Concurrently Brushes Plural Tooth Surfaces Patents (Class 15/167.2)
  • Patent number: 11213118
    Abstract: A toothbrush device comprises a cleaner body that defines a cleaning cavity configured for receiving a set of teeth of a user. A powered driving mechanism is coupled to the cleaner body and is configured to impart driven movement to the cleaner body, thereby to effect cleaning of a set of teeth engaged with the cleaning cavity. The cleaner body can be uniquely customized for a specific user, the cleaning cavity being substantially complementary in shape only to the corresponding set of teeth of the specific user. Cleaning elements can be arranged non-uniformly in the cleaning cavity to define focus areas corresponding to identified dental problem areas unique to the specific user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: ZeroBrush, Inc.
    Inventor: Nidhi Pai
  • Patent number: 11191348
    Abstract: Assisted dental cleaning device which allows brushing of both sides of the teeth and both arches simultaneously, in an assisted manner for all those unable to do it for themselves, not only due to age, but also due to disability or lack of motor skills, so that brushing is done by another person ensuring proper brushing all of the teeth of the person who is unable to do it for themselves. The device also allows for self-brushing where a reduction of cleaning time and an easier and more convenient brushing process of the two dental arches is sought. This is a device with specific application for the brushing of teeth for children, elderly or handicapped with disabilities or lack of upper extremities. It is also very useful for cleaning animals and pets' teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: ZIZ DENTAL CARE, S.L.
    Inventor: María Belén Agudo Crespo
  • Patent number: 11185153
    Abstract: An apparatus for the interdiction of periodontal disease comprising a device the size of a US quarter coin capable of being chewed by a user, and which is configured with finger protrusions having fabricated blade ends capable of removing plaque from the teeth surface and disrupting plaque accumulated in the gingivae pockets of the teeth. The device of the apparatus is additionally configured with re-fillable inserts holding hygienic formulations to limit bacterial growth and flush plaque debris out of the gingivae pockets of the teeth. Some embodiments of the device of the apparatus are wholly digestible. The device of the apparatus is portable and comes in a plurality of embodiments in different shapes, all having the basic functionality of, self-treating periodontal disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 11179230
    Abstract: A device for cleansing the teeth is provided. The device that improves the ability of the user to quickly, efficiently and thoroughly floss all interproximal spaces at once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz University
    Inventors: Maha Ahmed Salim Bahammam, Seba Abdulqader Salem Alhebshi
  • Patent number: 11172755
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to oral care mouthpieces and methods of forming oral care mouthpieces. A disclosed oral care mouthpiece includes a base shaped to a dental arch. The base elastically deforms in response to pressure variations in the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece also includes a set of one or more supports attached to the base and placed to allow the base to elastically deform in response to the pressure variations in the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece also includes a set of oral care elements attached to the set of one or more supports and placed to transmit pressure to the dental arch when the base elastically deforms in response to the pressure variations in the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Willo 32 SAS
    Inventor: Antoine Michel Jean Bodin
  • Patent number: 11064786
    Abstract: A device for applying a liquid or pulverulent medium is provided. The device includes an application element that has a flexible width and that is attached between two support elements and includes at least one lateral delimiting element for the purposes of a controlled and fast application of this liquid or pulverulent medium. A kit that includes the device and a media container is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas-Maximilian Böhm
  • Patent number: 11020209
    Abstract: A teeth cleaning travel kit includes toothbrushing mouthpiece that has two inverted channels dimensioned to receive upper and lower bites of dental arches of a user, the channels being integral with one another. Teeth-cleaning bristles inwardly project within the two inverted channels to bear inwardly against teeth and gums of the user, wherein the channels and teeth-cleaning bristles are configured such that mastication produces relative brushing movement of the teeth-cleaning bristles over the teeth and gums. An oral hygiene promoting product is attached to one of the two inverted channels and the teeth-cleaning bristles that is released by action of the user's mouth. The teeth cleaning travel kit also includes a vessel that contains a rinsing fluid and kit packaging that contains the toothbrushing mouthpiece and vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Brush LLC
    Inventor: Brenda Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 10966804
    Abstract: A connecting element, a base unit and a cleaning head for use in an oral care appliance are disclosed. The connecting element is configured to engage operatively with the cleaning head and the base unit to form a first connection and a second connection respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Willo 32 SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Raphaël Ouin, Alexandre Georges Gabriel Laurent
  • Patent number: 10888153
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to oral care mouthpieces and methods of forming oral care mouthpieces. A disclosed oral care mouthpiece includes a base shaped to a dental arch. The base elastically deforms in response to pressure variations in the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece also includes a set of one or more supports attached to the base and placed to allow the base to elastically deform in response to the pressure variations in the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece also includes a set of oral care elements attached to the set of one or more supports and placed to transmit pressure to the dental arch when the base elastically deforms in response to the pressure variations in the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Willo 32 SAS
    Inventor: Antoine Michel Jean Bodin
  • Patent number: 10869541
    Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for customizing dental care. In one aspect, a dental care device is customized for a particular user, including: (1) a support plate having: (a) a first portion configured to be inserted into a mouth; and (b) an attachment mechanism configured to attach the dental care device to a drive assembly; and (2) an elastomer (elastic polymer) portion enclosing the first portion of the plate, the elastomer portion including a plurality of cleaning tips and shaped in accordance with dental details of the particular user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: ZeroBrush, Inc.
    Inventors: Nidhi Pai, Akash Pai, Scott C. Thielman, Juan F. Sadder, Richard K. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10667890
    Abstract: A teeth cleaning device for simultaneously cleaning multiple teeth, of a user includes a mouth insert for inserting into the mouth of the user, a plurality of cleaning structures attached to the mouth insert or integrally formed together with the mouth insert, a coupling element attached to the mouth insert; and a drive device. The drive device includes a vibration motor, which can be connected to the coupling element such that the vibration motor vibrates the mouth insert during the operation of the teeth cleaning device, and a cleaning program selection element for selecting a cleaning program that defines a vibration frequency of the vibration motor within a specified frequency range and/or a vibration amplitude of the vibration motor within a specified amplitude range. The disclosure further relates to a method for producing such a teeth cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: BLBR GMBH
    Inventors: Ernst Martin Wilhelm Pitzer, Michael Erich Keiner
  • Patent number: 10653234
    Abstract: A brush apparatus has a handle, a first brush, a second brush and a third brush. The handle is located in between the first brush and the second brush, the handle is located in between the first brush and the third brush, the second brush and the third brush are located adjacent to each other, each of the first brush, the second brush and the third brush is laterally connected with the handle, the first brush has a plurality of first bristles, the plurality of first bristles are distributed in a hexagonal array, the second brush has a plurality of second bristles, the plurality of second bristles are distributed in a partial-radial array, the third brush has a plurality of third bristles, and the plurality of third bristles are distributed in a linear array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventors: Crystal N Cordero, Mario A Garcia
  • Patent number: 10595627
    Abstract: An oral care appliance for cleaning teeth of a user and a method of adapting a brushing cycle of the oral care appliance are disclosed. Specific embodiments disclosed herein adapt the at least one brushing cycle based on a variety of factors, either alone or in combination, such as the time elapsed since a last brushing event and the identity of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Willo 32 SAS
    Inventors: Alexandre Georges Gabriel Laurent, Hugo De Gentile, Jil Abed Michel Chabaro
  • Patent number: 10575932
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an oral care appliance and a method for use in oral care for cleaning the teeth of one or two arches using a mouthpiece forming a closed or nearly closed cavity. The mouthpiece is adapted to deform in response to pressure variations inside the cavity and create an action on the teeth. This disclosure includes a description of depression chambers and associated methods that can contribute to the operation of the oral care appliance by affecting the aforementioned pressure variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Willo 32 SAS
    Inventor: David Aurélien Barlet
  • Patent number: 10548698
    Abstract: A teeth cleaning travel kit includes toothbrushing mouthpiece that has two inverted channels dimensioned to receive upper and lower bites of dental arches of a user, the channels being integral with one another. Teeth-cleaning bristles inwardly project within the two inverted channels to bear inwardly against teeth and gums of the user, wherein the channels and teeth-cleaning bristles are configured such that mastication produces relative brushing movement of the teeth-cleaning bristles over the teeth and gums. An oral hygiene promoting product is attached to one of the two inverted channels and the teeth-cleaning bristles that is released by action of the user's mouth. The teeth cleaning travel kit also includes a vessel that contains a rinsing fluid and kit packaging that contains the toothbrushing mouthpiece and vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Brush LLC
    Inventor: Brenda Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 10307234
    Abstract: Method of treating oral subgingival biofilms having obligate anaerobes, facultative anaerobes, aerobic bacteria and other micro-organisms (collectively oral pathogens) associated with certain systemic diseases present within a subgingival biofilm having proteins and amino acids, the steps including providing a periodontal medicament delivery tray having a seal against a patient's adjacent gums containing the oral biofilms with the systemic disease, said seal formed so as to have no contact with teeth, applying to the gingival tissue (sulcus or periodontal pocket) a biofilm penetrating antimicrobial agent, removing the imbedded oral pathogens from the gingival tissue following at least one applying of the antimicrobial agent to the gingival tissue; repeatedly administering colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel to the gingival tissue following the removing; and following each administering cleaning the gingival tissue with a cleaning agent directly following the administering of the colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel fo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Duane C. Keller
  • Patent number: 10123610
    Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a head including a plurality of cleaning elements attached to the head, a handle, a neck extending between the head and the handle, a motor unit including a motor and a manual winder for manually energizing the motor, and a force sensor configured to detect a user-applied force exceeding a predetermined threshold force, wherein the force sensor causes the toothbrush to produce at least one of an audible signal and a tactile signal when the user-applied force exceeds a predetermined threshold force. An audible signal and a tactile signal may comprise, respectively, muting of the motor and interruption of vibration of the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: THE GILLETTE COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Franz Doll, Stefan Hubert, Florian Kiener, Karin Lutz, Robert Schuetz
  • Patent number: 10076306
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a handle and a brush head attached to one end of the handle. The brush head includes a bristle unit and an ultrasound sensor. The bristle unit cleans teeth and the ultrasound sensor acquires ultrasound data of the teeth. A portable tooth decay detection device includes a handle and an ultrasound sensor attached to one end of the handle. The ultrasound sensor emits and receives ultrasound signal at a frequency of higher than 20 KHz and acquires ultrasound data of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Ning Chen
  • Patent number: 9974417
    Abstract: A device for aiding in bathing having a first sponge cleaning material and a second bristle cleaning material. The first sponge cleaning material is disposed on an exterior side of a first arm, and the second bristle cleaning material is disposed on an exterior side of a second arm. The first arm and second arm are connected to a handle at a common point, forming a Y shape. The first arm and second arm have flexural strengths less than that of the handle, providing a flexible structure that conforms to a user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Rodney Harris
  • Patent number: 9937027
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprises a toothbrush handle (1), a toothbrush rod (2) and a toothbrush head. The toothbrush head comprises a left-rotating hairbrush and a right-rotating hairbrush (3, 3?), which are oppositely and rotatably fixed on a toothbrush shaft (4). The right end of the toothbrush shall (4) is arranged in a shaft hole at the upper end of the toothbrush rod (2) and is axially positioned on the shaft hole through the right-rotating hairbrush (3?) and a shaft cap arranged at the right end of the toothbrush shaft (4); and the bristles of each of the left-rotating hairbrush and the right-rotating hairbrush (3, 3?) comprise an inner ring of bristles and an outer ring of bristles (6, 6?, 7, 7?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: HANGZHOU NEWLY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaoping Xu, Shiwei Shen
  • Patent number: 9744011
    Abstract: A dental cleaning system includes a cylindrical body with a first portion and a second portion. A cleaning portion is positioned within the second portion and includes a cavity to enable the cleaning portion to at least partially enclose a dental implant device. The cylindrical body rotates such that the cleaning portion therein rotates to clean at least a portion of the dental implant device. A projection extends outwardly from a surface of the cleaning portion such that the projection is positioned within the cavity. The projection removes debris from at least a portion of the dental implant device when the cylindrical body rotates. A plurality of cleaning protrusions extend outwardly from a sidewall of the cavity such that the cleaning protrusions at least partially circumscribe the projection. The cleaning protrusions remove the debris from at least a portion of the dental implant device when the cylindrical body rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Mark Montana
  • Patent number: 9648942
    Abstract: An improved toothbrush is provided. The improved toothbrush includes first and second flexible anchor portions; a plurality of bristles coupled to each of the first and second flexible anchor portions; and a soft pivot bar operably coupled to the flexible anchor portions. A chewing force applied to the pivot bar causes the pivot bar and the first and second flexible anchor portions to compress against a tooth surface to cause a cleaning action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Richard Nadeau
  • Patent number: 9609939
    Abstract: The double action push broom of the present invention includes a dynamic double action dual brush head and a broom handle. The dynamic double action dual brush head includes two brush heads rotatably attached to a brush head base, allowing the brush heads to independently rotate about the axis in which it is rotatably attached to the brush head base. A mechanical device capable of storing and releasing energy is connected between the two brush heads, which is rigidly attached to the brush head base. The double action push broom stores kinetic energy in the form of potential energy in the mechanical energy storage device of the dynamic double action dual brush head during the sweeping stroke of the double action push broom. At the end of the sweeping stroke, the stored potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and rotates the dual brush, thereby providing an additional sweeping motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Salvador Alvarez
  • Patent number: 9532641
    Abstract: An L-shaped toothbrush comprises a head having a top surface and a bottom surface, a horizontal length of the head being larger than a vertical length of the head, a lower brush formed in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the head, a handle connected to a side surface of a middle portion of the head, bent in an L shape, and extending from the head, the handle integrally formed with the bead, and an upper brush formed on the top surface of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Il Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 9427072
    Abstract: An applicator system for applying a product includes a handle (e.g., housing) and at least a first applicator and a second applicator. A mechanism, such as a pivot mechanism or a slide mechanism, enables the first applicator and the second applicator to be placed in at least two different positions. In a first position, the first applicator may be aligned with (e.g., adjacent to) the second applicator to define a continuous applicator perimeter that is longer than either the perimeter of the first applicator or the perimeter of the second applicator. In a second position, the first applicator may be positioned at an opposite end of the split-tip applicator relative to the second applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: HCT Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Cindy Sean Yuei Lim
  • Patent number: 9204713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Kevin A. Miller
  • Patent number: 9066580
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toothbrush comprising tufts, bundles, skeins or groups of bent or angled bristles, which may be interspersed with tufts, bundles, skeins or groups of conventional straight bristles in different arrangements in a base area of the head of a toothbrush, which makes the brushing planes or bristle surfaces can be modified, presenting more than one brushing plane or bristle surface, that is, the present invention has bristles bent or angled at their ends, providing other bristle surfaces that allow the brushing of surfaces perpendicular to the bristle insertion plane in the base area of the toothbrush head. This invention allows the brushing of teeth, gums and mucous membranes simultaneously to the brushing of orthodontic appliances, prostheses or implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Marichi Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9038229
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Moskovich, Joachim Storz, Tanja Langgner, Thomas Kuchler
  • Publication number: 20150128367
    Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a first and a second part. The first part has a carrier plate having a back side and a front side opposite the back side, and at least one cleaning element extending from the front side. The second part has a support plate and at least a portion of a neck, the support plate having a front side and a back side opposite the front side. The back side of the carrier plate is secured to the front side of the support plate by means of a plastic material molded around at least a portion of the back side of the support plate and over at least a portion of the carrier plate to provide a non-detachable connection between the first and the second part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Uwe JUNGNICKEL, Benedikt HEIL
  • Patent number: 8997298
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of using and making apparatuses that may clean concave and convex surfaces are discussed. The apparatus may be capable of substantially contacting and cleaning concave, convex, planar, and non-planar surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Harry Krasnick
  • Patent number: 8997761
    Abstract: A disposable mini-toothbrush comprises a brush and flosser head positioned at a first and second end of a handle portion. The brush head is comprised of a plurality of bristles that extend in opposite directions from a bristle supporting element. The plurality of bristles which extend in opposite directions facilitate cleaning of the upper and lower teeth without having to readjust grip by a user. The mini-toothbrush also comprises a first and second flat grip element to facilitate manipulation of the brush and flosser head while using only a thumb and at least one finger by the user. In its preferred embodiment, the plurality of bristles will be coated with dentifrice for cleaning is of the user's teeth and gums. A thin plastic cover surrounds and seals the toothbrush and provides a seal which maintains sterility during shipping and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Dean MacCauther Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8979410
    Abstract: The toothbrush has a base support structure shaped like a nipple, with brush bristles extending from the nipple. A flexible bulb containing liquid is secured to the support structure with a passageway in the support structure leading to holes exiting in the brush. The brush is used to brush the teeth of the infant, and liquid is squeezed from the bulb to rinse the infant's teeth and mouth when cleansing is complete. Preferably, the brush bristles extend most or all of the way around the nipple to facilitate brushing. A valve operates to prevent the flow of liquid from the bulb until squeezed by the infant's caregiver, thus minimizing leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Priscilla Johanna Massimi
  • Patent number: 8978189
    Abstract: The inventive device object of the present application is an innovative automatic toothbrush that fits like a mouth guard between the user's top and bottom teeth. Moving bristles will clean all around each tooth at the same time, so teeth can be cleaned well and in less time than using a conventional toothbrush. Omnibrush is a revolutionary new way to have enhanced dental care. It fits around the top and bottom teeth like a mouth guard. There are bristles for the outside, the inside and the tops and bottoms of each individual tooth. While positioned comfortably within the mouth, the bristles will work automatically to clean every tooth thoroughly. The unit is electrically powered, using a charger or rechargeable batteries. The cleaning bristles can be replaced when they become worn, eliminating the need to replace the whole cleaning unit. It will be available in a small size so children can use it as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Curtis Bernard Sexton
  • Patent number: 8938841
    Abstract: A tooth brushing system for effectively removing debris and bacteria has an elongated linear handle with a conical flossing brush pivotally located on a handle second end. The system has a tooth brush head with a generally spherical surface with a brush head first side and a brush head second side each having a pair of angular notches and an angular secondary projection linearly located from the brush head top side to the brush head bottom side. A plurality of bristles of a first length is located on a tooth brush head spherical surface. A plurality of bristles of a second length, smaller than the first length, is located on the surfaces of the angular notches, and the angular secondary projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Jose A. Ramirez
  • Publication number: 20140259488
    Abstract: Full mouth toothbrush, just need to chew to get gingival massage and plaque removal for: disabled, challenged, and elderly. Using a skeletal structure: extending “ribs” or “dental impression tray” with bristles properly placed which will allow spacing for cleaning and drying device, while providing bristles to brush teeth and gums of both arches at once. Bristles proper length and angle to ADA specifications. Fluoride mouthwash can be used in place of toothpaste for bedridden. This item will be able to be washed in a dishwasher, in three sizes, large, medium, small, This product can be made disposable, single arch design, disposable or reusable, with a handle, and in multiple colors/combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Audrey Rosenberg, Naomi R. Hersh
  • Patent number: 8745802
    Abstract: The mouthpiece carrier assembly (12) is adapted and configured to receive the upper and lower teeth of the user. The mouthpiece carrier assembly is driven such that the bristles mounted on the teeth-facing surfaces of the mouthpiece assembly contact said surfaces and provide a cleaning effect therefor. A plurality of bristle sections (30, 32, 34, 41, 44) are secured to the teeth-facing portions of the mouthpiece assembly, wherein the bristle sections each have bristles which have a particular configuration and are otherwise adapted to provide effective cleaning for an associated dental region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Jelte Steur
  • Patent number: 8695148
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a head mounted to the handle. The head may generally include a membrane attached to it and configured for attachment to a cleaning element. The membrane may be generally dome shaped and may be resiliently flexible when a brushing force is applied. A plurality of cleaning elements is mounted to the membrane. The cleaning elements may be attached using anchor free tufting. In addition, the cleaning elements may be sufficiently spaced so as to allow separation of the melted portion of the cleaning elements. In another arrangement, the head may also include walls or dams positioned between the cleaning elements. The walls prevent the melted portion of the cleaning elements from merging with the melted portion of another cleaning element. This isolation of the molten nylon allows the cleaning elements to move independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Bruce M. Russell, Robert A. Moskovich, Kenneth Waguespack, Michael Charles Rooney
  • Patent number: 8677541
    Abstract: An oral care implement may include a base portion sized for insertion into an oral cavity and a plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements extending from the base portion, wherein each of the plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements comprises an edge, wherein at least one of the edges comprises a micro edge, and wherein the plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements comprises an element density of less than about 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Meadows, Jose Tadeo Vergara de Castro, Mark Edward Farrell, William Ralph Brown, Jr., Eric V. Borges, Long Sheng Yu
  • Publication number: 20140075698
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dental hygiene apparatus comprising an interdental brush applicator and interdental stimulator that is flexible to allow users to clean in between their teeth effectively. Users can adjust the angle of the interdental brush applicator and stimulator into a configuration that best suits their particular needs. When flex adjusted, the applicator is able to hold its new configuration while maintaining sufficient strength to allow the user to comfortably maneuver the apparatus to properly clean in between the teeth or stimulate the gums. Furthermore, the apparatus is disposable, rendering it convenient to use after a meal when the user is away from a private bathroom setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Wai-Kuen LUI, William Wai-Shing LUI
  • Publication number: 20130333134
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tooth cleaning implement having an articulating head region and an ergonomically shaped body region. The head region comprises a horizontal crown hingedly connecting to first and second perpendicular side portions to form a U-shape. Inwardly directed bristles from the crown and side portions create an encompassing brush head adapted to contact the occlusal, buccal and lingual surfaces of a tooth and gum line therebelow for cleaning and removing debris. Along the outer surface of the crown portion is an area of upstanding bristles for cleaning teeth opposing those within the interior of the head region. The body region comprises an ergonomic shape for easily handling while brushing, wherein the body comprises a multi-material construction that provides both a cushioned feel and stable handling. The body region further comprises upstanding palm grips, a thumb grip area, and a flexible distal end to allow flexing of the toothbrush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Buta Herr, Avtar Herr
  • Patent number: 8550736
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a releasable material (e.g., an oral medicament) and a tissue cleaner for cleaning the soft tissues and removing odor-causing bacteria from the mouth. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed on the surface of the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed behind the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is incorporated in the composition of the tissue cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Chi Shing Wong
  • Publication number: 20130220357
    Abstract: An assembly and method for brushing a person's teeth is provided whereby the assembly has a unitary main body having an interior cavity accessible from one side of said assembly, a plurality of tooth brushing bristles, a tab support, and a movement tab, wherein said main body is constructed and arranged to be congruent with the general u-shaped profile of human teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Diane Campbell
  • Patent number: 8505148
    Abstract: A personal hygiene brush which includes a furcated end comprising cleaning heads from which bristles radiate about the outer perimeter and a non-furcated end including an additional cleaning head from which bristles radiate about the outer perimeter. The personal hygiene brush is capable of cleaning of all types of piercings, intra and extra-orally, as well as dental implants and implant supported prosthesis. The personal hygiene brush enables the user to clean around, under and through their individual ornamental body rings and rods without removing them from the body parts to which they are attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Joshua D. Atkin
  • Patent number: 8448282
    Abstract: The mouthpiece (10) includes receiving portions for receiving teeth from the upper and lower jaws. The teeth receiving portions includes two side portions (26, 28) which are joined by flexible members (32, 34) to a front portion (30). The two side portions move laterally relative to the front portion by the flexible members to accommodate a variety of dental arch configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Bernardus Stapelbroek, Arif Veendijk
  • Patent number: 8434183
    Abstract: A brush section for use with an electric toothbrush includes a movable contact element holder and a fixed contact element holder. The movable contact element holder is driven to move relative to the fixed contact element holder by an electric drive in a handle section which is coupled to the movable contact element holder. The risk of oral mucosa being pinched by the movement is minimized by any one of several methods, such as for example reducing the width of the gap between the two holders, adding a cover member, reducing the movement of the movable contact element holder, and the like. In addition, a low profile brush section is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Fritsch, Ulrich Störkel
  • Publication number: 20130067670
    Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a handle portion and a head portion. The head portion has a base member and first and second lateral walls extending upwardly therefrom to define a space. The base member and first and second lateral walls have bristles arranged thereon extending into the space. At least one, and preferably both, of the first and second lateral walls are pivotable relative to the base member to permit the side walls to move into and out of the space in response to forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Liangco
  • Publication number: 20130055513
    Abstract: An oral care implement may include a base portion sized for insertion into an oral cavity and a plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements extending from the base portion, wherein each of the plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements comprises an edge, wherein at least one of the edges comprises a micro edge, and wherein the plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements comprises an element density of less than about 5 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: The Gillette Company
  • Patent number: 8359692
    Abstract: Powered toothbrush systems that provide improved bristle positioning and bristle contact with tooth surfaces that reduce the time and effort required for effective brushing. Some embodiments use alternating or oscillating pneumatic pressure and suction to move a tooth brush head. Various configuration of the brush head provide different areas of coverage ranging from individual tooth to quarter mouth (U-cross section), to half (U-cross section or H-cross section) or whole mouth (U-cross section or H-cross section) coverage. Some embodiments include flexible fingers and/or bladders to keep the bristle tips properly engaged with the teeth and gums, providing bristle contact over a wide variety of malocclusion. The shape of the brush heads adapts to conform closely to the shape of the user's dental arch and to any malocclusion that may be present. The power toothbrush automatically generates motion of the brush head that simulates the “Modified Bass Method” of brushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Gerald K. Brewer
  • Publication number: 20120321369
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tooth brush implement having an articulating head region and a toothpaste dispensing body region. The head region comprises a horizontal crown hingeably connecting to a first and second perpendicular side portion. Inwardly directed bristles from the crown and side portions create an encompassing brush head adapted to contact the occlusal, buccal and lingual surfaces of a tooth and gum line therebelow for cleaning and removing debris. The body region comprises an internal cavity and drive means for forcing toothpaste from the body and into the head region, wherein the head region further incorporates an internal conduit for communicating the paste onto the bristles. The drive means comprises a rotatable drive screw connected to an end cap, wherein rotation of the cap drives a ram element toward the head portion. An embodiment of the head portion further contemplates a swiveling head for angled brushing of molar surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Buta Herr, Avtar Herr
  • Publication number: 20120255137
    Abstract: This invention is a toothbrush with large bristle surface area, primarily comprising a brush handle and a brush head with large enclosed surface, the brush surface is an all-dimensional contour shape, allowing a simple brushing motion to cover most of the teeth's surface and clean the teeth from left to right, top and bottom, inside and outside, and also at masticatory surfaces all at once, thereby saving time needed to brush teeth and cleaning all surfaces and details of the teeth more thoroughly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Chia-Hsiang Chang