Abstract: Embodiments of a method of injection molding with two molding steps and tools for this method are described. The transfer tool for high-volume manufacturing allows transfer of molded parts from one injection molding tool to another injection molding tool without separating the molded part from runners and without degating. The single step transfer, which can be performed without degating and without separating the molded parts from one another, can reduce cycle time as well as complexity.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method of injection molding with two molding steps and tools for this method are described. The transfer tool for high-volume manufacturing allows transfer of molded parts from one injection molding tool to another injection molding tool without separating the molded part from runners and without degating. The single step transfer, which can be performed without degating and without separating the molded parts from one another, can reduce cycle time as well as complexity.

Abstract: Oral devices are provided, including oral brushes that include bristle tufts and a rocking member having radially extending protrusions constructed to penetrate between a user's teeth. The protrusions are shaped to penetrate the interproximal region, cleaning between a user's teeth and stimulating the gums.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head having bristle tufts implanted therein. At least two of the tufts cross so as to permit at least some the bristles to intermingle. One of the two tufts is located adjacent a long side of the head.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided that includes a body and a brush head extending from the body, the body including a handle having a distal end, and a resilient element mounted on the handle, a tapered distal tip of the resilient element extending beyond the distal end of the handle.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising a handle member affixed to a flexible extension which is grippable by the user so that the flexible end is in contact with the heel of the palm of the user to flex when force is applied by the user to the head of the toothbrush. Rubberized inserts are also provided on the handle of the toothbrush to provide improved gripping surfaces for the fingers and palm of the user.

Abstract: A toothbrush has an elongated handle with bristles disposed at one end extending outwardly from one surface of the handle. The handle is formed of a semi-rigid plastic material having a pair of flanges disposed on the surface opposite that of the bristles for controlling the flexure at various points along the handle length and a softer material is formed onto that portion of the handle containing the flanges to provide a soft grip for the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.

Abstract: A toothbrush for cleaning teeth, especially the interproximal region between adjacent, closely spaced or normally contacting teeth, has at least one fin extending from the body of the toothbrush through the bristled head. The fin is a thin, tapering, blade-like member with a distal edge for cleaning teeth by scraping motion. The fin is molded from plastic resin, and is constructed so as to resist buckling loads to tend to penetrate and clean the interproximal tooth surfaces, even to the point of temporarily separating lightly contacting surfaces of adjacent teeth. Various fin embodiments are presented, including one that has an outwardly-biasing loop portion. Methods of use and manufacture and preferred materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.

Abstract: A toothbrush has an elongated handle with bristles disposed at one end extending outwardly from one surface of the handle. The handle is formed of a semi-rigid plastic material having a pair of flanges disposed on the surface opposite that of the bristles for controlling the flexure at various points along the handle length and a softer material is formed onto that portion of the handle containing the flanges to provide a soft grip for the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits improved tooth and gum cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the head member; these bristles being comprised of at least two general directional orientations of bristles having a generally rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: An interproximal brush for carrying on the person has an elongated one piece body member of elastomeric material forming a planar surface disposed between two leg members from which a substantially rigid boss extends for supporting a brush member. A plurality of hinges are formed in the body member at either side of the boss and the oppositely extending leg members are folded one adjacent the other and attached for slidable movement relative to one another. The planar surface is disposed transverse to the direction of relative movement of the leg members and rotates to move the brush from a position in alignment with the direction of movement of the leg members to a position forming an angle with the direction of movement of the leg members, when the leg members are moved relative to one another. The one piece body member may also be made foldable in the opposite direction to encase the brush within the leg members, or a bumper may be provided for supporting the planar surface when the brush is so rotated.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, a head extending from the handle, and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, such as tufts of bristles, extending from the head. Each tooth cleaning element is supported for rotation about primarily only one axis. Each tooth cleaning element is rotatable independent of the other tooth cleaning element(s).