Abstract: A toothbrush that includes a piezochromic polymer or a proximity dye based polymer effective to emit an optical signal indicative of brushing force.

Abstract: A toothbrush that includes a piezochromic polymer or a proximity dye based polymer effective to emit an optical signal indicative of brushing force.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.

Abstract: A toothbrush whose tufts comprise three distinct groups of rows, with each row oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the head. The tufts of the first group are the shortest. The endmost tufts on each row of the second kind tilt laterally outwardly by about 12 degrees. The tufts of the third group are nearest the end of the head farthest from the handle and diverge from each other. In one embodiment, each tuft of the third kind tilts laterally at an angle of about 30 degrees and forwardly at about 14 degrees. In a first embodiment, each row of the first group comprises a single, wide tuft. In a second embodiment, each row of the first group has a plurality of laterally spaced round tufts. In a third embodiment, each row of the first group comprises a plurality of laterally spaced quadrangular tufts. All of the tufts may also be considered as defining four functional groups of tufts, with each of these four groups performing a specific function during brushing.

Abstract: A toothbrush whose tufts comprise three distinct groups of rows, with each row oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the head. The tufts of the first group are the shortest. The endmost tufts on each row of the second kind tilt laterally outwardly by about 12 degrees. The tufts of the third group are nearest the end of the head farthest from the handle and diverge from each other. In one embodiment, each tuft of the third kind tilts laterally at an angle of about 30 degrees and forwardly at about 14 degrees. In a first embodiment, each row of the first group comprises a single, wide tuft. In a second embodiment, each row of the first group has a plurality of laterally spaced round tufts. In a third embodiment, each row of the first group comprises a plurality of laterally spaced quadrangular tufts. All of the tufts may also be considered as defining four functional groups of tufts, with each of these four groups performing a specific function during brushing.

Abstract: A toothbrush whose tufts comprise three distinct kinds of rows, with each row oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the head. The tufts of the first kind are the shortest. The endmost tufts on each row of the second kind tilt laterally outwardly by about 12 degrees. The tufts of the third kind are nearest the end of the head farthest from the handle and diverge from each other, with each tuft thereof tilting laterally at an angle of about 30 degrees and forwardly at about 14 degrees. In a first embodiment, each row of the first kind comprises a single, wide tuft. In a second embodiment, each row of the first kind has a plurality of laterally spaced round tufts. In a third embodiment, each row of the first kind comprises a plurality of laterally spaced rectangular tufts. All of the tufts may also be considered as defining four functional groups of tufts, with each of these four groups performing a specific function during brushing.

Abstract: A system for measurement of the geometries and axes of rotation of an object such as the human body is disclosed. The system includes fixtures which are employed in conjunction with sonic, infrared or other digitizer sources. In the case of the human body, the measurements are made by placing the digitizer sources at locations such as the shoulders, waist and legs to monitor the position of the body during various measuring sequences. The digitizer determines the position of the sources in space by measuring the time for the signal to reach an array of receivers. The fixtures employed in the invention include: a T-square foot reference; a single source digitizing strap; an offset digitizing wand; a base and angle fixture; a foot and hip rotation fixture; an ankle axis practice fixture; and an umbilicus reference bar.

Abstract: A closure mechanism for use in securing the ends as well as other portions of a pair of interlocking straps, laces, filaments and the like is disclosed. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism is in the form of a generally cylindrical enclosure having a cross-sectional shape which includes flat upper and lower surfaces with semi-circular ends. The closure mechanism may be used to secure a pair of thin planar, elongated strips, each of which has a plurality of ribs positioned transversely along the length thereof. Each of such ribs has a planar side face positioned at an angle of about 45 to 75 degrees relative to the plane of the upper surface of the planar strip to which it is attached. For optimal ease of engagement of the ribs of one strip with those of a second strip, the rear top surfaces of the ribs should be rounded or slightly relieved. The closure device of the present invention provides a high strength mechanism having a quick release feature for easy disengagement of the interlocking members.