Patents by Inventor Thomas Mintel

Thomas Mintel 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: 7836539
    Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head with a soft tissue cleanser and/or tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of projections for cleaning the soft tissue, which may include cleaning between the papillae of a user's tongue. The soft tissue cleanser may have an elongate ridge projecting from the head in generally the same direction as the projections. The handle may include a base with a gripping region and a projection protruding from the base in the gripping region. The handle may also have a grip surface with a plurality of spaced slot openings exposing portions of the base. The grip body may form opposite finger grips on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Bruce Russell, Luca Casini, Douglas Hohlbein, Thomas Küchler, Tanja Langgner, Thomas Mintel, Michael Rooney, Joachim Storz
  • Publication number: 20100275397
    Abstract: An oral care implement having a handle and a head having a flexible support from which cleaning elements extend. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle; a flexible support attached to the head and having a face; a plurality of cleaning elements attached to the flexible support and projecting outwardly from the face, the cleaning elements including bristles and wall-like elements and being movable in the outward direction from the head; wherein the cleaning elements comprise a row of first cleaning elements substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the head and traversing a central region of the flexible support; and wherein some of the wall-like cleaning elements laterally radiate from the central region of the flexible support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, John J. Gatzemeyer, Bruce Russell, Peter Andersen, Luca Casini, John Hancock, Douglas Hohlbein, Eduardo Jimenez, Thomas Küchler, Tanja Langgner, Thomas Mintel, Michael Rooney, Alan V. Sorrentino, Joachim Storz
  • Publication number: 20100263148
    Abstract: A toothbrush with a mechanical vibratory element and a head having a plurality of different types of cleaning areas which provide for an enhanced cleaning effect. In one aspect, the invention is a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head connected to said handle by a neck element; a mechanical vibratory device which causes the head to vibrate; and wherein said head comprises movable elements attached thereto for providing an enhanced cleaning effect upon vibration of said head by said mechanical vibratory element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, John J. Gatzemeyer, Alan V. Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel
  • Patent number: 7757326
    Abstract: A toothbrush is provided for cleaning teeth with a mechanical vibratory element and a head having a plurality of different types of cleaning areas which provide for an enhanced cleaning effect upon vibration of said head by said mechanical vibratory element. The cleaning areas have different physical characteristics so that in addition to providing a varied cleaning effect from the cleaning areas themselves there is enhanced treatment as a result of the movement of the cleaning areas imparted by the mechanical vibratory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cologate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, John J. Gatzemeyer, Thomas Mintel
  • Patent number: 7722274
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, James Kemp, Alan V. Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel
  • Patent number: 7703163
    Abstract: A toothbrush is provided for cleaning and/or massaging of teeth and gums having a mechanical vibratory element and a head having cleaning/treating elements on a plurality of different types of cleaning areas which provide for an enhanced cleaning, scrubbing and massaging effect. The cleaning/treating elements have different physical characteristics so that in addition to providing a varied cleaning/treating effect from the cleaning/treating elements themselves there is enhanced treatment as a result of the movement of the cleaning/treating elements imparted by the mechanical vibratory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, John J. Gatzemeyer, Alan V. Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel
  • Publication number: 20090313774
    Abstract: The head of a toothbrush includes a first tuft block having bristles and a second tuft block having bristles. The first and second tuft blocks are mounted for counter-rotational or counter-rotational oscillating movement in a direction parallel to the outer surface of the head. The toothbrush head also includes a third section having bristles extending outwardly from the head to provide an extended field of bristles to support an elongated ribbon of toothpaste and for enhanced cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Thomas Mintel
  • Patent number: 7594293
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The hard material provides good stability for cleaning debris from the tongue or other tissue while the soft material provides comfort and a reduced risk of injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Swanson Xi, James Mei, Robert Moskovich, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel
  • Patent number: 7552497
    Abstract: The head of a toothbrush includes a first tuft block having bristles and a second tuft block having bristles. The first and second tuft blocks are mounted for counter-rotational or counter-rotational oscillating movement in a direction parallel to the outer surface of the head. The toothbrush head also includes a third section having bristles extending outwardly from the head to provide an extended field of bristles to support an elongated ribbon of toothpaste and for enhanced cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Thomas Mintel
  • Publication number: 20090094768
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a radial array arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice. A radial array may be strategically disposed in an off-axis arrangement within other cleaning elements on the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel, Bruce Russell, Kenneth Waguespack, Urs Troxler
  • Patent number: 7480955
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a radial array arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice. A radial array may be strategically disposed in an off-axis arrangement within other cleaning elements on the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel, Bruce Russell, Kenneth Waguespack, Urs Troxler
  • Publication number: 20080104786
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas Hohlbein, James Kemp, Alan Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel
  • Patent number: 7331731
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, James Kemp, Alan V. Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel
  • Publication number: 20070212665
    Abstract: A device for generating a chemical agent in situ on an as-needed basis via the application of an electrical potential across a pair of conductors in communication with an electrolyte. The device may be a toothbrush that generates chemical agents in a user's mouth by applying an electrical potential to an electrolyte such as saliva and/or a dentifrice located therein. The chemical agents may include ozone, hydrogen peroxide, peroxide, chlorine and/or hypochlorite. The toothbrush may include a voltage source and a first set of electrodes for applying an electrical potential to the electrolyte. The toothbrush may also include a second set of electrodes disposed about an anode of the first set of electrodes. The first and second sets of anodes cooperate to produce ions, peroxides, ozone and/or other chemical agents via the application of electrical potential to the electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Robert Dickson, Douglas Hohlbein, Heng Cai, Sharon Kennedy, Thomas Mintel, Bruce Russell
  • Publication number: 20070056128
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a radial array arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice. A radial array may be strategically disposed in an off-axis arrangement within other cleaning elements on the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Douglas Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel, Bruce Russell, Kenneth Waguespack, Urs Troxler
  • Publication number: 20060195995
    Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head with a soft tissue cleanser and/or tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of projections for cleaning the soft tissue, which may include cleaning between the papillae of a user's tongue. The soft tissue cleanser may have an elongate ridge projecting from the head in generally the same direction as the projections. The handle may include a base with a gripping region and a projection protruding from the base in the gripping region. The handle may also have a grip surface with a plurality of spaced slot openings exposing portions of the base. The grip body may form opposite finger grips on the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Bruce Russell, Luca Casini, Douglas Hohlbein, Tanja Langgner, Thomas Kuchler, Thomas Mintel, Joachim Storz, Michael Rooney
  • Publication number: 20060057087
    Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head with a soft tissue cleanser and/or tooth cleaning elements. The tooth cleaning elements may be flexibly mounted in the head for movement from an initial position with respect to the head during use. The soft tissue cleanser may include a plurality of projections for cleaning the soft tissue. The soft tissue cleanser may include a face having hills and valleys upon which the projections are located. The handle may include a base with a gripping region and a projection protruding from the base in the gripping region. The handle may also have a grip surface with a plurality of spaced slot openings exposing portions of the base. The grip body may form opposite finger grips on the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, John Gatzemeyer, Bruce Russell, Peter Andersen, Luca Casini, John Hancock, Douglas Hohlbein, Eduardo Jimenez, Thomas Kuchler, Tanja Langgner, Thomas Mintel, Michael Rooney, Alan Sorrentino, Joachim Storz
  • Publication number: 20060052806
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The hard material provides good stability for cleaning debris from the tongue or other tissue while the soft material provides comfort and a reduced risk of injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Swanson Xi, James Mei, Robert Moskovich, Douglas Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel
  • Publication number: 20060026784
    Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head with a soft tissue cleanser and/or tooth cleaning elements. The tooth cleaning elements may be attached to a flexible support on the head and be outwardly movable from the head. The cleaning elements may include a column-shaped bristle at the central portion of the flexible support, and may further include a row of first cleaning elements traversing a central region of the flexible support. The soft tissue cleanser may include a plurality of projections for cleaning the soft tissue and may have an elongate ridge projecting from the head in generally the same direction as the projections. The handle may include a base with a gripping region and a projection protruding from the base in the gripping region. The handle may also have a grip surface with a plurality of spaced slot openings exposing portions of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Publication date: February 9, 2006
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, John Gatzemeyer, Bruce Russell, Peter Andersen, Luca Casini, John Hancock, Douglas Hohlbein, Eduardo Jimenez, Thomas Kuchler, Tanja Langgner, Michael Rooney, Alan Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel, Joachim Storz
  • Publication number: 20050210612
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Douglas Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel