längen haben, so daß die von der Borstenfläche (3) entfernten Enden der Borsten in einer welligen Oberfläche liegen.

7. Zahnbürstenkopf nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Büschel (4) mit dreieckigem Schnitt länger als die Büschel (5, 7) mit langgestrecktem Schnitt sind.

8. Zahnbürste mit einem Kopf (1) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche und einem Handgriff (2), der entlang einer Längsachse des Kopfes (1) angeordnet ist.

Revendications

1. Tête de brosse à dents (1) munie de poils s'étendant à partir d'une face de poils (3) de la tête (1) dans une direction de poils générale perpendiculaire à la face de la tête (1), au moins certains des poils étant agencés en touffes (4) qui ont une forme de section triangulaire à travers la direction de poils générale, caractérisée par :

une forme de coupe triangulaire amincie desdites touffes (4) qui s'amincit dans une direction s'éloignant de l'axe longitudinal de la tête (1) vers le bord extérieur de la face de poils (3), étant plus étroite au niveau de l'extrémité en direction dudit bord extérieur,

   lesdites touffes de section triangulaire combinées selon le motif de touffes avec une ou plusieurs touffes (5, 7) ayant une forme allongée de section rectangulaire ou losange (5) à travers la direction de poils générale, qui est allongée dans une direction alignée généralement avec l'axe longitudinal, ou avec une ou plusieurs touffes ayant une forme allongée de section rectangulaire ou losange (7) à travers la direction de poils générale qui est plus longue dans une direction généralement perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal.

2. Tête de brosse à dents selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que les touffes de section triangulaire sont elles-mêmes agencées en faisceaux triangulaires (4A, 4B).

3. Tête de brosse à dents selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que deux touffes de section en triangle rectangle (4A, 4B) sont agencées dos à dos pour produire un faisceau en forme de triangle isocèle.

4. Tête de brosse à dents selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'à l'extrémité de la tête (1) située à l'opposé du manche (2), on trouve un motif arrondi ou polygonal de touffes (6), ou en variante une touffe de grande section unique de forme arrondie ou polygonale.

5. Tête de brosse à dents selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que deux desdites touffes de section triangulaire (4) ou desdits faisceaux (4A, 4B) sont agencé(e)s en opposition sur des côtés opposés de l'axe longitudinal, et il y a une ou plusieurs touffes allongées (5, 7) situées entre elle/eux.

6. Tête de brosse à dents selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que lesdites touffes de section triangulaire (4) et de section allongée (5, 7) sont respectivement de longueur différente, de sorte que les extrémités des poils éloignées de la face de poils (3) sont disposées en une surface ondulée.

7. Tête de brosse à dents selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que les touffes de section triangulaire (4) sont plus longues que les touffes de section allongée (5, 7).

8. Brosse à dents comportant une tête (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes et un manche de préhension (2) disposé le long d'un axe longitudinal de la tête (1).

Drawing