Tooth Or Nail Brush Patents (Class 15/167.1)
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Publication number: 20140020198Abstract: A force-sensitive toothbrush incorporates a bistable mechanism into the toothbrush handle. The mechanism can alert a user to excessive brushing force by changing shape in response to brushing forces exceeding a predetermined threshold. The mechanism can also automatically return to its original state when the brushing forces are lowered back down below the predetermined level. In one aspect, the mechanism may include a force-sensitive region having a principal beam and a secondary notched hinge buckling support beam located within the handle between the bristles and the gripping portion of the toothbrush. In another aspect, the force-sensitive region includes a principal beam and a secondary un-notched buckling support beam. In another aspect, the force-sensitive region includes a principal beam and a secondary support beam with a toothed clutch. These mechanisms can advantageously be molded into an integral toothbrush body using an injection molding operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventor: Jonathan T. Slocum
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Patent number: 8631534Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Dr. Fresh, LLCInventors: Stephen John Blanchard, Bethann O'Malley, Justin McDonough
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Publication number: 20140007907Abstract: An oral care implement includes a releasable sensory material that invokes a sensory response when in contact with tissues or surfaces of a mouth of a user. In one embodiment, an element is provided that is visually indicative of the sensory response. The oral care implement may also include a soft tissue cleaner provided with the sensory material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Chi Shing Wong, Wen Jin Xi, James Herbert Kemp, Al Aquanza Sprosta
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Patent number: 8621701Abstract: A dental brush assembly includes an elongate handle having first and second coupling ends sized and shaped to couple with at least a first detachable dental brush. The first coupling end is at a first angle relative to a handle longitudinal axis and the second coupling end is at a second different angle relative to the handle longitudinal axis. The first coupling end includes first and second brush facing surfaces. The second coupling end includes third and fourth brush facing surfaces. The first detachable dental brush includes a directional brush surface and a brush end complementary to the first, second, third and fourth brush facing surfaces. The directional brush surface is directed in first, second, third or fourth non-identical orientations relative to the handle longitudinal axis depending on which brush facing surface the first detachable dental brush is oriented with.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: University of Iowa Research FoundationInventor: Michael R. Meharry
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Publication number: 20140000051Abstract: A toothbrush device having a body defining a cavity and an input port disposed on the body in fluid communication with the cavity. The input port permits brushing by-products to pass through the input port and into the cavity while restricting passage of the brushing by-products outward from the cavity. In one form, the toothbrush device includes an elongated handle with a reservoir having at least a portion disposed within the handle. The reservoir is sized to hold a predetermined amount of oral care product, and a mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the reservoir to discharge the oral care product from the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Olson IP Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Richard Carl Olson
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Publication number: 20130340189Abstract: A toothbrush wherein longitudinally between its neck region and the grip handle is a an undulating region of transverse limbs integrally linked by folds with troughs between the limbs, the troughs containing a thermoplastic elastomer material bonded to the plastic material of said limbs with a ShoreA hardness of 60-70. Specific structures and dimensions of limbs and folds are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co.KGInventor: Hans Kraemer
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Publication number: 20130340188Abstract: A toothbrush that includes a piezochromic polymer or a proximity dye based polymer effective to emit an optical signal indicative of brushing force.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2011Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Madhusudan Patel, Thomas E. Mintel, Sharon Kennedy, John J. Gatzemeyer, Eduardo J. Jimenez
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Patent number: 8613123Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Trisa Holding AGInventors: Philipp Pfenniger, Franz Fischer
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PROCESS AND RESULTING PRODUCT FOR MATCHING A MOUTHPIECE FOR CLEANING TEETH TO A USER'S ORAL GEOMETRY
Publication number: 20130333133Abstract: A method and the resulting product for optimizing the configuration of a mouthpiece for cleaning teeth in which the configuration of the mouthpiece is optimized to the oral geometry of individual users. The method includes a first step (26) of producing a digital scan of the oral geometry of the individual user and then producing a rigid shell (30) for the mouthpiece substantially matching the digital scan. The configuration of the resulting mouthpiece is characterized by the outer surface of the shell not extending from the buccal surface of the individual teeth more than 7 mm (31); further, by the rear edge of the shell not contacting the tissues to the rear of the rearmost teeth (36), and still further by no more than a 2 mm overlap into the gum line (36), when the mouthpiece is operatively positioned in the user's mouth.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Kevin A. Miller -
Publication number: 20130333126Abstract: An oral cleaning appliance, such as a toothbrush (10) or a mouthpiece (20), includes a bristle arrangement which comprises a base member and a field of bristles for contacting and cleaning teeth, wherein the bristle field (17, 26) has bristles with a density of between 2-7%, and wherein the individual bristle filaments have a stiffness characterized by a deflection of no greater than 50% of their length for a bristle tip pressure of 6 Newtons/cm2 and a deflection reaching 50% for a bristle tip pressure of 85 Newtons/cm2.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Kevin A. Miller
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Publication number: 20130333132Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: TRISA HOLDING AGInventors: Jost LOETSCHER, Oskar TREVISAN
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Publication number: 20130326834Abstract: A method for producing a brush head for a toothbrush head is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a bristle carrier; providing cleaning elements having first ends which will not be embedded in the bristle carrier and second ends which will be embedded in the bristle carrier, wherein the cleaning elements are selected from at least two different types of cleaning elements or at least two distinctive cleaning elements of the same type; placing the first ends of the cleaning elements in the bristle carrier in a carrier part for holding; and supplying different amounts of heat to the second ends in the bristle carrier by reflecting the heat supplied partially from the carrier part and/or absorbing the heat supplied partially by the carrier part resulting in the second end being molten.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Michael Vankov, Jochen Kawerau, Michael Machlitt
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Publication number: 20130326833Abstract: The present invention relates to a replacement brush head for an electromagnetic driven toothbrush and to a method of manufacturing such a brush head. The brush head includes a bristle carrier, where the bristle carrier has blind-end holes in which a plurality of tooth cleaning bristles can be fixedly attached. The bristles are arranged in inwardly centered rows, one behind the other. Bristles in outer rows are arranged in groups on both sides of the bristle carrier. Bristle groups are arranged with an outward leaning angle for efficient cleaning of the tooth neck area and gum pockets. Bristles in the inner rows can be shorter than the ones in the outer rows.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventor: Reijo Varila
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Patent number: 8601630Abstract: The linear bearing is useful in a personal care appliance and includes an elongated center member (14) having end elements (20, 22) at each end thereof, the center member having an arm (16) with a workpiece (18) at the free end thereof. Two sets of orthogonal leaf springs (24, 38) are positioned in the vicinity of the ends of the center assembly, one end of each leaf spring in each set connected to an associated end member, the other end of each leaf spring in each set connected to a fixed-position member (26, 40), such as the housing (37) of the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Wolter F. Benning
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Patent number: 8601635Abstract: An oral care implement having a handle and a toothbrush head is disclosed. The head includes a base portion and a cleaning portion. The cleaning portion includes a plurality of cleaning elements, wherein the cleaning portion is attached to the base portion at a first end and a second end. A mid-section of the cleaning portion is elevated above the base portion such that an opening is created between the base portion and the cleaning portion, and wherein the opening extends along a longitudinal axis of the head.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: Paul David Goldman, Mark Edward Farrell, Paul Albert Sagel
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Publication number: 20130318732Abstract: An oral care implement comprising at least one tapered bristle. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head having a face; a tuft hole in the face, the tuft hole having a polygonal transverse cross-sectional profile; and a bristle tuft mounted in the first tuft hole and extending from the face of the head, the first bristle tuft comprising a plurality of tapered bristles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Thomas Mintel, Douglas Hohlbein
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Patent number: 8595886Abstract: 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 which the other tuft pattern is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Dr. Fresh, LLCInventors: Janette Suh Edelstein, Stephen J. Blanchard
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Patent number: 8590095Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, a head and a movable portion affixed to the head. In one embodiment, the head includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite said upper surface. A recess extends into the upper surface and includes a floor, and a pair of walls extending upwardly from the floor to the upper surface. A central support may be suspended above the floor by a pair of arms that extend from opposite ends of the central support and into notches in the opposing sidewalls of the recess. A portion of the arms may be affixed in the respective notches, and a portion of the arms may be spaced from the walls of the notches to enable the arms to twist within the notches, and this enable movement of the central support.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Ranir, LLCInventor: Scott P. Crossman
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Publication number: 20130305472Abstract: An oral car implement (100) having a decorative member (150) recessed in a handle (120) of the oral care implement and having at least a portion thereof exposed via an aperture (140), and a method of forming the same. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement (120) comprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis and a head (110) connected to the handle; the handle comprising a first transverse section (122) and a second transverse section (121), the first transverse section coupled to the second transverse section; a decorative member disposed between the first transverse section and the second transverse section; and an aperture extending through the first transverse section that exposes at least a portion of the decorative member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
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Patent number: 8584301Abstract: A dental device including an elongated handle and a tip portion formed at a distal end of the handle and tapering to a tip end. A plurality of bristles is integrally molded with the tip end from a flexible polymer material.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Denbur, Inc.Inventor: Fari Maissami
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Patent number: 8585411Abstract: A toothbrushing monitoring device for a user includes a sensor coupled with the toothbrush for measuring toothbrushing patterns, a recording device coupled with the sensor, and a comparator. The recording device records data relating to the user's preferred toothbrushing patterns in a first mode, which is used to establish toothbrushing pattern reference data. The comparator compares toothbrushing patterns measured by the sensor and the toothbrushing pattern reference data, which may be output to an output device. In one example, the sensor consists of only an accelerometer.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Brushgate OyInventors: Juha-Pekka Puurunen, Ari Visa, Jussi Collin, Jouni Kantola, Ivan Avdouevski, Ulf Meriheina, Teijo Viljanen
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Patent number: 8578539Abstract: The dental cleaning appliance includes an appliance body (30, 73) which has a bristle field housing (32, 52) and fluid within the housing. A flexible membrane (34) is positioned within the housing, or in a fluid-tight relationship (54) within an opening (60) in the housing. A fluid pressure system involving either a dual piston system (22, 24, 28) or a pump and valve system (70, 68, 68) provides pressure on the fluid, wherein the pistons move alternately, or the valves open and close alternately, in such a manner to produce alternating pressure above and beneath the membrane, moving the membrane and the bristle field toward and away from the teeth.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Hendrik Richard Jousma, Johannes Hotze Bernhard De Vries
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Patent number: 8578544Abstract: An oral hygiene implement includes a cleaning element carrier and a body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. The cleaning element carrier has a first area and a second area wherein the second area is disposed inboard of the first area. The first area is attached to the body while the second area is unattached to the body. A bending element is disposed between the first area and the second area, thereby allowing the second area to bend/flex while the first area stays fixed to the body.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: William Ralph Brown, Jr., Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, Soeren Jan Wasow, Steffi Raehse, Tilmann Winkler
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Patent number: 8578546Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Kenneth Waguespack, Robert Moskovich, Bruce M. Russell, Douglas Hohlbein
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Publication number: 20130291326Abstract: A toothbrush comprising a tapered bristle having a cross-sectional profile with a major axis and a minor axis. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head; a handle; and at least one tapered bristle extending from a face of the head, the tapered bristle having a longitudinal axis and a transverse cross-sectional profile having a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis being longer than the minor axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Thomas Mintel, Douglas Hohlbein
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Publication number: 20130291320Abstract: The brush according to the invention has a bristle carrier, which is produced by injection moulding, and bristles, which are produced from a bristle material likewise by injection moulding. The bristle carrier is provided with at least one distributing channel for the bristle material. The bristles are formed integrally with the bristle material in the distribution channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: TRISA HOLDING AGInventors: Roger Kirchhofer, Peter Zurfluh, Michael Schar
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Patent number: 8572790Abstract: One embodiment of an actuator system for a power dental cleaning appliance to produce a tapping motion of bristle tufts in a dental cleaning appliance includes a plurality of piston elements (16) mounted in a brushhead for movement away from and then toward the brushhead (12). Bristle tufts (20) are positioned on the piston elements and move sequentially against and away from the teeth to produce a cleaning action. A low frequency fluid pressure action (40) in the range of 1-6 Hz maintains conformity of the bristle tufts in a low frequency sequence against the teeth, while a higher frequency fluid pressure action (42) in the range of 100-300 Hz moves the bristle tufts at that frequency to produce a tapping bristle action on the teeth to produce cleaning. In another embodiment, an actuation system includes an elongated actuator member (52) made of elastic material which expands and contracts about its longitudinal axis at a selected frequency by fluid pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Hendrik Richard Jousma, Michiel Allan Schallig, Willem Sjoerd Dijkstra
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Patent number: 8572794Abstract: An oral-care brushing implement having a circumferential bristle arrangement secured to a cushioned surface head with an annular guard to facilitate effective, efficient, and safe use by a user with impaired dexterity and/or skill, and an ornamental appearance to incentivize use by the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Dilcia Yamileth Pate
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Publication number: 20130283555Abstract: This application relates to electric toothbrushes and in particular to a brush section for an electric toothbrush. The brush section may include static contact elements and movable contact elements to perform a cleaning operation. A head portion of the brush section is resistant to fractures or other material damage which might result from impacts, such as for example caused by dropping the toothbrush. It is structured to transmit forces from the impact away from an interior region of the head portion, to pass through the side portions of the head portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: Braun GmbHInventor: Braun GmbH
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Patent number: 8567000Abstract: An interdental brush of the present invention includes bristles (11), a wire (12) twisted with the bristles (11), and a handle (20) attached to the wire (12). The handle (20) includes a main body (21). The main body (21) is formed with a longitudinal hole (41) through which a base part of the wire (12) extends, a space section (42) connecting to the longitudinal hole (41), and extending through the main body (21) in a lateral direction, and a tubular wire detachment preventing portion (50) extending from a peripheral portion of an opening of the longitudinal hole (41) at an inner wall surface of the space section (42) into the space section (42). The wire detachment preventing portion (50) is curved together with the wire (12) with a tip portion of the base part of the wire (12) being inserted therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha UFC SupplyInventor: Yosuke Kubo
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Patent number: 8561248Abstract: The flexible, ergonomic toothbrush with replaceable bristles has a handle, a bristle block having bristles extending therefrom, and a brush head frame configured to removably receive the bristle block. The brush head frame has a pair of parallel prongs that define a recess and that slidably engage opposite sides of the bristle block so that the bristle block can be selectively disposed in first and second operative positions in the recess, the bristles extending in opposite directions in the operative positions. A neck interconnects the handle and the brush head frame, the neck being flexible relative to the handle.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: King Saud UniversityInventor: Fahad Ibrahim Fatiny
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Patent number: 8561249Abstract: A multi-head toothbrush assembly includes a housing that is elongated and has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall. The first end comprises an exit door. Each of a plurality of spaced sets of bristles is attached to and extends upwardly from a top side of an elongated panel. A plurality of panel sections is defined between adjacent ones of the sets. Each of the panel sections and an adjacent set defines a head. A frangible area in the panel is formed at junctures of each of the heads to facilitate breaking the heads off from one another. The panel is slidable outwardly through the first end to expose the heads and allow the heads to be used for brushing teeth. The heads are broken off of the panel to allow a next one of the heads to be used.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventors: Alevtina Malakova, Boris Fuzaylov
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Patent number: 8561244Abstract: A toothbrush can include a handle and a head. At least one bristle can be attached to the head. The toothbrush can also have an illumination member, an illumination circuit and an activation device. A pliant base on the handle can be used to activate the activation device to initiate the illumination circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Children Oral Care, LLCInventor: Puneet Nanda
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Patent number: 8561247Abstract: An oral care implement and method for forming the same is provided. The oral care implement comprises a handle and a head having a base structure. A unitary assembly comprising a top portion of a first pod, a top portion of a second pod, a third pod comprising a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the third pod, and at least one suspension member is formed. The unitary assembly is subsequently attached to the base structure of the handle to form the first pod extending from a first face of the base structure and the second pod extending from the first face of the base structure. The third pod is disposed between and supported above the first face by the first and second pods by the at least one suspension member so that a gap exists between a bottom surface of the third pod and the first face of the base structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Robert Moskovich, Kenneth Waguespack, Bruce M. Russell
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Publication number: 20130269133Abstract: An encapsulated oral care composition includes: (a) a gelatin capsule; and (b) a oral care composition contained within the capsule, and including: (i) a hydrophilic active; (ii) a hydrophobic structuring agent; and (iii) an oil carrier. The hydrophilic active is preferably cetylpyridinium chloride. The hydrophobic structuring agent is preferably a gelled mineral oil. The oil carrier is preferably a vegetable oil. A method of cleaning teeth includes applying to the teeth the encapsulated oral care composition such that the capsule releases the oral care composition to clean the teeth. A oral care implement includes: a handle; a head mounted to the handle, the head having an outer surface and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly from the outer surface; and the encapsulated oral care composition positioned on the head.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Dennis Kembero Ontumi, Thomas James Boyd, Suman Kumar Chopra, James Richard Brown
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Publication number: 20130269132Abstract: A oral care composition includes: (a) a guanidine active; (b) a film-forming polymer; (c) a hydrophobic viscosity modifier in an amount sufficient to provide the oral care composition with a particle settling time greater than 20 minutes; and (d) an oil carrier. The guanidine active is preferably L-arginine. The film-forming polymer is preferably GANTREZ. The hydrophobic viscosity modifier is preferably a gelled mineral oil. The oil carrier is preferably a vegetable oil. A method of cleaning teeth includes applying to the teeth the oral care composition such that the oral care composition cleans the teeth. A oral care implement includes: a handle; a head mounted to the handle, the head having an outer surface and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly from the outer surface; and a gelatin capsule containing the oral care composition positioned on the head.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Dennis Kembero Ontumi, Sarita Vera Mello, Suman Kumar Chopra, James Richard Brown, Thomas James Boyd, Rahul Patel
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Publication number: 20130263397Abstract: An oral care implement (210) includes a handle (214) and a head (212) mounted to one end of the handle (214) that includes a first face (237) having plurality of tooth cleaning elements (226) extending therefrom, a second face (247) and a store of oral care material (232). A soft tissue cleaner (241) can be included on the second face (247). Oral care material can be provided simultaneously to the first (237) and second faces (247) during use from the store of oral care material (232). The oral care implement can include a plurality of oral care material stores (232), which can include different dentifrices. A store of oral care material (232) can be located within an arrangement of the tooth cleaning elements (226) and can extend through the head (212) to an arrangement of soft tissue cleaning elements (226). The toothbrush (210) can be small in size and lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Douglas Hohlbein, Alan Sorrentino, James Herbert Kemp, Emily Fink
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Publication number: 20130266361Abstract: A disposable toothbrush having a handle connected to a extendable support arm that is connected to a brush head. The brush head has bristles attached thereto and a delivery port formed within the brush head between an underside of the brush head and a top of the brush head adjacent a cavity holding the toothpaste gel. This toothpaste gel sitting atop a concavity on top of the brush head. A thin deformable plastic cap is attached to the brush head such that it surrounds the toothpaste gel. Further, the handle is hollow and permits the insertion of the support arm therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventor: Jeffrey A. Gilbert
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Patent number: 8549691Abstract: An oral care implement having a multi-component handle, and method of manufacturing the same. The invention can be an oral care implement having a handle which comprises at least four components constructed of different materials. The invention may also be an oral care implement having a handle comprising a core structure constructed of a first rigid material and an elongated handle body constructed of a second rigid material, the core structure disposed within a through slot of the elongated handle body; and a grip cover constructed of a resilient material that covers a front surface, a rear surface and a proximal end surface of the elongated handle body. The grip cover may be used to conceal through-holes in the elongated handle body that result from supporting the core structure during the injection molding of the elongated handle body about the core structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Robert Moskovich, Marco Bohner, Michael Rooney, Eduardo Jimenez
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Patent number: 8549693Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Gruber, LLCInventors: Jack Gruber, Edward Kozloski
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Patent number: 8550736Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a releasable material (e.g., an oral medicament) and a tissue cleaner for cleaning the soft tissues and removing odor-causing bacteria from the mouth. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed on the surface of the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed behind the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is incorporated in the composition of the tissue cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Chi Shing Wong
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Publication number: 20130255017Abstract: An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The tooth cleaning elements preferably include an elastomeric scrubbing element having a base portion and a tooth engaging portion comprising a plurality of cleansing members circumferentially spaced apart on the base portion. In one embodiment, the base portion has a circumferentially continuous sidewall to stiffen the scrubbing element. The cleansing members project outwards and preferably upwards from the base portion in one embodiment to collectively define a central cavity for retaining dentifrice. Embodiments of the oral care implement may include a circular bristle field arranged circumferentially around and associated with the scrubbing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: COCGATE PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventor: David Lee
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Publication number: 20130255014Abstract: The brushhead (24) is part of a power toothbrush (10) which includes a handle portion (12) with a drive shaft (14) having a wedge-shaped free end (40) and a circumferential recess (36) in the external surface (35) adapted to receive a portion of a helical spring Member (32). The brushhead includes a hollow neck portion (28) to receive the drive shaft. The hollow part of the neck portion includes a circumferential recess (38) in its interior surface (37) which is in registry with the recess on the drive shaft when the brushhead is operatively positioned on the handle, wherein the hollow portion includes a wedge-shaped recess (44) at the distal end thereof which receives in a mating relationship the wedge-shaped end of the drive shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Tyler G. Kloster
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Publication number: 20130255021Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Wen Jin Xi, Liu Yu, Jian Rong Zhou
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Publication number: 20130255020Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventors: Wen Jin Xi, Liu Yu, Jian Rong Zhou
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Publication number: 20130252206Abstract: An oral care kit comprising an oral care implement and a dispenser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care kit comprising at least one toothbrush and a dispenser. The dispenser (300) comprises a housing (309) having an internal chamber (321) containing a plurality of capsules (310) containing an oral care material; a dispensing conduit (322) extending from the internal chamber to an exterior of the dispenser; a valve (325) positioned in the dispensing conduit and biased into a sealed state that prevents moisture from entering the internal chamber; and a dispensing subassembly (302, 315, 316, 317) configured to dispense one of the capsules from the internal chamber through the valve. The valve is forced into an open state that allows the one capsule to pass therethrough when the one capsule is subjected to a dispensing force imparted by the dispensing subassembly and automatically returns to the sealed state after the one capsule passes therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLOVE COMPANYInventor: David K. Lee
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Publication number: 20130247315Abstract: An oral care toothbrush includes a head mounted to one end of the handle containing a plurality of oral care elements. An oral care accessory is mounted to the opposite end of the handle. An oral care material dispenser is mounted in the head within the cleaning field defined by the oral care elements. The toothbrush is preferably made of small size and of lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
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Publication number: 20130248388Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2011Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo Jimenez, David K. Lee, Quang Nguyen
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Publication number: 20130247321Abstract: A device for brushing teeth comprising a head having a plurality of bristles, a handle constructed and arranged for holding and manipulating the device, and a flexible neck coupled between said head and said handle, wherein the flexible neck bends relative to the handle when an external pressure greater than a maximum predetermined pressure is exerted against the head, to prevent more than a maximum predetermined pressure from being exerted against teeth by the head of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventor: Gary Steven Sichau
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Patent number: 8539632Abstract: A toothbrush with a cleaning zone with bristles, and with a deformable element by which the cleaning zone can be adapted to the shape of the tooth surface by the cleaning force, where the deformable element comprises flexible wings tapering in a wedge shape toward the cleaning zone and with guide elements between them, at least one of the wings and/or guide element is made of a compressible elastic material.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co KGInventor: Hans Kraemer