Abstract: Disclosed is a toothbrush and a toothbrush having interdental brush. There is provided the configuration of the toothbrush in which toothbrush bristles are aligned in two lines without the bristles in the middle of toothbrush head, and interdental brush bristles are also provided, so that toothbrush bristles can be deeply fit into and touched to every teeth and interdental portions without needs of applying excessive power or pressure during toothbrushing, thereby to prevent damages on teeth and gums, easily remove food particles and plagues remained on the toothbrush, and prevent the secondary bacteria diseases due to fast dry of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A refill head, and a powered toothbrush including the same, wherein the refill head comprises a head portion including a movable tuft block that is rotated via operable coupling to a primary drive shaft of the handle. The head portion of the refill head is also receives vibrations from an eccentric that is operated by the primary drive shaft.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a head frame and a cleaning elements assembly attached thereto with tooth cleaning elements extending from one or more carriers. One or more central carriers can be suspended via a flexible bridge between a pair of support carriers attached to the head frame. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central carriers to move from an initial position toward the head frame during use. The bridge may include rigid supports and flexible elastomeric supports. The carriers and the bridge can be formed as a unitary assembly attached to the head frame, such as via mechanical connections. The mechanical connections could include snap-fit connections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush head attachment, in particular for an electric sonic toothbrush, comprising a shank member carrying a bristle bundle, and a coupling member (1) provided on the fastening-side end of said shank member with at least one connection surface for a drive shaft of said handpiece which, when a brush head attachment is mounted on a handpiece, protrudes into said coupling member (1), a spring element that can be operatively connected with said drive shaft for securing said drive shaft to said brush head attachment and/or transferring a drive motion of said drive shaft to said brush head attachment, and a metal ring (4) disposed in a widened fastening foot (2) formed by said coupling member (1). In this inexpensively manufactured brush head attachment according to the present invention, said metal ring (4) is a die-cast member.

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: 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: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a hygienic brush head for cleaning articles, where the brush head comprises a plurality of flexible bristle filaments extending in a longitudinal direction grouped into flexible sweeping elements being connected to a molded brush head body, the method comprising: •collecting the flexible bristle filaments in a grouping module creating at least one group of flexible sweeping elements, •melting one end of the at least one group of flexible sweeping elements using a melting module, creating a melted end, •gliding the flexible sweeping elements positioned in the grouping module away from the melting module in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the flexible bristle filaments, •positioning a plurality of the groups of flexible sweeping elements in a mold, and performing a first brush head molding of a brush head body around the plurality of the groups of flexible sweeping elements, •performing a second brush head molding around the brush

Abstract: A bristle configuration providing enhanced cleaning of teeth. At least one elongated bristle tuft is formed to at least partially enclose an area, and a complementary-shaped tuft is provided in the at least partially enclosed area. The elongated tuft and the complementary tuft have angled profiles angled to a different degree, and preferably also in a different direction. A series of elongated tufts with angled profiles may be provided to form an overall bristle profile providing enhanced cleaning of teeth. In addition, one or more tufts may be provided along the elongated tufts to form another tuft pattern along the pattern formed by the elongated tufts. In one embodiment, the other tuft pattern presents a contoured bristle profile angled to a different degree from the profile of the elongated tufts along with the other tuft pattern is provided.

Abstract: A toothbrush head in which oral hygiene parts, in particular toothbrush bristles, are set in a flexible pad. Typically the pad is made of a thermoplastic elastomer or a polyurethane gel material. The pad is supported on support parts which are connected to the toothbrush handle in various ways, for example arms or a web structure.

Abstract: The tips of pointed bristles are mechanically processed in order to remove any corroded threads or residual threads from the tip. Mechanically processed pointed bristles are fed to a receptacle recess of a tool in bundles, and aligned by means of a pin guided in the receptacle recess. The pointed bristles are pushed through the passage of the bristle carrier plate, and the end section are subsequently melted by means of a heating die in order to attach the pointed bristles to the bristle carrier plate. The mechanical processing of the tips of the bristles enables an error-free further processing of the pointed bristles utilizing the bristling method, particularly the AFT method.

Abstract: An oral care implement, such as a toothbrush (100), comprises a handle (110) and a head (120). A plurality of tooth cleaning elements (130) may be provided on a front surface (121) of the head (120). The head (120) is formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments (140-145) made of a rigid material. The segments (140-145) are isolated from one another by channels (157-159B) containing an elastomeric material (146) that flexibly connects the segments (140-145) together. The oral care implement further comprises an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner (200) located on a rear surface (122) of the head (120) opposite the front surface (121) of the head (120). Each of the segments (140-145) comprises a protuberance (163-169) made of the rigid material that extends through the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner (200) and is exposed therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotating toothbrush including: a handle provided with a lever; a head part having bristles implanted on a lower surface thereof and a shaft vertically provided on an upper surface thereof; an operating rod provided in the handle and operated in conjunction with the lever to move linearly in a length direction of the handle; a tilting member rotatably supporting the shaft and pressed when the operating rod moves forward, thereby being tilted at a predetermined angle in an upward direction together with the head part based on a tilting axis; and a rotation driving member connected to the operating rod and the shaft to rotate the shaft when the operating rod moves forward, thereby allowing the head part to form a T shape with the handle.

Abstract: A brush head section for an oral care device is provided. The brush section includes an insert being made from a first thermoplastic material by injection-molding, at least one oral cleaning element and a cleaning element carrier consisting of a second thermoplastic material or a second thermoplastic mixture. The insert and the at least one cleaning element are partially embedded into the cleaning element carrier by over-molding and the cleaning element carrier at least partly engages behind the insert. The hardness of the second thermoplastic material is less than the hardness of the first thermoplastic material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotary toothbrush including: a handle installed with a lever; an operating rod operated together with the lever to linearly move in a length direction of the handle; a tilting member coupled to tilting guide grooves of the operating rod to thereby be tilted when the operating rod moves forward; a head part having a shaft rotatably fixed to the tilting member to thereby be tilted together with the tilting member and having bristles implanted therein; a rotation driving member connected to the operating rod and the shaft and rotating the shaft when the operating rod moves forward, thereby allowing the head part to form a T shape with respect to the handle; and a first fixing part provided between the handle and the lever and fixing the lever in a state in which the lever is rotated forward or rearward.

Abstract: The inventive body care device having a handle and a treatment head, which is hingedly connected mechanically therewith, has a flexible zone for enabling an elastic deflection of the treatment head with respect to the handle and a deflection sensor, which is capable of generating an electric signal as a function of the elastic deflection. This signal can be used to control an automatic start and/or stop function, a use counter and/or operating states of an electric vibrational element integrated in the body care device.

Abstract: A medical instrument configured to be inserted into a body cavity comprises a body comprises a first probe at a first end, the first probe comprising a first cylindrical portion with a first outer circumferential surface of a first diameter; a first circumferential edge at a distal end of the first probe; a first distal lip projecting outwardly from the first outer circumferential surface beyond the first circumferential edge and extending for at least a part of a circumference of the first circumferential edge; and a first marker lip projecting outwardly from the first outer circumferential surface and extending for at least a part of a circumference of the first outer circumferential surface; wherein the first distal lip is positioned distal to the first marker lip; and wherein the body comprises a hollow cavity to enable a second medical instrument to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided including: a handle; a head attached to the handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements projecting outwardly from a first surface of the head; and a cleanser including at least one projection protruding outwardly from a second surface for removal of microbial and other debris from soft tissue in the mouth, which second surface is arranged opposite to the first surface; wherein the at least one projection is made of a hard component; wherein the second surface is an elastomeric second surface.

Abstract: An orthodontic toothbrush comprising a handle, an attached head, and a plurality of bristles. The bristles define at least one well having the shorter length bristles at the center or bottom of the well and relatively longer length bristles bordering the wells. The wells are preferably spaced at the average distance between orthodontic braces. A plurality of bristles off the longitudinal plane of the toothbrush head are angled or slanted toward the toothbrush head median longitudinal plane, while another plurality of bristles are perpendicular to the toothbrush head plane. The well accommodates an orthodontic bracket or brace wherein the shortest bristles in the well clean the archwire and face of the orthodontic bracket and the relatively longer bristles clean under the wings of the bracket, the sides and rear of brackets and the teeth.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a brushhead (24) having a multi-layer bristle field assembly (30), which includes alternate thin base layers (32) and thin bristle layers (34) which are bonded together to form the bristle field assembly. The base layers provide support for the bristle field assembly while the bristle layers are configured to provide bristle elements therealong for brushing of the teeth.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a head mounted to the handle. At least one of the head and the handle may generally include an open area partially enclosed with elastomeric material, said elastomeric material being readily deflectable from an original orientation during use of said toothbrush and configured to recover to the original orientation after use of said toothbrush.

Abstract: An oral care implement, such as a toothbrush, comprising a flexible head formed of a plurality of flexibly connected segments. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising a handle and a head. The head can be formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments constructed of a rigid material and separated by a channel containing an elastomeric material. An elastomeric cleaning element comprising, a base portion and an upper portion extends form a front surface of the head. The elastomeric cleaning element extends from and is connected to the elastomeric material of the channel so that the base portion overlies a portion of each of the front surfaces of the segments on opposing sides of the channel. In another embodiment, the invention can be the elastomeric cleaning element itself, irrespective of the type of head in which it is incorporated. In yet another embodiment, the base portion can be tapered.

Abstract: A toothbrush, including a head portion, a handle portion, a locking mechanism configured to lock said head portion to said handle portion, a capsule including a motor assembly and power supply, the capsule being configured to be received within said handle portion, and at least one communication connection configured to enable said toothbrush to communicate with one or more external computing devices.

Abstract: A kit for decorating a toothbrush includes the toothbrush having a base portion, and at least one decorative band sized to fit around the outer perimeter of the base portion of the toothbrush. A second embodiment of the kit includes the toothbrush, a writing instrument and an area designated on the base portion for marking with the writing instrument. A third embodiment of the kit includes the toothbrush, a writing instrument, an area designated on the base portion for marking with the writing implement and at least one decorative band sized to fit around the outer perimeter of the base portion of the toothbrush. Any of the kits may include at least one sticker sized to fit on the base portion of the toothbrush. Any of the kits may also include a panel including one or more stickers and/or one or more decorative bands.

Abstract: An oral care implement is disclosed. The oral care implement includes a head section including a carrier element that is mounted for driven movement; a base section including a transmission element; and an at least partly elastically deformable neck section arranged between the head section and the base section. The transmission element is coupled to the carrier element for driving the carrier element into an oscillatory movement with an oscillation amplitude peak value. Further, the neck section is arranged as a parallel spring arrangement that deforms when a load above a first threshold load value is applied at the head section along a use direction such that the angular relationship between the head section and the base section is preserved and the head section and the base section move relatively to each other resulting in a reduction of the oscillation amplitude peak value.

Abstract: A brush including a handle and a head attached to the handle. The head has an upper surface and at least one protuberance positioned on the upper surface of the head. A plurality of bristle elements extend from the upper surface of the head and are positioned around the protuberance such that bristle elements positioned closest to the protuberance define a cup-shaped clearance space around the protuberance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental care device for detection and removal of plaque automatically and independently, comprising: a) a motion controlled and pressure sensitive plaque removal head having at least one array of bristles; b) a plaque detection unit adapted to capture images of the teeth and gums, wherein said plaque detection unit includes an imaging device and a light source with specific wavelength for illumination said teeth and gums; and c) a plaque detection engine adapted to process the captured images in order to detect plaque infected areas on said teeth, and accordingly to generate instructions for automatically guiding said motion controlled plaque removal head, thereby executing all the necessary movements for automatically and independently removing the plaque from said teeth while minimizing abrasiveness by controlling the pressure applied and avoiding brushing to clean areas of the teeth and gums.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to oral care devices, system and methods for advanced ionic micro-current control. In some embodiments, an oral care device is actuated upon completion of an electric circuit by a users hand and oral cavity. The electrode on an oral care implement may be configured to lose conductivity over time to indicate a replacement oral care implement is need. In some embodiments, a controller of the oral care device may detect the type of oral care implement and control the ionic micro-current accordingly. Additionally, embodiments may detect a region within the oral cavity that the oral care device is in contact with and apply the ionic micro-current accordingly. Further, in some embodiments, the health status of various regions of a user's oral cavity may be detected and monitored over time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush (1), in particular an electric toothbrush, comprising:—a support member (2),—a first tooth brushing member (3) mounted on said support member so as to be able to rotate about a rotation axis (XX?), said first brushing member having a lateral surface (3L) which extends along its rotation axis (XX?) between a proximal end (3P) and an opposite distal end (3D), said lateral surface being intended to be brought into contact with the teeth (4) in order to clean them, said toothbrush being characterized in that it has a flexible trim (20), separate from the first brushing member (3), which is arranged facing the distal end (3D) approximately transversely to the rotation axis (XXI) so as to at least partially overlap the transverse section (3S) of said first brushing member (3).

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device comprising a handle, and a pad coupled to the handle, wherein the pad has a front face, a back face and a plurality of side walls. There are a plurality of different areas disposed on the front face of the pad comprising a first area comprising a first set of protrusions, in a substantially semi-spherical shape, and a second area comprising a second set of protrusions in a substantially conical shape. There is also a third area of protrusions formed as a substantially conical shape, and a fourth area of protrusions formed as a substantially semi-spherical shape. The device can be formed as a pad which collapses voluntarily under pressure. The pad can be made from any suitable material such as any type of rubber or plastic.

Abstract: An oral care implement that emits a scent. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a toothbrush comprising: a base component having a gripping region and an oral engaging region, wherein said base component comprises a first scenting agent; and a second component covering at least a portion of said base component in said gripping region, to control a rate of release of said first scenting agent from said base component in said gripping region.

Abstract: Provided is a toothbrush having a handle, a tuft block, multiple lateral cushioning gels and a rear cushioning gel. The handle has a head and a fore linking member protruding from the head. The tuft block has a fore end linked to the fore linking member. A gap is formed between the head and the tuft block. Multiple bristle tufts are planted on the tuft block. The multiple lateral cushioning gels connect the head and the tuft block. The rear cushioning gel connects a rear end of the tuft block and the handle.

Abstract: An oral care implement is described herein. The oral care implement includes a base and a first grip member. The base has a gripping region and an oral engaging region. The base has an aperture extending therethrough. The first grip member at least partially overlays the gripping region of the base and has a plurality of gripping elements. The first grip member also has a at least one opening exposing a guidance element. The guidance element includes a protrusion and a ring surrounding the protrusion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toothbrush and a toothbrush having interdental brush. There is provided the configuration of the toothbrush in which toothbrush bristles are aligned in two lines without the bristles in the middle of toothbrush head, and interdental brush bristles are also provided, so that toothbrush bristles can be deeply fit into and touched to every teeth and interdental portions without needs of applying excessive power or pressure during toothbrushing, thereby to prevent damages on teeth and gums, easily remove food particles and plagues remained on the toothbrush, and prevent the secondary bacteria diseases due to fast dry of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A method for making a toothbrush including a handle, a head including at least one cleaning element extending therefrom, and a hinge arranged between the head and the handle, said hinge including a joint between the handle and the head of a harder thermoplastic component covered by a softer thermoplastic component is provided, the method including: forming a base body by injection molding of a first thermoplastic material forming one of the handle or the head, and injection molding of a second thermoplastic material for forming the other of the handle or the head to thereby fuse the second thermoplastic material against the first thermoplastic material; placing the base body into a further mold; and injection molding the softer thermoplastic component for covering the joint.

Abstract: A toothbrush that enhances cleaning and user comfort while brushing. In one embodiment, the toothbrush comprises a cleaning element support member, or base member, that permits a head of the toothbrush to be comfortably received and manipulated within the user's mouth. In an embodiment, the support member comprises a head support having an overhanging portion and a portion free of an overhang.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a body that appears to float within an aperture of the handle. The body can perform both a decorative and/or utilitarian function depending on its design and/or location on the handle. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle; an aperture in the handle; and a grip body disposed within the aperture and enveloping a body, the grip body constructed of a first material and the body constructed of a second material, the second material being harder than the first material.

Abstract: In order to create a toothbrush having a head part with bristles and having a handle part, such that the head part is movably connected to the handle part by means of a spring-like device and such that the device comprises a web which extends through the device and with which the head part is connected to the handle part in one piece, the head part being connected to the handle part by a spring-like device, such that the head part executes an approximately parallel displacement under load. The proposed device has an elastic supporting element with an opening, and the supporting element comprises a supporting web which borders the opening and together with the web, when a load is applied to the head part, produces an approximately parallel displacement of the head part from an initial position into at least one load position together with the web.

Abstract: An oral-hygiene implement having a housing, a first carrier on which at least one first oral-treatment element is mounted, a second carrier on which at least one second oral-treatment element is mounted, wherein at least the first carrier element is mounted for driven oscillatory movement with a peak amplitude value relative to the housing and wherein the first and second oral-treatment elements are arranged such that the first oral-treatment element contacts the second oral-treatment element at least once during each oscillation period of the first carrier at a contact amplitude value smaller than the peak amplitude value and moves the second oral-treatment element out of its initial position until the peak amplitude value is reached.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a head with a plurality of cleaning elements, and a light source incorporated into or adjacent the head. The light source is incorporated prior to the attachment of the cleaning elements for ease of manufacturing and a cost-effective assembly. The cleaning elements are preferably pre-formed and attached to the head after the incorporation of the light source so that the provision of the light source does not require any post-processing that might impair the integrity of the head or cleaning elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable toothbrush which, in particular: has a cleaning solution capable of cleaning the mouth, toothbrush bristles, and an interdental brush; discharges, via a spraying method, the cleaning solution from a storage member for storing the cleaning solution; has an interdental cleaning member detachably installed thereon, and a cover for covering the interdental cleaning member that is coupled to an interdental cleaning member fixing hole; is used by discharging the cleaning solution via the spraying method before and after the toothbrush is used so as to enable the hygienic rinsing of the mouth; and facilitates the carrying and replacement of the interdental toothbrush.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a first set of bristle tufts arranged along a first row, the first set of bristle tufts attached to a head and oriented in a vertical position. The toothbrush has a second set of bristle tufts arranged along a second row, the second set of bristle tufts attached to the head and oriented at an angle that is between 4 and 10 degrees to the left of the vertical position. The toothbrush has a third set of bristle tufts arranged along a third row, the third set of bristle tufts attached to the head and oriented in the vertical position. The toothbrush has a fourth set of bristle tufts arranged along a fourth row, the fourth set of bristle tufts attached to the head and oriented at an angle that is between 4 and 10 degrees to the right of the vertical position.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention pertain to an illuminating toothbrush. The toothbrush includes at least one illuminating device enclosed within a body of the apparatus. The toothbrush also includes an audio device configured to play audio when the apparatus is activated. The at least one illuminating device is configured to illuminate the body of the apparatus for the predetermined period of time when the audio is played. In certain embodiments, the at least one illuminating device is further configured to illuminate the body of the apparatus based on a beat of the audio.

Abstract: Conventional toothbrushes must be destroyed and incinerated as refuse after use, resulting in a waste of resources and generating carbon dioxide. A toothbrush is provided with: a toothbrush body having a head formed in an oval-ring shape, the head having a female part or male part being aligned with the toothbrush body and disposed at a connection region connecting to the toothbrush body; and a replaceable bristle part having a male or female part being releasably coupled to the male part or female part of the head. Thus, after an appropriate period of use, the replaceable bristle part can be easily exchanged. The coupling of the female part or male part prevents the fore-end of the toothbrush from shaking laterally during tooth brushing. The toothbrush provides a toothbrush body for repeated reuse, and contributes significantly to the reduction of carbon dioxide by a reduction in refuse.

Abstract: The oral hygiene device, particularly a toothbrush, has in the neck part, a cavity, which is closed off from the surroundings and in which a snap dome is arranged. This snap dome produces an acoustic warning signal when a limiting bending of the neck part is exceeded as a result of a limiting pressing force with which the head part is pressed, for example, against the teeth and gums is exceeded. On the one hand, this has the effect of protecting the snap dome, usually produced from metal, from corrosion and, on the other hand, the cavity serves as a resonance chamber to amplify the warning signal.

Abstract: An oral care implement, such as a toothbrush. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care implement comprising a handle and a head. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements may extend from a front surface of the head, which is formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments formed of a rigid material, wherein the plurality of segments include a cruciform segment integrally formed with and extending from a distal end of the handle, a first pair of segments located on opposite sides of a longitudinal portion of the cruciform segment, and a second pair of segments located on opposite sides of the longitudinal portion of the cruciform segment, the first pair of segments located on an opposite side of a transverse portion of the cruciform segment from the second pair of segments. The segments of the first and second pairs are flexibly connected to the cruciform segment.

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: A toothbrush with improved cleaning after use and integral tongue cleaning features. Multiple groups of brush bristles are positioned around a plurality of cleaning openings that extend through the head of the brush head. Multiple upstanding tongue engagement surfaces are positioned in parallel spaced relation to one another between the flow through cleaning openings for selective engagement on the surface of the user's tongue.

Abstract: An oral care implement (100) having a head (120) that achieves an enhanced cleaning action during brushing. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle (110) extending from a proximal end to a distal end; a head comprising: a cantilever (130) extending from the distal end of the handle; a spheroid (160) protruding from a front surface (131) of the cantilever; a rigid plate (140), the rigid plate spaced from the cantilever by a gap (151); and a first resilient material (150) in the gap flexibly coupling the rigid plate to the cantilever, the first resilient material encasing the spheroid and covering a rear surface (142) of the rigid plate and the front surface of the cantilever; a plurality of teeth cleaning elements (143) extending from a front surface of the rigid plate; and the rigid plate pivoting about the spheroid in response to brushing forces being applied to the head.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to oral care systems having an oral care tool and a first software application. The oral care tool includes a cleaning module, a sensing module and a communications module. The first software application is run on a computing device, such as a mobile computing device, that receives the data from the sensing module and reproduces a simulated image reflecting the result of brushing. The mobile computing device can be linked to a cloud server that receives data from the first software application and saves detailed brushing data for each user. The first software application visualizes brushing and transforms brush into fun game. The cloud server collects and stores the detailed brushing data and provides it to users and care providers.

Abstract: A toothbrush having multiple bundles of bristles preferably arranged in two rows spaced apart from one another, and each bundle independently anchored into the front surface of the brush head with bundles in the opposed rows directed inwardly toward one another and angled toward a common intersection, allowing the free tip ends of the bristles to terminate in a single, common row. Each bundle is free standing and the bundles in one row have alternating relation with the bundles in the other row or rows. Thus, the free tip ends of the bristles in each bundle terminate independently and unopposed, allowing the bristles in each bundle to have movement independent from those in adjacent bundles, apply less force against teeth, and provide less abrasion of the rounded outward tooth surfaces at or near the gingival level during the cleaning of interproximal areas of teeth.