Patents by Inventor Daniel W. Volpenhein

Daniel W. Volpenhein has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6178583
    Abstract: A toothbrush which provides superior cleaning as well as gum and inter dental stimulation. The toothbrush has an elongated member extending between two ends. The elongate member has a head at one of its ends. The head has a plurality of tufts comprising a multiplicity of bristles. The tufts have proximal ends attached to the head, distal ends extending outwardly from the head and sides extending between the distal and proximal ends. The distal ends of the tufts are angled downwardly from a peak so that adjacent tufts form a V shaped profile when looking at the side of the tufts. The head further includes a number of additional bristles attached thereto and extending above the peaks of the tufts. Alternatively, the tufts of bristles may include a predetermined number of bristles that are stiffer than the rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Daniel W. Volpenhein
  • Patent number: 5926897
    Abstract: A toothbrush which provides superior cleaning as well as gum and inter dental stimulation. The toothbrush has an elongated member extending between two ends. The elongate member has a head at one of its ends. The head has a plurality of tufts comprising a multiplicity of bristles. The tufts have proximal ends attached to the head, distal ends extending outwardly from the head and sides extending between the distal and proximal ends. The distal ends of the tufts are angled downwardly from a peak so that adjacent tufts form a V shaped profile when looking at the side of the tufts. The head further includes a number of additional bristles attached thereto and extending above the peaks of the tufts. Alternatively, the tufts of bristles may include a predetermined number of bristles that are stiffer than the rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Daniel W. Volpenhein
  • Patent number: 5839148
    Abstract: Disclosed is a toothbrush having an elongated handle having a head at one end and tufts of bristles affixed to the head. The head has a stationary section which contains fixed, stationary tufts of bristles, and a movable section with tufts of bristles affixed thereto. The movable section of the head is movably attached to the stationary section. The movable section may be pivotally or hingedly attached to the stationary section. The present toothbrush provides for the control and cleaning ability of fixed tufts, while also providing for the cleaning efficiency and effectiveness of movable tufts which follow the contour of the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Daniel W. Volpenhein
  • Patent number: 5511275
    Abstract: A toothbrush is provided for achieving improved interproximal cleaning without increasing gum irritation. The bristles of the toothbrush have a generally "V" shaped side profile. In addition, the exposed ends of all of the bristles are properly end rounded. The dimensions and shape of the "V" shape fall within a certain range, as does the stiffness of the bristles. These characteristics allow the bristles to penetrate into the interproximal areas with enough force to effectively clean these areas without causing irritation to the user's gums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Daniel W. Volpenhein, Elizabeth J. Mueller, Thomas J. Hall
  • Patent number: D333216
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Bruns, Lawrence J. Aubert, Paul D. Fuchs, Daniel W. Volpenhein
  • Patent number: D334473
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Daniel W. Volpenhein, Thomas J. Hall
  • Patent number: D335578
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul D. Fuchs, Maia M. Fong, Daniel W. Volpenhein