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).
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Patent number: 7836539Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Robert Moskovich, Bruce Russell, Luca Casini, Douglas Hohlbein, Thomas Küchler, Tanja Langgner, Thomas Mintel, Michael Rooney, Joachim Storz
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Publication number: 20100275397Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20100263148Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Eduardo Jimenez, John J. Gatzemeyer, Alan V. Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel
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Patent number: 7757326Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Cologate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo Jimenez, John J. Gatzemeyer, Thomas Mintel
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Patent number: 7722274Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, James Kemp, Alan V. Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel
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Patent number: 7703163Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo Jimenez, John J. Gatzemeyer, Alan V. Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel
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Publication number: 20090313774Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Thomas Mintel
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Patent number: 7594293Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.Inventors: Swanson Xi, James Mei, Robert Moskovich, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel
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Patent number: 7552497Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Thomas Mintel
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Publication number: 20090094768Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVEInventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel, Bruce Russell, Kenneth Waguespack, Urs Troxler
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Patent number: 7480955Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel, Bruce Russell, Kenneth Waguespack, Urs Troxler
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Publication number: 20080104786Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Douglas Hohlbein, James Kemp, Alan Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel
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Patent number: 7331731Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, James Kemp, Alan V. Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel
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Publication number: 20070212665Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: September 13, 2007Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Robert Dickson, Douglas Hohlbein, Heng Cai, Sharon Kennedy, Thomas Mintel, Bruce Russell
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Publication number: 20070056128Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: March 15, 2007Inventors: Douglas Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel, Bruce Russell, Kenneth Waguespack, Urs Troxler
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Publication number: 20060195995Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2005Publication date: September 7, 2006Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Robert Moskovich, Bruce Russell, Luca Casini, Douglas Hohlbein, Tanja Langgner, Thomas Kuchler, Thomas Mintel, Joachim Storz, Michael Rooney
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Publication number: 20060057087Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2005Publication date: March 16, 2006Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20060052806Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2005Publication date: March 9, 2006Inventors: Swanson Xi, James Mei, Robert Moskovich, Douglas Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel
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Publication number: 20060026784Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2005Publication date: February 9, 2006Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20050210612Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2004Publication date: September 29, 2005Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Douglas Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel