Brush And Massage-tool Patents (Class 15/110)
  • Patent number: 7389557
    Abstract: An electrically driven toothbrush has a brush holder that is arranged to rotationally vibrate and carry a number of bristles interspaced with arcuate membranes. The membranes serve to aid cleaning of the teeth and to polish the teeth surfaces during use of the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Gregory McDougall
  • Patent number: 7386909
    Abstract: A toothbrush (10) is disclosed with soft fingers (16) mounted on the toothbrush head (14). During use of the tooth-brush the fingers move laterally relative to the axis of the tooth-brush thereby improving the tooth cleaning and gum massaging performance of the toothbrush. The lateral movement of the fingers is accomplished by relatively stiff ribs (24) which physically interconnect the fingers to flexible portions of the toothbrush head. The ribs translate flexure of the head into the lateral movement of the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 7363675
    Abstract: A device, system and method is disclosed for removing residues from surfaces and for applying materials to surfaces. The device system and method of the instant invention utilize a squeegee configuration with a first continuous squeegee edge. Preferably, the first continuous squeegee edge protrudes from a squeegee support element with squeegee walls that extend in all directions of a wiping plane. Within the boundary formed by the first continuous squeegee edge there are preferably additional cleaning elements such as bristles, sponges and/or additional squeegees. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second squeegee edge protrudes from the inner squeegee region of the first continuous squeegee edge to form a squeegee compartment. Cleaning solutions and other materials are applied to surfaces by placing the solutions or materials into the squeegee compartment and wiping the surface with the squeegee edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7354112
    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. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Trisa Holding AG
    Inventors: Franz Fischer, Reto Strähler
  • Publication number: 20080052856
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable bath brush comprises a handle disposed with a sliding block and an elastic element that is connected to the sliding block, the sliding block having at least a protruded portion; and a connecting pole being connected to the handle which includes a plurality of brush fleeces and concave portions. When the protruded portion of the sliding block is engaged in the concave portion, the connecting pole is unadjustable, when the protruded portion of the sliding block is disengaged in the concave portion, the angle of the connecting pole is adjusted. When the protruded portion is engaged in other concave portions again, thus adjusting and fixing the angle of the connecting pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: George Lin
  • Patent number: 7331080
    Abstract: A bathing handle, which detachably fastens a bathing ball with a fastening device thereon to be a bathing brush, comprises a bearing portion having a predetermined length, width and height, a connection portion provided on the bearing portion to fasten the bathing ball on the bearing portion and restrict the bathing ball from moving along a height orientation of the bearing portion, and a positioning portion having an annular flange on the bearing portion and a plurality of protrusions projected from a top of the flange to restrict the bathing ball from moving along a length orientation and a width orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 7322067
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 7310846
    Abstract: This is a toothbrush and tongue and mouth cleaner combination, which allows an individual to brush his teeth as well as clean the interior of the mouth, using soft bristles and sponge material. The sponge and soft bristles will be placed inside the interior of a cavity in the handle and operate independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Eleanor D. Archibeque
  • Publication number: 20070283518
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen John Blanchard, Bethann O'Malley, Justin McDonough
  • Publication number: 20070283517
    Abstract: The invention includes 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen John Blanchard, Bethann O'Malley, Justin McDonough
  • Patent number: 7213288
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head having a prophylaxis polishing cup closely surrounded by cleaning elements in the form of a bristle ring extending above the upper surface of the cup. Alternatively, the cups could be in the form of arrays of densely packed cleaning elements. The area formed by these configurations retains toothpaste on the toothbrush during use. Additional cleaning elements may be arranged about the periphery of the toothbrush head. The toothbrush may be a powered toothbrush wherein the cups and/or bristle rings rotate, oscillate or reciprocate to better clean teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 7181799
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Eegee, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 7174595
    Abstract: A bathing brush comprises an elongated bar, an elastic net and a massaging device. The bar has a base portion at an end thereof, a securing portion at an edge of the base portion and a handle having an end thereof fixed with the base portion. The elastic net is pressed into twisty condition and is fastened on a top surface of the base portion the massaging device made of a flexible material and molded into a single element has a base member, a sidewall on an edge of the base member, a second securing portion on an interior side of the sidewall and a plurality of grains on an exterior side of the base member wherein the second securing portion is connected with the first securing portion for securing the massaging device on a side of the base portion of the bar which is opposite from the elastic net such that a chamber will be formed between the base portion of the bar and the massaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 7174596
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Trisa Holding AG
    Inventors: Franz Fischer, Reto Strähler
  • Patent number: 7143462
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 7140058
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion having a neck formed at one end and a head coupled to neck. The head includes a first carrier that is coupled to the head and is operatively connected to a first drive for moving the first carrier in a first direction. The first carrier has bristles, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom. The head also includes a second carrier that is coupled to the head and is in selective engagement with a protrusion extending in a recess defined by the first carrier to impart movement in a second direction. The second carrier has bristles, elastomeric cleaning members or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom. In an exemplary embodiment, the first carrier oscillates in a rotational direction and the second carrier moves in a direction parallel to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Eduardo J. Jimenez, Eyal Eliav
  • Patent number: 7137163
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion having a neck formed at one end and a head coupled to the neck. The handle portion is adapted to receive a single battery therein in a tight fitting arrangement. The head includes a base, and one or more carriers coupled to the base. At least one of the carriers is operatively connected to a drive for moving the one or more coupled carriers in respective directions. The one or more carriers have bristles, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Henry Goldfine
  • Patent number: 7093316
    Abstract: For effective plaque removal, a combination of a gel force gauging component and a plaque removing gel component are employed to prevent tooth and gum damage over gel rigidity range of from about 75 gram Bloom to about 300 gram bloom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Inc.
    Inventor: John Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 7089621
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a loop arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice, a central cleaning element disposed within the loop, two opposing arcuate cleaning elements disposed on opposite sides of the loop, peripheral cleaning element with a stepped and tapered construction, elongate distal cleaning elements, and proximal cleaning elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 7073225
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a plaque eradicating toothbrush series having a set of toothbrushes 12, 22, 28 with multiple functions and can be provided with interchangeable brush heads or in one piece. Both sides of the toothbrush comprise either brushes 12 or one side brush and the opposing side an inner mouth cleaner or tongue scraper 22, 28. The present invention 10 is comprised of plastic, rubber and synthetic bristles. The device 10 provides effective and efficient brushing, excellent oral hygiene resulting in fewer cavities, healthier gums and fresher breath. Some of the benefits of the present invention 10 are no wasted brush strokes, convenient angled design at 18 of handle 20, simultaneously cleans upper and lower teeth, removes plaque and bacteria and germs from the tongue and mouth walls and helps freshen breath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen C Ford
  • Patent number: 7069615
    Abstract: A toothbrush is disclosed that includes and applicator head and a handle coupled to the applicator head for manipulating the applicator head while cleaning teeth and gums. The applicator head includes a curved squeegee element and bristles that surround elongated walls of the curved squeegee element, such that teeth and gums can be simultaneously wiped with the curved squeegee element and brushed with the bristles during a cleaning operation. The curved squeegee element preferably has two terminus ends and wiping edges of the curved squeegee element can be contoured or otherwise shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7051394
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush is disclosed that includes and applicator head and a motorized handle coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head while cleaning teeth and gums. The applicator head includes a curved squeegee element and bristles that surround elongated walls of the curved squeegee element, such that teeth and gums can be simultaneously wiped with curved squeegee element and brushed with the bristles during a cleaning operation. The curved squeegee element preferably has two terminus ends and wiping edges of the curved squeegee element can be contoured or otherwise shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7047589
    Abstract: An oral-care device with a power cleaning head is disclosed. The power cleaning head comprises squeegee wiping elements or squeegee wiping elements and bristles. The power cleaning head is configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6996870
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a toothbrush having a handle and an articulated head coupled to the handle. The articulated head includes two sections and each of the head sections has a bottom surface and a side surface. Each of the head sections includes a plurality of bristles extending from the bottom surface of that head section and at least one of the head sections includes a plurality of elastomeric fingers partially defining the side surface of that head section and partially extending from the bottom surface of that head section. The head section most remote from the handle, in a normal configuration of the articulated head, is angled with respect to the other head section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 6993804
    Abstract: Oral devices are provided, including oral brushes that include bristle tufts and a rocking member having radially extending protrusions constructed to penetrate between a user's teeth. The protrusions are shaped to penetrate the interproximal region, cleaning between a user's teeth and stimulating the gums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Phillip M. Braun, William A. Bredall, Michael Roberts, Thomas Craig Masterman
  • Patent number: 6983507
    Abstract: An electrically-driven toothbrush has a brush holder that is arranged to rotationally vibrate and carry a number of bristles interspaced with arcuate membranes. The membranes serve to aid cleaning of the teeth and to polish the teeth surfaces during use of the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Gregory McDougall
  • Patent number: 6966093
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion having a neck formed at one end and a head coupled to the neck. The head includes a base, and a first carrier that is coupled to the head and is operatively connected to a first drive for moving the first carrier in a first direction. The first carrier has bristles, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom. The head also includes a second carrier that is coupled to the head and includes an upstanding elastomeric element disposed along an upper surface thereof. The elastomeric element has a first end that is coupled to the head and a second end that engages the first carrier so that the movement of the first carrier in the first direction is translated into movement of the elastomeric element in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Colgate-Polmolive Company
    Inventors: Eyal Eliav, Henry Goldfine
  • Patent number: 6957469
    Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a handle and a head for improved cleaning to the interdental regions of the teeth, the head comprising a linear arrangement of bristles transverse to the general longitudinal axis of the brush and extending along a length equal to or greater than a third of the width of the toothbrush head at the location of the arrangement, characterised in that a portion of the bristles at either end of the arrangement are angled away from the vertical such that the arrangement presents a fan-shaped transverse brushing array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Huw Davies
  • Patent number: 6957467
    Abstract: A toothbrush that provides, besides the conventional bristles for brushing the teeth, other basic periodontal components recommended by dentists for perfect cleaning, massaging and stimulating the gum tissue, all in one single, convenient artifact. The brush component is molded into one end of the handle, in conventional manner, and the opposite end of the handle contains two parallel cylinders for housing the two periodontal tools which are extended and retracted with buttons, one on each side of the handle, through a slit in each cylinder wall, establishing a means for this movement. The buttons engage two sliders, the ends of each hold extension tubes that capture and retain the dental tools and provide replacement capabililty. Each cylinder contains a hinged close-out cover for protection of the periodontal tools from contamination and loss of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventors: Maria R. Cabedo-Deslierres, John M. Deslierres
  • Patent number: 6944903
    Abstract: An applicator with squeegee configurations is disclosed. The applicator has a removable cover. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the removable cover is sealed through a squeegee edge using a suitable adhesive. The removable cover can be formed from foil, plastic or any combination of suitable materials. In use, the removable cover is removed and the squeegee configuration is used to treat, clean and/or wipe a surface. In further embodiments of the invention, a medication, a cleaning agent or other surface treating substance is seal between the removable cover and the squeegee configuration. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6886207
    Abstract: The toothbrush of the present invention comprises an elongated handle having a head attached to one end. The head has a bristle-bearing face having longitudinal perimeter portions adjacent longitudinal edges and at least two perimetric, elastomeric massaging elements alternately arranged with groups of bristle tufts along each of the longitudinal perimeter portions. The brush can comprise further massaging elements which are not located along the longitudinal perimeter portions though the use of such additional elements is preferably minimised. The perimetric massaging elements have rotational symmetry through an angle of 120° or less, preferably being circular. The cross-sectional area proportion of elastomeric massaging elements to bristles on the brush head is less than 25%. Alternately there are four or fewer elastomeric massaging elements which are not perimetric massaging elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Sanjay Amratlal Solanki
  • Patent number: 6865767
    Abstract: A contact device with resilient contact elements is disclosed. The resilient contact elements have primary structures and secondary structures. The primary structures and secondary structures have contact surfaces for engaging a working surface. The primary structures are preferably molded structures with hardness value between 10 to 90 Shores A. The secondary structures are nodules, squeegees, arrays of nodules or squeegees and matrices but are preferably bristle structures formed from plastic resins, wherein the device is configured clean dentition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6859969
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 6826797
    Abstract: Oral devices are provided, including oral brushes that include bristle tufts and a rotatable member having radially extending protrusions constructed to wedge between a user's teeth and, among other things, cause compression of the papilla.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Company
    Inventors: Alexander T. Chenvainu, Thomas A. Christman, Amit Birla
  • Publication number: 20040237236
    Abstract: A device, system and method is disclosed for removing residues from surfaces and for applying materials to surfaces. The device system and method of the instant invention utilize a squeegee configuration with a first continuous squeegee edge. Preferably, the first continuos squeegee edge protrudes from a squeegee support element with squeegee walls that extend in all directions of a wiping plane. Within the boundary formed by the first continuous squeegee edge there are preferably additional cleaning elements such as bristles, sponges and/or additional squeegees. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second squeegee edge protrudes from the inner squeegee region of the first continuous squeegee edge to form a squeegee compartment. Cleaning solutions and other materials are applied to surfaces by placing the solutions or materials into the squeegee compartment and wiping the surface with the squeegee edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Gavney
  • Publication number: 20040231082
    Abstract: A dentition cleaning device and system is disclosed for cleaning teeth, gums and dentures. The dentition cleaning device utilizes squeegees that protrude from a cleaning head to provide efficient contact of dentition surfaces during cleaning. The dentition cleaning device is particularly useful for cleaning teeth because the squeegee contact surfaces and remove residues, such as plaque, without causing significant abrasion to surrounding gum tissue which can lead to gum recession. The dentition cleaning device can be configured with bristle sections or with squeegees that are configured to retain water in squeegee channels. The dentition cleaning device is adaptable to water assisted tooth cleaning system and motorized electric teeth cleaning systems. The dentition cleaning device is also particularly useful to be used in conjunction with a low viscosity tooth cleaner that is capable of being delivered through a conventional pump dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Gavney
  • Publication number: 20040231076
    Abstract: A dentition cleaning device and system is disclosed for cleaning teeth, gums and dentures. The dentition cleaning device utilizes squeegees that protrude from a cleaning head to provide efficient contact of dentition surfaces during cleaning. The dentition cleaning device is particularly useful for cleaning teeth because the squeegee contact surfaces and remove residues, such as plaque, without causing significant abrasion to surrounding gum tissue which can lead to gum recession. The dentition cleaning device can be configured with bristle sections or with squeegees that are configured to retain water in squeegee channels. The dentition cleaning device is adaptable to water assisted tooth cleaning system and motorized electric teeth cleaning systems. The dentition cleaning device is also particularly useful to be used in conjunction with a low viscosity tooth cleaner that is capable of being delivered through a conventional pump dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Gavney
  • Patent number: 6820300
    Abstract: A device, system and method for cleaning a surface, for treating the surface and/or for applying materials to the surface is disclosed. A device, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a squeegee configuration with squeegee segments that border or surround tufts or groups of bristles. In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the device has a squeegee configuration with squeegee segments extend in a plurality of directions. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device for cleaning teeth and or gums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040181892
    Abstract: A bathing handle, which detachably fastens a bathing ball with a fastening device thereon to be a bathing brush, comprises a bearing portion having a predetermined length, width and height, a connection portion provided on the bearing portion to fasten the bathing ball on the bearing portion and restrict the bathing ball from moving along a height orientation of the bearing portion, and a positioning portion having an annular flange on the bearing portion and a plurality of protrusions projected from a top of the flange to restrict the bathing ball from moving along a length orientation and a width orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Chen Chen
  • Publication number: 20040154112
    Abstract: Toothbrush heads, e.g., for power toothbrushes, are provided. The toothbrush heads include a support member, a resilient member extending from the support member, and a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from the support member and at least partially surrounding the member. The resilient member may be cup-shaped, fan-shaped, or textured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Phillip M. Braun, William R. Brown, Alexander T. Chenvainu, Thomas A. Christman
  • Publication number: 20040134006
    Abstract: A bathing brush comprises an elongated bar, an elastic net and a massaging device. The bar has a base portion at an end thereof, a securing portion at an edge of the base portion and a handle having an end thereof fixed with the base portion. The elastic net is pressed into twisty condition and is fastened on a top surface of the base portion the massaging device made of a flexible material and molded into a single element has a base member, a sidewall on an edge of the base member, a second securing portion on an interior side of the sidewall and a plurality of grains on an exterior side of the base member wherein the second securing portion is connected with the first securing portion for securing the massaging device on a side of the base portion of the bar which is opposite from the elastic net such that a chamber will be formed between the base portion of the bar and the massaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Chen Chen
  • Publication number: 20040134007
    Abstract: Toothbrush comprising a handle and a bristle-bearing head attached thereto, said head comprising a bristle-bearing face and an opposite face, said opposite face comprising an array of resilient wall-like massaging flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Huw Davies
  • Patent number: 6748620
    Abstract: Cleaning brush with water-maintaining effect, including: a resilient main body having a neck section, a first expanding section formed on upper side of the neck section and a second expanding section formed on lower side of the neck section; and a fitting member made of water-absorbent material and having an opening. The fitting member is fitted around the first expanding section to tightly enclose a predetermined portion of the first expanding section. The water-absorbent fitting member is able to maintain the water contained in the first expanding section and the fitting member. The cleaning brush is designed with various patterns and also has massaging effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Chen Ching-Chen
  • Patent number: 6735808
    Abstract: A bath brush includes a main body, a massaging member, and a bristle holder connected to a top of the massaging member. The bristle holder is provided with a plurality of insertion holes for implanting tufted bristles therein and a plurality of through holes for massaging projections integrally formed on the massaging member to upward extend therethrough and expose from the bristle holder. An assembly of the massaging member and the bristle holder is connected to one side of the main body to form a bath brush having massaging projections that do not easily separate therefrom to ensure the brush and massage functions of the bath brush. And, the massaging member may be easily assembled to the bristle holder to enable reduced manufacturing cost of the bath brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Kuo-Chin Chen
  • Publication number: 20040087882
    Abstract: An oral brush is provided that includes an elongated body, a head portion extending from the body, and a plurality of bristles, formed of particular thermoplastic elastomers, extending from the body. In various embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness of at least 30; the thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of polyetheramides, polyesters, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers, polyurethanes, polyolefin elastomers, and mixtures thereof; and the thermoplastic elastomer has a flexural modulus of at least 5 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Gillette Canada Company, a Canadian corporation
    Inventors: Michael Roberts, Thomas Craig Masterman, Edward H. Park, Scott Batson, Philip Sweeney, Mingchih M. Tseng, Stephen C. Witkus
  • Patent number: 6725493
    Abstract: Toothbrush comprises a handle and a head, said head comprising upstanding bristles and at least one upstanding tooth polishing element, characterised in that the tooth polishing element is in the form of a resilient wall-like member and is flanked by bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Calabrese, Nicola Conte, Allesandro Manfredi
  • Publication number: 20040074031
    Abstract: A toothbrush comprising a resilient element, said resilient element comprising an elastomer into which is incorporated an abrasive, characterized in that the abrasive is perlite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Huw Davies, Luca Neri
  • Publication number: 20040068812
    Abstract: A wall mounted back scrubbing and washing device that has a scrubbing element with bristle like projections is disclosed that is removably mounted to a wall so that a person can wash their back against the device when in a shower or bathtub. A supply of soap can be applied to the washing device from a separate soap container when desired. The soap may be applied to the washing device from a pressurized soap container, or by manually pumping the soap, or by gravity feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Richard J. Chysna
  • Publication number: 20040060136
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion having a neck formed at one end and a head coupled to the neck. The handle portion is adapted to receive a single battery therein in a tight fitting arrangement. The head includes a base, and one or more carriers coupled to the base. At least one of the carriers is operatively connected to a drive for moving the one or more coupled carriers in respective directions. The one or more carriers have bristles, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Henry Goldfine
  • Publication number: 20040060135
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion having a neck formed at one end and a head coupled to neck. The head includes a first carrier that is coupled to the head and is operatively connected to a first drive for moving the first carrier in a first direction. The first carrier has bristles, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom. The head also includes a second carrier that is coupled to the head and is in selective engagement with a protrusion extending in a recess defined by the first carrier to impart movement in a second direction. The second carrier has bristles, elastomeric cleaning members or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom. In an exemplary embodiment, the first carrier oscillates in a rotational direction and the second carrier moves in a direction parallel to the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Eduardo J. Jimenez, Eyal Eliav