Abstract: The present invention relates to replaceable head toothbrushes and method of use thereof, which toothbrushes have a handle section ending in an elastomeric coupler which is interference fit within an annular collar at the end of the handle section; which elastomeric coupler, depending upon the durometer of the elastomer chosen, provides more or less attenuation of the user's brushing force.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 24, 2000
Date of Patent:
January 7, 2003
Assignee:
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Inventors:
Rich Fox, Jan Hippen, Dave Knaub, Ildefonso Resuello, Phil Frank, Robert Moskovich
Abstract: A toothbrush having two head sections, the sections being normally biased to assume an angle with respect to each other, to thereby define a generally concave bristle tip configuration. The two sections of the head having facing ends joined by a thin bridge section integral with the two heads. In one embodiment, there is one bridge section near the lower surface of the head. In another embodiment, there are two longitudinally spaced bridge sections each near the lower head surface. In a third embodiment, the bridge section is a thin integral connection between facing ends of the two sections. In other embodiments, the two head sections are normally aligned and are also joined by a thin, integral bridge section, with the bristles of the head section most remote from the handle being of uniformly different lengths. The space between the two facing ends is filled with an elastomer, typically SANTOPRENE (brand). The two head sections define an articulated head.