Brush And Massage-tool Patents (Class 15/110)
  • Publication number: 20040060134
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Eyal Eliav, Henry Goldfine
  • Patent number: 6684444
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a foot scrubber and massager formed of modular parts. The foot scrubber has a base module that defines a foot print shaped recess. Inside the recess are a number of holes that aid in securing the bristle module and retaining module in the recess. The bristle module corresponds in size and shape to the recess in the base module has bristles extending outward from the bristle module. A securing module secures the bristle module in the base module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Accurva, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Wheeler, David Muskovitz
  • Publication number: 20030229959
    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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-Hwe Kim
  • Publication number: 20030208865
    Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a handle and a head for improved cleaning to the interdental regions of the teeth, said 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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Huw Davies
  • Patent number: 6643884
    Abstract: A baby toothbrush that includes a piece of plastic molded to fit a baby's hand, with a circular brush head protruding from its base. The piece of plastic has an internal cavity formed therein that in one embodiment is filled with rattle beads and in another embodiment filled with a fluid and floating items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Wendy A. Everett
  • Publication number: 20030196283
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush include a head containing a rotating or oscillating first bristle carrier and also containing a second bristle carrier movably connected to said head, which second bristle carrier may include elastomeric walls for enhanced cleaning and may include a weakened section to permit it to at least partially collapse during a brushing motion to couture to the teeth in use for enhanced cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Eyal Eliav, John J. Gatzemeyer
  • Publication number: 20030159224
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush having a handle (2) and a head part (1), on which bristle filaments (3) and at least one flexible cleaning element (6) are arranged. According to the invention, the at least one flexible cleaning element (6) is arranged on a carrier element (5) which consists of a hard material and is connected to the head part (1). The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Franz Fischer, Reto Strahler
  • Publication number: 20030140440
    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: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: James A. Gavney
  • Patent number: 6599048
    Abstract: A toothbrush that utilizes a replaceable brush head having rubber gum guard on its top surface and a triangular shaped rubber pad on its bottom surface. The rubber gum guard is shorter than the height of the bristles and is positioned on the peripheral edge of a brush head for functioning as a sensor for providing feedback to prevent brushing at excessive pressures and improper angles as well as for massaging the gumlines without the risk of gum damages. The triangular shaped rubber pad is for conforming to and massaging gumlines at the back of teeth. The replaceable brush head having the rubber gum guard and massaging pad features is economically used in conjunction with a permanent handle that dispenses dentifrice material to the top of bristles. The handle has a resilient contractible connector for secure mounting of the replaceable brush head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Youti Kuo
  • Publication number: 20030131429
    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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Chen Ching-Chen
  • Publication number: 20030088930
    Abstract: PORTABLE DEVICE FOR DENTAL HYGIENE comprising a new configuration of handless toothbrush, of easy portability, whose body is manufactured of resilient plastic material with the approximate shape of a through thimble on the sides, to be specially fitted of the first phalange of an index finger, which has, incorporated in its lower surface, a plurality of bristle rows radially laid out and, in its upper surface, a set of slots in relief to massage the gums, constituting a small device that can be carried in the pocket or inside a small pouch or handbag, inside a package specially designed for its conditioning, that includes an internal container to store a small quantity of toothpaste, thus permitting that the user has a complete portable kit of dental hygiene at his disposal and comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Eli Eddy Abada
  • Publication number: 20030077107
    Abstract: This invention relates to a toothbrush that utilizes a replaceable brush head having rubber gum guard on its top surface and a triangular shaped rubber pad on its bottom surface. The rubber gum guard is shorter than the height of the bristles and is positioned on the peripheral edge of a brush head for functioning as a sensor for providing feedback to prevent brushing at excessive pressures and improper angles as well as for massaging the gumlines without the risk of gum damages. The triangular shaped rubber pad is for conforming to and massaging gumlines at the back of teeth. The replaceable brush head having the rubber gum guard and massaging pad features is economically used in conjunction with a permanent handle that dispenses dentifrice material to the top of bristles. The handle has a resilient contractible connector for secure mounting of the replaceable brush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Youti Kuo
  • Patent number: 6546583
    Abstract: A toothbrush comprising a handle at one end of which a bristle portion is provided for cleaning the teeth, whereas at the opposite end of the handle, a massaging portion is provided; the massaging portion being integrally formed with the handle and substantially having the shape of a convex body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Bamed AG
    Inventor: Peter Röhrig
  • Publication number: 20030041401
    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: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Kuo-Chin Chen
  • Publication number: 20030041402
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a function element carrier with function elements, for example, individual tufts made up of bristles and/or massage elements, interproximal cleaning elements, or other elements designed to be fastened to a toothbrush and also perform special functions. The function elements are equipped at their ends intended for anchoring in a toothbrush with an anchor, retainer or axle element. The method includes: (a) inserting several function elements in corresponding recesses of an injection mold, said injection mold being connected via grid or bar shaped channels formed in a die to recesses in the areas of the anchoring ends of the function elements; (b) filling the grid or bar shaped channels with liquefied plastic material and injecting said material at the anchoring ends of the function elements or embedding them therein; and (c) allowing the plastic material to cool and removing a function element carrier made up of a grid or bar shaped plastic frame and the function elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Bernd Stein, Mark McConnell, Joseph DePuydt, Michael Vankov, Ahmet Cem Firatli
  • Publication number: 20030033680
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprising a handle and an oscillating brush head which oscillates about an oscillating axis, said head comprising a rubbery cleaning element, in wherein the rubbery cleaning element is in the form of a radially-extending resilient wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Huw Davies, Luca Neri
  • Publication number: 20030033682
    Abstract: Toothbrush comprising a head and a handle, the head comprising massaging wings extending from a bristle-bearing face said massaging wings flanking a central bristle area and angled outwardly from said area, wherein the bristles are arranged in bristle tufts and of the bristle tufts which are adjacent a wing, at least a portion are angled towards said wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Huw Davies, Isotta Di-Drusco, Paola Giani
  • Patent number: 6513182
    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: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Calabrese, Nicola Conte, Allesandro Manfredi
  • Publication number: 20020152564
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprising an elongated body portion and a head including a static portion and a moving portion, a handle, and an angled shaft between the head and the handle. The moving portion rotates or reciprocates about an axis normal to a longitudinal axis of the head. The moving portion can include stiff bristles and massaging tips and the static portion can include soft bristles and massaging tips. The elongated body portion is hollow and further includes a motor in the hollow portion, which is operatively connected to the moving portion for rotating or oscillating or reciprocating the moving portion. A battery is located within the hollow section for powering the motor. A switch is operatively connected to the motor to provide momentary and continuous operation of the toothbrush. A worm gear and a pair of step gears are located in the hollow portion. The motor is operatively connected to the worm gear and the step gears are operatively connected to the worm gear and to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: DR. JOHNS PRODUCTS, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Blaustein, John R. Nottingham, John Osher, John W. Spirk, Douglas A. Gall
  • Patent number: 6463618
    Abstract: A toothbrush, of the type in which a brush head is equipped with flexible friction rods which include a lower anchoring foot by fastening the rods to a principal body of the head, the anchoring foot of at least some of the rods is received in an anchoring hole passing through the principal body in such a way that upper and lower ends of the anchoring foot are arranged above and below the upper and lower faces, respectively, of the principal body, an upper end of an anchoring foot is connected to a lower end by a bridge of material which extends outside the anchoring hole and, at the lower and upper ends of the anchoring foot, the bridge of material bears against the lower and upper faces, respectively, of the principal body in order to fasten the rods to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sanofi-Synthelabo
    Inventor: Bertrand Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20020138930
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a foot scrubber and massager formed of modular parts. The foot scrubber has a base module that defines a foot print shaped recess. Inside the recess are a number of holes that aid in securing the bristle module and retaining module in the recess. The bristle module corresponds in size and shape to the recess in the base module has bristles extending outward from the bristle module. A securing module secures the bristle module in the base module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Todd Wheeler, David Muskovitz
  • Publication number: 20020138928
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprises a handle and a head, characterized in that the head has a rubbery cleaning element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Calabrese
  • Publication number: 20020138929
    Abstract: A hygienic utensil having improved cleansing members for effectively cleaning and massaging the scalp is provided. The utensil for cleansing and massaging skin includes, a body and a plurality of branched bristle bundles. The plurality of branched bristle bundles extend outward from the body. The branched bristle bundles are grouped together to form cleansing members and attached to pedestals extending from the body. The cleansing members have a centermost portion in which the bristle lengths are shorter relative to the outermost bristle lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Bhavna Mehta
  • Publication number: 20020124337
    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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Calabrese, Nicola Conte, Allesandro Manfredi
  • Patent number: 6389634
    Abstract: Oral devices are provided, including oral brushes that include bristle tufts and a rotatable member having radially extending tips constructed to penetrate the interproximal and subgingival regions of the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Company
    Inventors: Thomas E. Devlin, Michael F. Roberts, Phillip M. Braun
  • Patent number: 6374448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush, in particular a toothbrush, comprising a brush body carrying cleaning elements and a perforated plate through which the cleaning elements are projecting. A brush which is improved in terms of hygiene is created by the present invention in that the cleaning elements are arranged on a bristle carrier which is in threaded engagement with the brush body, and that the perforated plate is rotatably held on the brush body. Furthermore, the present invention suggests a bristle insert as a replacement part for said brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: M+C Schiffer GmbH
    Inventor: Armin Seifert
  • Patent number: 6370723
    Abstract: A multifunctional bathing tool includes a handle and at least one cleaning brush unit. The handle has one end provided with at least one engaging portion for removably securing a securing seat of the cleaning brush unit on the engaging portion. The handle further has a plurality of massaging bosses provided on the side opposite to the cleaning brush unit. The user can hold the handle to clean the body with the cleaning brush, and use the massaging bosses to massage the body. The cleaning brush unit is detachable from the handle so that the user can directly hold the securing seat to clean the body with the cleaning brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Che-Yuan Chang
  • Publication number: 20010054211
    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 of the gum tissue, all in one single, convenient artifact. The brush component is molded into one end of the handle, and the opposite end of the handle contains tubular recesses for holding two other dental tools. The invention includes four embodiments for holding, storing and ready retrieval of those tools. Two embodiments utilize a sliding button that extends the components out of internal recess chambers in the body of the toothbrush handle, the first one extends the components out of each end of the toothbrush handle, and the second one extends the tools out of the opposite end of the toothbrush, from the brush end. A third embodiment rotates the tools out of a covered recess chamber in the toothbrush handle and the fourth embodiment utilizes a knurled sleeve to extend the components out of the toothbrush handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Maria R. Cabedo-Deslierres, John M. Deslierres
  • Patent number: 6319332
    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 continues 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: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: James Albert Gavney, Jr., Gregory Lee Keaton
  • Patent number: 6311358
    Abstract: The toothbrush includes a head which is placed at a front longitudinal end of a handle and which is equipped, on an upper face, with a bunch of parallel filaments and a series of rods made from elastomer material which each extend substantially parallel to the filaments and which are placed substantially in two longitudinal rows with one row on each side of the bunch of filaments. Each row of rods includes tall rods which are arranged longitudinally substantially in the center of the row and the length of which is longer than the length of the adjacent filaments and short rods which are arranged at the ends of the row and the length of which is shorter than the length of the adjacent filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sanofi-Synthelabo
    Inventors: Lode Soetewey, Lydie Beaugendre
  • Publication number: 20010029639
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush, in particular a toothbrush, comprising a brush body carrying cleaning elements and a perforated plate through which the cleaning elements are projecting. A brush which is improved in terms of hygiene is created by the present invention in that the cleaning elements are arranged on a bristle carrier which is in threaded engagement with the brush body, and that the perforated plate is rotatably held on the brush body. Furthermore, the present invention suggests a bristle insert as a replacement part for said brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Armin Seifert
  • Patent number: 6254390
    Abstract: An oral burnisher includes a “U” shaped head at one end of the handle. The head includes a pair of substantially parallel side panels and a back panel covered by a thermoplastic elastomer sheath. The side panels include inwardly facing arrays of thermoplastic elastomer projections which extend from the sheath and the back panel includes an array of thermoplastic elastomer projections which extend from the sheath on its inner face. The outer face of the back panel is also provided with an array of thermoplastic elastomer projections which extend from the sheath. The thermoplastic elastomer sheath may be molded over the surface of the panels which are formed in one piece with the handle of a suitable plastic such as polypropylene. The projections of each array extend in the order of 1-2 mm. and have generally hemispherical tips such that the transverse dimension of the head is relatively small and can easily be accommodated in the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Eugene C. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6195829
    Abstract: A bath brush including: an elastic mesh tube which is axially pushed and gathered so as to continuously crimp the periphery thereof into a waved pattern; a handle including a connecting member, a grip member freely detachably assembled with the connecting member and a pair of massaging members, the connecting member being positioned on upper side of the elastic mesh tube and formed with at least one first connecting section disposed on the upper face of the connecting member and several fixing sections passing through the upper and lower faces of the connecting member, the grip member including at least one second connecting section for correspondingly connecting with the first connecting section, the pair of massaging members having a certain length, an upper end of each massaging member outward extending from a lateral side of the connecting member, while a lower end thereof extending downward; and at least one binder with a predetermined length and flexibility, the binder being conducted through the fixing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Ching-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 6151745
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Gillette Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Roberts, T. Craig Masterman, Edward Hosung Park, Philip J. Sweeney, Mingchih M. Tseng, Stephen C. Witkus
  • Patent number: 6134737
    Abstract: An oral hygiene device for use by an infant has a toothbrush bristle support and teething member interconnected by spaced curved handles. The handles, teething member and toothbrush bristle support form an opening for an infant's hand and are disposed in a common plane. Toothbrush bristles are attached to the toothbrush bristle support and extend in the direction of the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Deborah L. Remme
  • Patent number: 6098233
    Abstract: A bath brush including a seat and brush hair holder fixedly connected to an upper surface of the seat. The seat is provided at the upper surface with a plurality of upward extended massage bars. The brush hair holder has a plurality of tufted hairs planted on an upper surface thereof. Positions on the brush hair holder corresponding to the massage bars on the seat are cut out to form through holes for the massage bars to project therefrom and locate among the tufted hairs. The massage bars have tops lower than that of the tufted hairs on the brush hair holder, whereby when the bath brush is used to brush and clean a user's skin, the tufted hairs are elastically bent to bring the massage bars into contact with the skin and gently massage the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Confirm Personal Care Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Kuo-Chin Chen
  • Patent number: 6088869
    Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a plurality of tufts each including a plurality of bristles embedded respectively in a plurality of bored holes formed in a head portion. The tufts each comprise a plurality of first bristles tapered towards distal ends thereof, and a plurality of second bristles likewise tapered towards the distal ends and each having a ball-like portion on each of the distal ends thereof. The distal ends of the first bristles are located in a higher position than the distal ends of the second bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Kaneda, Mitsuyuki Kubo, Toshiro Shintani
  • Patent number: 6044514
    Abstract: A tooth brush comprises a plurality of tufts each of which comprises a plurality of bristles embedded respectively in bored holes which are vertically and laterally formed in a head portion of the toothbrush. The tufts each comprises first and second bristles, such that in each of the tufts, the total of the first and second bristles is 50% or more, in number. The first bristles are tapered bristles having a factorial coefficient n=0.29 to 0.51 in the equation (I) r(x)=a{(L-x)/L}.sup.n. The distal ends of the second bristles are located in a lower position than the distal ends of the first bristles, vertical intervals between the bored holes are from 1.2 mm to 3.0 mm, and lateral intervals are from 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm. In formula (I), r(x): sectional radius, x: length from base of each bristle, L: length to distal end from base of each bristle, a: sectional radius in case x=O[=r(O)], n: factorial coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Kaneda, Mitsuyuki Kubo, Toshiro Shintani
  • Patent number: 6041467
    Abstract: A toothbrush for cleaning teeth, especially the interproximal region between adjacent, closely spaced or normally contacting teeth, has at least one fin extending from the body of the toothbrush through the bristled head. The fin is a thin, tapering, blade-like member with a distal edge for cleaning teeth by scraping motion. The fin is molded from plastic resin, and is constructed so as to resist buckling loads to tend to penetrate and clean the interproximal tooth surfaces, even to the point of temporarily separating lightly contacting surfaces of adjacent teeth. Various fin embodiments are presented, including one that has an outwardly-biasing loop portion. Methods of use and manufacture and preferred materials are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Roberts, Thomas Craig Masterman, William A. Bredall, Robert L. Hicks, Donna J. Beals, Bradley Edward Castillo
  • Patent number: 5987688
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Roberts, T. Craig Masterman, Edward Hosung Park, Philip J. Sweeney, Mingchih M. Tseng, Stephen C. Witkus
  • Patent number: 5967152
    Abstract: A disposable oral cleaning apparatus for cleaning and removing particles and bacteria from the upper surface of the tongue, including an elongated handle having a solution storage cavity, an attachment utensil partially stored in the cavity, and a head component. The attachment has a brush for applying the solution to a surface of the mouth, and a cap for sealably closing the opening of the cavity. A flexible connector connects the elongated handle and the head component. The head component has multiple cleaning portions including a pre-cleaning portion, a main-cleaning portion and an absorbent portion to provide an initial cleaning of the coating of the tongue, a secondary deep cleansing of the pores of the tongue, and a final absorption and removal of all debris. The oral cleaning apparatus is adapted to promote proper cleansing of the tongue and inner mouth so as to eliminate oral bacteria and bad breath, and promote proper oral hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: AMTEC Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Rimkus
  • Patent number: 5930861
    Abstract: A dental/gingival stimulating article is disclosed that provides interdental stimulation and plaque removal to several teeth at once. This design holds many stimulator tips that have broadened but narrow profile paddle ends. The instrument is held in one hand and directed with appropriate direction and force to guide fiber ends into the spaces between the gum and teeth. It will reach several papillary areas. The rotational direction used on the handle will dissipate to a massaging motion within the sulci. Therefore, the threat of interproximal caries is reduced and the occurrence of periodontal disease is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Dennis J White
  • Patent number: 5930860
    Abstract: A toothbrush for cleaning and polishing teeth includes a handle attached to a brush head. Attached to the brush head are a plurality of elastomeric prophy bristles for polishing teeth, and a plurality of bristle tufts for scrubbing teeth, the bristle tufts being attached to the brush head and placed about the perimeter of the prophy bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Anthony D. Shipp
  • Patent number: 5926899
    Abstract: A new toothbrush with a protective covering for the purpose of safely brushing one's teeth and reducing the risk of injury to the gums. The inventive device includes a handle, a brushing region, a bristle portion, a bristle cluster extending from the bristle portion, and a protective covering surrounding the brushing region. The protective covering reduces the risk of bleeding in the user's mouth that results from brushing one's teeth, which therefore reduces the transmittal of diseases carried in the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Tony Curtis Scott
  • Patent number: 5836033
    Abstract: Improvement in a toothbrush (301), especially for the combined brushing of teeth and massaging of gums, comprising a plurality of toothbrush bristles attached at their one end to the head (302) of the toothbrush and having their other end extending freely from said head, the improvement comprising one or more inner rows or groups of bristles (303a, 303b) of ordinary cleaning quality in combination with adjacent outer rows or groups of bristles (304n, 305n) of smaller height than said inner rows of bristles, said outer bristles provided with free rounded end portions (306).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Harald Berge
  • Patent number: 5802656
    Abstract: A toothbrush is provided having a handle and a bristle bearing head. The head includes a central skeleton, resilient side members mounted on either side of the central skeleton, tuft mounting receptacles in both the skeleton and the side members, and bristle forming tufts received in both the tuft mounting receptacles of the skeleton and of the side members. The side member bristle tufts are movable both sideways and downwards in a toggling movement relative to the bristle tufts stationarily mounted on the skeleton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Leonard Dawson, Bert Davis Heinzelman, Donald Richard Lamond, John Moldauer, Stephen John Raven
  • Patent number: 5735011
    Abstract: A toothbrush capable of removing plaque from teeth wherein a plurality of plaque removing members formed from a mixture of a relatively soft elastomeric material and particles of an abrasive material project outwardly from a support portion of the toothbrush and each plaque removing member is surrounded by a plurality of tufts of bristles formed from conventional materials and wherein each plaque removing member has a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart projections with each projection having an outer surface with a plurality of crevices formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Randall S. Asher
  • Patent number: 5709004
    Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle (1) with a head (3) furnished with bristles (5) and a device for cleaning the surface of the tongue. The handle (1) is composed of two parts (1A, 1B) joined by a thin, flexible, arc-shaped strip (7) at the base of the handle (1) opposite the head (3). The thin, flexible strip (7) serves as a scraper for cleaning the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventors: Guido Paduano, Elisabetta Rossi, Simone Zilli
  • Patent number: 5628082
    Abstract: An improved toothbrush with a secure grip, a more effective bristle arrangement, and a specially shaped head is disclosed. The handle is formed with opposed gripping portions, and fits securely in the hand of the brusher, facing either up or down, imparting to the user a very secure and comfortable feeling. The toothbrush has a narrow and thin head for maximum access to the oral cavity, and a novel bristle arrangement which is highly effective for the removal of plaque from teeth with manual brushing. In one embodiment, the brush head is tapered to a narrow portion, and then optionally flares out again. In another embodiment, the head is formed with a wavy profile. In yet other embodiments, the brush head may also be provided with an upwardly curved or an angled tip. The head may also have a rubberized lower portion to effectuate gum massage, a gum stimulator, and a head with visibly different utilization areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Robert Moskovich
  • Patent number: RE36407
    Abstract: A toothbrush assembly is disclosed which includes an articulating head portion for releasable supporting a brushhead, and which is configured to releasably mount a plurality of interchangeable dental accessory tools. A spring biased actuation member having a plurality of sprockets associated therewith is provided for effectuating incremental articulated movements of the brushhead supporting portion with respect to the handle of the toothbrush assembly to position the brushhead in a desired angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Anthony C. Rocco