Abstract: An interdental brush has a handle with a helix style shape, as well as sections of long and short bristles to maximize plaque removal. The handle has a first end, a second end and a length between the first and second ends. The handle defines a longitudinal axis extending through the handle along the length. A brush extends from the handle and includes a stem projecting along the longitudinal axis and a set of bristles extending laterally outwardly from the stem. Each of the bristles has a bristle length from the stem to a bristle tip, the bristle tips collectively defining a bristle profile. In one embodiment, the bristle profile alternates along the stem between valley sections of short bristle length and mountain sections of long bristle length. The handle includes a grip portion along the length, and the grip portion is shaped such that it is twisted about the longitudinal axis in the manner of a helix.

Abstract: A replacement head for an electric toothbrush has a simplified drive construction and desired bristle carrier retention. The replacement head includes a neck with a head at one end and a brush shaft disposed within the neck. An eccentric extension extends from the brush shaft parallel with the longitudinal axis and an axial extension extends parallel to the eccentric extension. The eccentric extension engages an angled slot in the bristle carrier to drive the bristle carrier. The brush shaft, including the eccentric extension and the axial extension, may be formed together as a single unitary piece.

Abstract: A container for storing a set of oral care tools in which multiple oral care tools are removably connected to connecting portion. The container includes a first portion that defines a first cavity configured to receive and capture the connecting portion therein and a second portion including first and second side walls defining a second cavity in which the oral care tools are stored. At least one of the first or second side walls can be pivoted to an open position to allow a consumer to access and separate an oral care tool from the connecting portion while the connecting portion is retained within the first cavity.

Abstract: A spring mechanism for an electromagnetic drive unit converts or translates the movement and/or actuation of the electromagnet into a desired movement of the workpiece and enables simple and efficient tuning of the workpiece movement. The spring mechanism includes a housing, a spring connected to the housing, wherein at least a section of the spring is movable with respect to the housing, a drive shaft that includes a first end having a magnet and a second end for attachment to a workpiece, and an adjustable tuning element connecting the drive shaft to the movable portion of the spring. In one embodiment, the spring may be a flat spring, and the movable section may be a positioned between a pair of cutouts defined in the spring. In one embodiment, the adjustable tuning element is connected to the spring such that the adjustable tuning element places the movable portion of the spring under a degree of tension.

Abstract: A spring mechanism for an electromagnetic drive unit converts or translates the movement and/or actuation of the electromagnet into a desired movement of the workpiece and enables simple and efficient tuning of the workpiece movement. The spring mechanism includes a housing, a spring connected to the housing, wherein at least two sections of the spring are movable with respect to the housing, a drive shaft that includes a first end having a magnet and a second end for attachment to a workpiece, and at least two tuning elements connecting the drive shaft to the movable portion of the spring. At least one of the tuning elements is adjustable. In one embodiment, the spring may be a flat spring, and the movable sections may each be positioned between a pair of cutouts defined in the spring.

Abstract: A replacement head for an electric toothbrush has a simplified drive construction and desired bristle carrier retention. The replacement head includes a tubular neck with a head at one end and a brush shaft disposed within the neck. An eccentric extension extends from the brush shaft parallel with the longitudinal axis and an axial extension extends parallel to the eccentric extension. The eccentric extension engages the bristle carrier to drive the bristle carrier. The brush shaft, including the eccentric extension and the axial extension, may be formed together as a single unitary piece. A pin may extend through pin retention openings in the head and a pin slot in the bristle carrier in a direction transverse to both the longitudinal axis and the carrier rotation axis to retain the bristle carrier on the head.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interdental cleaning tool with a plastic handle and a soft pick. The handle is molded from a thermoplastic material and includes a grip portion and an extension portion. The pick is molded from a thermoset material over the extension portion of the handle. The pick tapers to a distal tip for insertion between a user's teeth and has a sidewall including a plurality of nubs extending from the sidewall. A method for manufacturing the tool includes: (a) injection molding a plastic handle from a thermoplastic material, the handle including a grip portion and an extension portion extending from the grip portion; and (b) injection molding a pick from a thermoset material over the extension portion of the plastic handle such that the grip portion of the handle remains exposed. The handle and the pick are molded in the same mold cavity.

Abstract: A replacement head for an electric toothbrush has a simplified drive construction and desired bristle carrier retention. The replacement head includes a tubular neck with a head at one end and a brush shaft disposed within the neck. An eccentric extension extends from the brush shaft parallel with the longitudinal axis and an axial extension extends parallel to the eccentric extension. The eccentric extension engages the bristle carrier to drive the bristle carrier. The brush shaft, including the eccentric extension and the axial extension, may be formed together as a single unitary piece. A pin may extend through pin retention openings in the head and a pin slot in the bristle carrier in a direction transverse to both the longitudinal axis and the carrier rotation axis to retain the bristle carrier on the head.

Abstract: A handle for removably attaching to a moldable orthosis positions the orthosis in boiling water. The handle includes an arm with an oral orthosis engaging member at one end. The engaging member includes one of a tab or slot which removably engages the oral orthosis. In a preferred embodiment, the arm further includes a hook-like member for supporting the oral orthosis on the rim of a container of boiling water during the molding process. In one embodiment, the handle forms the cover of a storage case for the orthosis.

Abstract: An oral care agent delivery device is provided which comprises a permanently deformable backing layer, an anchor layer overtop the backing layer, and an oral care layer overtop the anchor layer. The device is sized to fit over a plurality of teeth in an upper or lower dental arch of a subject. The oral care layer comprises at least one oral care agent and at least one hydrophilic polymer. The oral care layer is in contact with the anchor layer and forms an adhesive bond with the anchor layer; however, the oral care layer is minimally invested in the anchoring layer. When hydrated, the oral care layer has an adhesiveness relative to the surface of a user's teeth that is sufficient to retain the device on the user's teeth when placed thereon. The device can also have an oral care agent which is activated on hydration of the oral care layer, or an oral care layer which releases the oral care agent over time.

Abstract: An oral care agent delivery device is provided which comprises a permanently deformable backing layer, an oral care layer, and a non-woven binding material with a first part that is substantially invested in the oral care layer and a second part that is substantially invested in the backing layer. The device is sized to fit over a plurality of teeth in an upper or lower dental arch of a subject. The oral care layer comprises at least one oral care agent and at least one hydrophilic polymer. When hydrated, the oral care layer has an adhesiveness relative to the surface of a user's teeth that is sufficient to retain the device on the user's teeth when placed thereon. The device can also have an oral care agent which is activated on hydration of the oral care layer, or an oral care layer which releases the oral care agent over time.