Abstract: A toothbrush has a removable end cap at its free end area directed away from the bristles, which end cap closes off an inner space of a grip element. The end cap accommodates an electrical control element, in particular a potentiometer, which can be adjusted via an adjustment element arranged rotatably on the end cap. The toothbrush also comprises an electrical power consumption unit, in particular an electric motor, which is designed to set the bristles in vibration. The energy supply from an energy reservoir arranged in the interior to the electrical power consumption unit can be adjusted continuously by means of the control element, as a result of which the vibration intensity of the bristles can be steplessly adjusted.

Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush 100 includes a head 104, a tooth cleaning element region 116 and a tissue cleaning element region 114. The tissue cleaning element region 114 includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections 120. The projections 120 are configured to flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth. The projections 120 are also configured to flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections 120 may be used in conjunction with rigid projections 122 having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material positioned within the receiving cavity, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a base surface that is flush with the second face of the head and a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head.

Abstract: A liquid application device, for applying liquid to a user's foot, configured according to the present invention includes a base, further comprising a top and a bottom surface; a well formed in the top surface of the base, wherein the well is shaped in the approximation of a foot print and wherein the well has a peripheral wall; a non-slip surface coupled to the bottom surface of the base; an applicator removably coupled to the well wherein the applicator is formed in the approximate shape of a foot print and wherein the applicator is formed from a porous material; and wherein the applicator will hold a liquid applied to it.

Abstract: An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The tooth cleaning elements preferably include an elastomeric polishing element defining an elevated dentifrice retaining recess spaced above the toothbrush head for holding dentifrice. In one embodiment, the recess may be configured as an annular groove. Preferred embodiments of the recess include a partially or completely closed bottom portion to support and minimize loss of dentifrice during brushing. In some embodiments, the polishing element may be collectively formed from a plurality of Y-shaped polishing members.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a removable end cap at its free end area directed away from the bristles, which end cap closes off an inner space of a grip element. The end cap accommodates an electrical control element, in particular a potentiometer, which can be adjusted via an adjustment element arranged rotatably on the end cap. The toothbrush also comprises an electrical power consumption unit, in particular an electric motor, which is designed to set the bristles in vibration. The energy supply from an energy reservoir arranged in the interior to the electrical power consumption unit can be adjusted continuously by means of the control element, as a result of which the vibration intensity of the bristles can be steplessly adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that efficiently scrubs and massages a surface without the need for a washcloth and effectively inhibits growth of mold and bacteria. The apparatus is designed to fit within a human hand to facilitate ease in use. The material that the apparatus is made from can be quick drying and antibacterial. The apparatus can be used on both humans and animals for grooming.

Abstract: An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The tooth cleaning elements preferably include at least one tooth polishing unit having a polishing element including a supporting base and a broadened flexible tooth polishing head extending angularly outwards from the base and defining a polishing surface. In a preferred embodiment, the polishing element is made of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the polishing element may be comprised of a plurality of individual polishing members.

Abstract: A device for delivering an agent to the skin or the hair or the fur of a recipient. In one form the device has a comb-like extent of tines which are of a carrier material that will melt on contact with skin and thereby deposit an agent that is mixed with the carrier. In other form there is an abrading material in the mixture so as to abrade the skin and thereby allow the agent to be deposited. In the latter case the agent may be an inoculant. The tines may also be placed on a glove so that the agent can be delivered by moving the tines over a selected area to deposit the agent. The device can be in the form of a finger condom having a tine strip. The methods allow delivery of the agent using the various forms of the device and to accomplish various purposes.

Abstract: A chewing-based oral self-cleaning device includes a pair of tubes (2, 3) placed back to back either directly or separated by a base plate (13), optionally provided with an external handle (1) and a positioning flange (15). Each of the tubes includes a channel (14) into which the teeth are inserted and each channel is provided with side drag elements and descaling elements on the base thereof.

Abstract: A toothbrush head with a bristle support to which a plurality of tuft-shaped cleaning elements are affixed is described. The bristle support including at least one movable rocker having a first end attached to it on the side remote from a handpiece and having a free second end which is on the side close to the handpiece. Said rocker carrying at least one row of cleaning elements. At least the cleaning elements arranged on the rocker furthest from a longitudinal center plane of the toothbrush head have their free ends inwardly tilted towards said longitudinal center plane at an acute angle.

Abstract: Tooth cleaning devices. An embodiment of a tooth cleaning device includes: an elongated head sized to fit in an oral cavity. The elongated head having a first surface and a neck extending from the head. A first tooth cleaning element having a plurality of upstanding wiping members extends upward from below the first surface and extends radially outward from a center of the first tooth cleaning element. Each upstanding wiping member has a free outermost edge that extends upwards substantially from the first surface to the top of the wiping member. A plurality of upstanding arcuate shaped second tooth cleaning elements secured to the head and located outboard of the first tooth cleaning element are also provided. In addition, a plurality of upstanding third tooth cleaning elements are secured to the head and border an edge of the first surface. The third tooth cleaning elements have a circular cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A device with two or more regions configured to clean or treat a working surface is disclosed. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device with a power cleaning head. The power cleaning head comprises two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions is configured to move and wherein at least one of the regions comprises a squeegee element. Preferably, the regions are configured to independently rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums and can each include bristles, nodules, squeegee elements, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention includes a toothbrush including a toothbrush handle and a toothbrush head having an end proximal a toothbrush handle, an end distal to the toothbrush handle, a dorsal surface for holding at least one toothbrush bristle, a ventral surface opposite the dorsal surface, first and second sides disposed between the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the toothbrush head, and a plurality of gum cushions disposed on each of the sides of the toothbrush head, where the height of the respective gum cushions tapers from the proximal end of the toothbrush head to the distal end of the toothbrush head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush that is produced by AFT and has a head part and at least one carrier element connected thereto. A front surface of the head part is formed by the top surfaces of the at least one carrier element and has a non-planar three-dimensional configuration, or is capable of assuming such a configuration during intended use. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.

Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush 100 includes a head 104, a tooth cleaning element region 116 and a tissue cleaning element region 114. The tissue cleaning element region 114 includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections 120. The projections 120 are configured to flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth. The projections 120 are also configured to flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections 120 may be used in conjunction with rigid projections 122 having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a body, a brush head, and a neck extending between the body and the brush head. The toothbrush also has a massaging element, a plurality of bristles, and a plurality of massaging tips. The brush head has a front face and a rear face. The massaging element is disposed on the rear face of the brush head, while the plurality of bristles and the plurality of massaging tips extend from the front face.

Abstract: An oral hygiene implement includes a cleaning element carrier and a body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. The cleaning element carrier has a first area and a second area wherein the second area is disposed inboard of the first area. The first area is attached to the body while the second area is unattached to the body. A bending element is disposed between the first area and the second area, thereby allowing the second area to bend/flex while the first area stays fixed to the body.

Abstract: The brush according to the invention has a bristle carrier, which is produced by injection moulding, and bristles, which are produced from a bristle material likewise by injection moulding. The bristle carrier is provided with at least one distributing channel for the bristle material. The bristles are formed integrally with the bristle material in the distribution channel.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a releasable material (e.g., an oral medicament) and a tissue cleaner for cleaning the soft tissues and removing odor-causing bacteria from the mouth. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed on the surface of the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed behind the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is incorporated in the composition of the tissue cleaner.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a head, a tooth cleaning element region and a tissue cleaning element region. The tissue cleaning element region includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections. The projections are configured to (1) flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth, and (2) flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections may be used in conjunction with rigid projections having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.

Abstract: A toothbrush head having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface is described herein. The head has a first portion, a second portion, and an opening between the first portion and the second portion. The opening extends from the top surface to the bottom surface. A first plurality of contact elements are positioned on the first portion and the second portion. A second plurality of contact elements are positioned on the first portion and the second portion. Each of the second plurality of contact elements has an elastomer.

Abstract: A brush section for use with an electric toothbrush includes a movable contact element holder and a fixed contact element holder. The movable contact element holder is driven to move relative to the fixed contact element holder by an electric drive in a handle section which is coupled to the movable contact element holder. The risk of oral mucosa being pinched by the movement is minimized by any one of several methods, such as for example reducing the width of the gap between the two holders, adding a cover member, reducing the movement of the movable contact element holder, and the like. In addition, a low profile brush section is provided.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The rigid material provides stability for cleaning debris from the tongue or other tissue while the soft material provides comfort and a reduced risk of injury.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material that is injection molded into the receiving cavity to bond the soft tissue cleanser to the head, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head.

Abstract: A penetrating electric toothbrush is disclosed, including a handle, a replaceable brush head, a head unit base, an engaging device, a selection device, and an actuator. The replaceable brush head comprises a head body, a plurality of bristles fixed to the head body, and a detachable fastener. The head unit base has a head receptacle portion, a actuator receiving recess, and a bar guiding portion. The reciprocating bar is protruded from the handle and received in the actuator receiving recess, and the actuator receiving recess is configured to engage the reciprocating bar in either penetration mode or polishing mode. The engaging device is disposed at an end of the reciprocating bar and engaging the head unit base with the reciprocating bar. The selection device places the engaging device either in the penetration mode or the polishing mode.

Abstract: An infant oral hygiene device comprising a sleeve releasably securable over the finger of a user. The sleeve is generally cylindrical and has first and second ends. The first end receives the finger of the user. The sleeve has one or more openings in its second end. The one or more openings expose a portion of a fabric received over the finger of the user and between the user's finger and the sleeve thereby permitting the fabric to be drawn across the teeth and gums of an infant.

Abstract: Toothbrushes are provided which have various features that may include one or more tooth cleaning elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, one or more gum treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, and/or one or more soft tissue/tongue treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush that is produced by AFT and has a head part and at least one carrier element connected thereto. A front surface of the head part is formed by the top surfaces of the at least one carrier element and has a non-planar three-dimensional configuration, or is capable of assuming such a configuration during intended use. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.

Abstract: An oral care implement having an turbine-like arrangement of cleaning elements. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care implement comprising a handle: a head connected to the handle, the head comprising a first surface, the first surface comprising an elliptical zone and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart spirals spreading out from the elliptical zone; and for each spiral, an arcuate cleaning element wall extending outward from the first surface of the head along the spiral. In another aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for incorporation into an ansate oral care implement that utilizes the aforementioned arrangement of cleaning elements.

Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush includes a head, tooth cleaning elements and tissue cleansing elements. The tooth cleaning elements may be provided on a first face of the toothbrush head while the tissue cleansing elements may be disposed on a second face of the head. The head may further include one or more splits that provide flexible and non-flexible regions. Various configurations of splits may be used to create different effects such as more responsive flexion, regions of differing flexibility and/or different degree of flexion.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head having a proximal end and a distal end furthest from the proximal end. The head also includes a top face having a plurality of bristle tufts disposed therein, a back face opposed to the top face, and a tip. An elastomeric support element covers a portion of the back face, and the tip is uncovered by the elastomeric support element. A first plurality of elastomeric elements is integrally formed with the elastomeric support element. Each of the first plurality of elastomeric elements extends individually from the elastomeric support element and terminates in a free end.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a head extending from a neck which extends from a handle, and the head has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom. A first group of tooth cleaning elements is located towards a free end of the head, and a second group of tooth cleaning elements is located towards the outside of the head. A third group of tooth cleaning elements, which alternate with the second group of tufts, are oriented at an acute angle to a top surface of the head in a direction that is across the width of the head. A fourth group of tooth cleaning elements is located toward the inside of the head, and each is made of a thermoplastic elastomer and each is in the shape of a curved wall. A fifth group of tooth cleaning elements is located towards the inside of the head.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head is disclosed. The handle having one or more elastomeric handle regions. The head having a first face and a second face. The second face opposes the first face and at least one of the first face or second face has an elastomer filled recess. The elastomer filled recess has a plurality of cleaning elements. An elastomer filled supply channel extends from the one or more elastomeric handle regions to the elastomer filled recess.

Abstract: A brush for cleaning a surface of a cleaning object includes a brush body and a brush head unit connected to the brush body arranged for providing a brushing surface for cleaning the surface of the cleaning object in a gentle but effective manner, wherein the brush head unit comprises a plurality of bristle units aligned and connected in layer to formed the brush head unit, wherein each the bristle unit comprises a plurality of bristle members which are welded together to integrally forming the bristle unit, thereby a density and a distribution of the bristle members in the brush head unit are capable of being increased to a level at which gentle but effective cleaning is realized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush with a neck piece and a brush body, comprising a head piece connected thereto, conventional bristles and at least one soft elastic cleaning element. According to the invention, the conventional bristles are mounted on a support element made from hard plastic. The above is connected to the brush body by means of a recess on the head piece which matches the support element. The at least one cleaning element is arranged on the head piece and directly connected to the brush body. The invention further relates to a method for production of such a toothbrush.

Abstract: An oral care implement including a handle and a head with a tongue cleanser. The tongue cleanser has at least one ridge which is at least as wide as it is high. In one preferred construction, the ridges are shaped so as to define a concave surface facing generally toward the handle. The ridges also preferably include aligned segments from front to back that are oriented at different angular positions.

Abstract: A device with two or more regions configured to clean or treat a working surface is disclosed. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device with a power cleaning head. The power cleaning head comprises two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions is configured to move and wherein at least one of the regions comprises a squeegee element. Preferably, the regions are configured to independently rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums and can each include bristles, nodules, squeegee elements, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Multi-directional wiping elements are disclosed. The wiping elements comprise intersecting squeegee segments that provide top wiping squeegee edges and side wiping squeegee edges. Devices utilizing the multi-directional wiping elements of the present invention can include bristles that are configured to simultaneously wipe a working surface with the wiping elements. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the multi-directional wiping elements are utilized in a toothbrush cleaning head that is configured to be operated manually or, alternatively, is motorized and is configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or move according to a combination thereof.

Abstract: A massage brush (10) includes a base plate (12) that is curved in a rounded shape, a plurality of pressing protrusions (13) that protrude downward from the concave-shaped inner surface of the base plate (12), and a grip portion (20) that is connected to the center portion of the convex-shaped outer surface of the base plate (12). The base plate (12) is provided with a plurality of tongue-like sections (14) arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction and extending outward in a radial direction from the center portion of the base plate (12). The tongue-like sections protrude in a cantilever shape from base end portions (15) of the center portion by the presence of U-shaped through grooves (16) provided around the tongue-like sections other than the base end portions (15). The pressing protrusions (13) protrude downward from the tip portions of the tongue-like sections (14).

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a handle and a head connected to the handle. A tissue cleanser is positioned on the head and has a textured surface and a plurality of apertures extending therethough. Each of a plurality of tissue cleaning elements extends through one of the apertures and extends outwardly from the head.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tongue-mounted cleaning article for caring for the teeth and gums having an elongated body defining an inner cavity having a contour of the tongue and optionally, apertures therethrough; an open end having an annular elastic member for removably attaching the article to the tongue; and a closed end having pyramidal protuberances disposed over a portion or the entirety of its surface to project outwardly for cleaning the teeth and gums.

Abstract: A device for massaging the jaw or cleaning the teeth of a baby. The device has a handle and a plate-shaped bite part which is curbed in such a way that it essentially corresponds to the curbed shape of the jaw. The bite part has massage or cleaning projections on at least one broad side and is of a material which is softer than that of the handle. The handle and the bite part are interconnected in a nondetachable manner.

Abstract: An oral care device having a thermoplastic elastomer disposed on a portion of the oral care device and one or more projections extending from the thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer is polar and hydrophilic.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, and a head at an end of the handle having a thickness, a first surface, and an opposed second surface. Tooth cleaning elements extend outwardly from the first surface and have a length. A tissue cleanser is positioned on the second surface and has a plurality of tissue engaging elements and a height. A head height includes the thickness of the head, the length of the tooth cleaning elements, and the height of the tissue cleanser, and is less than 17.7 mm.

Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush 100 includes a head 104, a tooth cleaning element region 116 and a tissue cleaning element region 114. The tissue cleaning element region 114 includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections 120. The projections 120 are configured to flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth. The projections 120 are also configured to flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections 120 may be used in conjunction with rigid projections 122 having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.

Abstract: A toothbrush including a head having an elastomeric support member is described herein. The elastomeric support member supports a plurality of upstanding projections. At least a portion of the upstanding projections include non-elastomeric projections and elastomeric projections.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided includes a head platform having a plurality of faces with cleaning elements extending therefrom. The oral care implement can have flexibly mounted cleaning elements extending in opposite directions. The oral care implement can include a handle and a head with tooth cleaning elements extending from fixed pods and one or more central pods suspended between the fixed pods via a bridge. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central pods to move from an initial position toward and away from the head platform during use. The one or more central pods can include first cleaning elements extending in a first direction toward the first face and second cleaning elements extending in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second cleaning elements can extend through one or more apertures in the head platform.

Abstract: A device with two or more regions configured to clean or treat a working surface is disclosed. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device with a power cleaning head. The power cleaning head comprises two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions is configured to move and wherein at least one of the regions comprises a squeegee element. Preferably, the regions are configured to independently rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums and can each include bristles, nodules, squeegee elements, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush having a handle and a head part, on which bristle filaments and at least one flexible cleaning element are arranged. According to the invention, the at least one flexible cleaning element is arranged on a carrier element which consists of a hard material and is connected to the head part. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.