Abstract: A vane pump that includes a first communication passage that extends along an outer periphery of the cam ring and that guides a fluid that has not flowed into the first suction port from the first inflow passage to the second suction port; a second communication passage that extends along the outer periphery of the cam ring on an opposite side of the first communication passage with respect to the rotor and that guides a fluid that has not flowed into the second suction port from the second inflow passage to the first suction port; and a rectifying portion that guides the fluid from the second inflow passage so that the fluid flows into the second suction port along the outer periphery of the cam ring.

Abstract: A head for an oral care implement has an outer rim and an inner portion. The head comprises at least one tuft of filaments of a first type and at least one tuft of filaments of a second type. The at least one tuft of the first type is arranged at the inner portion of the head and comprises a plurality of filaments, each filament having a longitudinal axis and a substantially circular cross-sectional area extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The at least one tuft of the second type is arranged at the outer rim of the head and comprises a plurality of filaments, each filament having a longitudinal axis and a substantially cross-shaped cross-sectional area extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the cross-shaped cross-sectional area having four projections and four channels, the projections and channels being arranged in an alternating manner.

Abstract: Provided is a light irradiated toothbrush, in which light sources, irradiating light having mutually different wavelengths, are arranged in alternation at the bottom of waveguide bristles so that light of different wavelengths give rise to constructive interference which strengthens the intensity of the irradiated light, and the height of the light sources are varied on the basis of the wavelength of the light irradiated therefrom so as to effectively transmit light of short wavelengths to the waveguide bristles, and light having mutually different wavelengths are transmitted by means of the waveguide bristles, thereby effectively transmitting the light to the mouth of a user.

Abstract: A brush product, in particular a toothbrush, having a base body with a head part with a front and a rear side, which includes a bristle carrier with a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis and a bristle field protruding therefrom, wherein the bristle field is formed by at least one group of cleaning elements; a handle part; and a neck part connecting the head part and the handle part; wherein the bristle carrier is provided with bristles which are mounted without being anchored and wherein the bristle carrier includes substantially a central support area, an upper support area, a lower support area, a right support area and a left support area, in which the groups of cleaning elements are arranged. Also, a corresponding method and tool.

Abstract: A massage tool that provides ergonomic support to the user's hands and thumbs is provided. The tool may include a hand grip with a forward extending thumb portion. A series of massage ridges may be positioned beneath the thumb portion such that downward pressure applied to the thumb portion (e.g., by the user's thumb) may be transferred to the ridges to facilitate the massage. Two massage tools may be combined to form a combined massage tool assembly that may be used with two hands.

Abstract: A method of forming an oral care implement. The method may include providing a body having a base and a bridge extending from a distal end of the base, the bridge terminating in a free end, mounting a plurality of tooth cleaning elements to the bridge, bending the bridge toward a proximal end of the base, and coupling the free end of the bridge to a proximal end of the base, thereby forming a head of an oral care implement.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a head portion. The head portion includes one or more tooth cleaning elements. The oral care implement includes a handle portion that may be coupled to the head portion. The handle portion includes a central body having a proximal portion. The proximal portion may be opposite the head portion. The handle portion may include a first appendage extending laterally outwards from a first side of the central body in a first direction and a second appendage extending laterally outwards from a second side of the central body in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first and second appendages may be angled towards each other to form an obtuse angle therebetween (e.g., when in an unstressed state). The proximal portion of the central body may protrude from a bottom end of the first and second appendages.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a head with a front surface and a plurality of contact elements extending from the head. The plurality of contact elements are arranged in a pattern that may have the visual appearance of a flower. Specifically, the pattern may comprise a first set of contact elements arranged in a first loop about a reference axis and a second set of contact elements arranged in a second loop that surrounds the first loop. The pattern may also include a third set of contact elements arranged in a third loop that surrounds the second loop. Each of the contact elements of the first, second, and third sets may be inclined relative to the front surface of the head so as to diverge from the reference axis.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a brush body and a bristle carrier that is produced from a hard material using an injection molding method and having injection-molded bristles that protrude from the bristle carrier. The injection molded bristles are produced from a bristle material using the injection molding method. The bristles have a bristle stem and the bristle carrier has a small carrier plate or is formed by the small carrier plate that is produced from a hard material using the injection molding method and fastened on the brush body. The hard material of the bristle carrier or the hard material of the small carrier plate is harder than the bristle material.

Abstract: A monofilament bristle (211) including: a body portion (215); a tip portion (217) extending from the body portion (215) and comprising a multi-lobed transverse cross-section (221), the monofilament bristle (211) extending along a longitudinal axis (219); co-extruded first and second components, the first component being a first color and forming a first lobe (223a) of the multi-lobed transverse cross-section (221), the second component being a second color, which is different from the first color, and forming a second lobe (223b) of the multi-lobed transverse cross-section (221); and each of the first and second components forming a longitudinal section of the body portion (215), with an interface between the first and second components extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (219).

Abstract: An oral care implement having a head with a soft tissue cleanser thereon. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement including a handle and a head coupled to the handle, the head comprising a front surface; a rear surface opposite the front surface; a peripheral surface extending between the rear surface and the front surface; a first elastomeric soft tissue cleanser comprising a bumper portion that extends along the peripheral surface, the bumper portion comprising an undulating upper edge that includes a plurality of high points protruding above the rear surface and a plurality of low points located at or below the rear surface; and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the front surface.

Abstract: A brush head (32) including a neck (40) having a brush neck (42); a plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which includes a plurality of bristle strands with a free end (25) and a proximal end (23), the proximal end having a proximal end head portion (26); a plurality of retention rings (50), each configured to receive the proximal end of at least one of the plurality of bristle tufts; an elastomeric matrix (30) bonded to at least a portion of the brush neck, the plurality of retention rings, and the proximal end of the plurality of bristle tufts, wherein the proximal end head portion of each of the plurality of bristle tufts is configured to comprise a space (27) between the proximal end head portion and the respective retention ring.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a head mounted to the handle. In one aspect, the head may extend from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the head having a base portion formed of a rigid plastic material and a flexible portion formed of an elastomeric material, a first longitudinal section of the flexible portion spaced apart from the base portion by a gap. The flexible portion of the head may have an upper surface and an opposing lower surface such that within the first longitudinal section of the flexible portion the upper surface and the lower surface are substantially planar and parallel to one another. Furthermore, tooth cleaning elements may be secured to the flexible portion of the head by in-molded technology to extend from the upper surface of the flexible portion.

Abstract: An oral care implement having an arrangement of tooth cleaning elements thereon. The oral care implement may include a head extending from a proximal end to a distal end and comprising first and second peripheral sides. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend from the head and are arranged in groups including a first peripheral grouping of tooth cleaning elements positioned adjacent the first peripheral side of the head and having first and second types of tooth cleaning elements, a distal grouping of tooth cleaning elements positioned adjacent the distal end of the head and having a third type of tooth cleaning element, and a proximal grouping of tooth cleaning elements positioned adjacent the proximal end of the head and having the third type of tooth cleaning element. The first, second, and third types of tooth cleaning elements are different in at least one more structural characteristics.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided that includes a base component having a gripping region and an oral engaging region defining a longitudinal axis along a length of the oral engaging region and a transverse axis along a width of the oral engaging region. The oral engaging region has bilateral symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis and can comprise wherein the oral engaging region has bilateral symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis and comprises a first distal region having an approximately concave contour tapering to a second middle region having an approximately convex contour and widening to a third proximal region having an approximately concave contour. The oral engaging region can support a plurality of cleaning elements along a front side and a plurality of soft cleaning elements along a second side opposite the first.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a tissue cleaning pad. In one aspect, the oral care implement includes a head having a front surface and an opposite rear surface. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend from the front surface of the head. A tissue cleaning pad is positioned on the rear surface of the head. The tissue cleaning pad has a planar top surface bounded by a perimetric edge and a plurality of protrusions extending from the planar top surface. The perimetric edge of the planar top surface of the tissue cleaning pad has a first portion that is flush with the rear surface of the head and a second portion that is raised relative to the rear surface of the head.

Abstract: An attachment for a sanding tool includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a generally tubular shape that defines a mounting end portion for mounting the attachment on the sanding tool. The second portion defines a distal end portion of the attachment and a plurality of slits. The slits extend along an axial direction of the attachment to divide the second portion into flaps configured to axially flex and define a contoured sanding surface along the axial direction.

Abstract: A head for an oral-care implement comprises at least two tufts extending from a mounting surface of the head. The tufts are inclined with respect to the mounting surface in at least two different directions. Each of the tufts comprises a first group of filaments having a first length and at least a second group of filaments having a second length wherein the first length is different from the second length.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a head portion and handle portion comprising resiliently folding appendages. The appendages extend laterally outwards from a central body of the handle portion in opposite directions. In one embodiment, the appendages may each have annular loop structures with recurvant ends coupled to the body. The head portion comprises tooth cleaning elements such as bristles. The head portion, handle portion, and bristles may be a monolithic construction of a resiliently deformable material with elastic memory. The bristles may be especially pliable and adapted for infant or toddler use. The appendages have an undeformed width preventing the young child from over-insertion into the oral cavity when at maximum span. The appendages may be folded against the body for deeper insertion into the oral cavity by an adult. The implement is configured to prevent the head portion and tooth bristles from contacting a flat surface when placed thereon.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a collapsible elastomeric element. The oral care implement may include a body having a handle portion and a head portion. Furthermore, an elastomeric element may extend from the body. The elastomeric element may comprise a hollow body that has an internal cavity, the hollow body having a base section, a middle section, and a distal section that includes a free distal tip, each of the base, middle, and distal sections coupled together by a pre-weakened section. The elastomeric element may be configured to alternate between a collapsed state and a normal state.

Abstract: A toothbrush can include tufted bristles and tongue brush bristles that emanate from the same surface of the head. The tufted bristles can function primarily to clean the teeth whereas the tongue brush bristles can function primarily to clean the surface of the tongue. The tongue brush bristles can also insert between teeth and along the gum line when the toothbrush is used to brush the teeth thereby enhancing the toothbrush's effectiveness for removing bacteria, food particles, and/or soft plaque from the teeth.

Abstract: A powered massaging device having a drive shaft having an axis of rotation and a massaging head with a skin engaging surface. The massaging head being attachable to the drive shaft for simultaneous rotation about the axis and vibration in a direction along the axis.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator having a core that supports the application elements in the form of bristles and/or comb tines; the core has a central body that is itself equipped with a plurality of bristles and/or comb tines protruding out directly from it; the core is also composed of at least one arm that protrudes out from the central body and is itself equipped with a plurality of bristles and/or comb tines and is mobile relative to the central body.

Abstract: A device for removing a composition from the skin, for example a depilatory composition, has a handle (1), which carries a non-shaving head (2) which is moved over the skin to effect removal of the composition. There is a zone of flexure (5) which extends laterally across the head separating it into a front portion (4) and a rear portion (3). There may be additional zones of flexure within the device.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material positioned within the receiving cavity, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a base surface that is flush with the second face of the head and a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head.

Abstract: An oral care implement including a head, a gum massaging element extending from proximate a peripheral side of the head, and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements positioned on the head. The plurality of tooth cleaning elements including a side tooth cleaning element positioned inwards and adjacent the gum massaging element. The gum massaging element provides transverse support to the side tooth cleaning element during brushing.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a head that achieves an enhanced cleaning action during brushing. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle and comprising a base structure (130) having a front surface (131), a rear surface (132), an island protruding from the rear surface of the base structure, and a passageway extending through the base structure from the front surface of the base structure to a rear surface of the island; a resilient soft tissue cleanser (170) on the rear surface of the base structure, the resilient soft tissue cleanser comprising an aperture through which the island extends; a mass (180) of a first resilient material positioned within the passageway so that a first portion (181) of the mass protrudes from the front surface of the head and a second portion (182) of the mass protrudes from the island, the island isolating the resilient soft tissue cleanser from the mass; and a plurality of teeth cleaning elements (105).

Abstract: An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The tooth cleaning elements preferably include an elastomeric scrubbing element having a base portion and a tooth engaging portion comprising a plurality of cleansing members circumferentially spaced apart on the base portion. In one embodiment, the base portion has a circumferentially continuous sidewall to stiffen the scrubbing element. The cleansing members project outwards and preferably upwards from the base portion in one embodiment to collectively define a central cavity for retaining dentifrice. Embodiments of the oral care implement may include a circular bristle field arranged circumferentially around and associated with the scrubbing element.

Abstract: A protective handle for a scrubbing device is disclosed by this invention. The protective handle protects the fingernails, knuckles and digits of a user during use. The protective handle is flexible and malleable. The user grips the protective handle and rolls it over their fingernails, digits, upper knuckles and lower knuckles and tucks their thumb either behind or in front of the handle. The protective handle then protects the user's fingernails, knuckles and digits during use. The protective handle for a scrubbing device is versatile and has a crevice cleaning position and an edge cleaning position.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided, in one embodiment, with a plurality of spaced-apart tissue cleaning pads (400) radially arranged around a central axis (450) to form a grouping, each pad having an inner region (420, 430) close to the central axis and an outer region spaced away from the central axis, the inner region (420, 430) being raised relative to the outer region and having scraping surfaces along certain edge regions for improved cleaning of the soft tissue in an oral cavity Each pad further preferably includes one or more protrusions (920, 930) along an upper surface thereof.

Abstract: A disposable toothbrush is provided having a handle portion, a head portion connected with the handle portion and provided with a plurality of elastomeric bristles on a front surface part of the head portion, a fabric medium attached to the front surface part of the head portion while exposing an upper end of the elastomeric bristles, and an encapsulated bead containing at least one kind of a rapidly releasable agent disposed in a cavity formed in the head portion behind the fabric medium.

Abstract: A gingival stimulator having optionally-angled bundled bristles anchored in at least one row in a brush head, and a narrow working footprint of collective bristle free tip ends having a maximum width dimension of approximately four millimeters. If splayed and/or flared, bristles have a preferred maximum free tip end density of approximately twelve bristles-per-square-millimeter. When moved into contact with teeth, the free tip ends easily navigate around them, promptly advancing to interproximal areas. The brush head is agitated with one or two hands and a quick vibratory motion when the free tip ends are in perpendicular contact with interdental papilla. Thus, gingival tissue becomes stimulated by the bristle free tip ends, dislodging food particles and bringing increased blood flow to it, keeping the gingival tissue in good health while avoiding the placement of adverse damaging forces against adjacent tooth structure during gingival stimulation, and preserving teeth from abrasion and notching.

Abstract: A tooth brush appliance includes a frame including an upper arch member and a lower arch member configured to receive teeth, the upper arch member and lower arch member including bristle members; an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall of the upper arch member including one or more openings, the one or more openings defining channels extending through the inner sidewall and outer sidewall of the upper arch member, an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall of the lower arch member including one or more openings, the one or more openings defining channels extending through the inner sidewall and outer sidewall of the lower arch member.

Abstract: An oral care implement, such as a toothbrush. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising a handle and a head. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements may be provided on a front surface of the head. The head is formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments formed of a rigid material. The segments are isolated from one another by channels containing an elastomeric material that flexibly connects the segments together. The oral care implement further comprises an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner located on a rear surface of the head opposite the front surface of the head. The elastomeric soft tissue cleaner comprises a plurality of grooves that are aligned with the channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound treatment device with at least one elastically deformable vacuum-generating element which can be actuated directly by hand and which is arranged on and connected directly to a film-like wound-covering element that covers the wound chamber. The vacuum-generating element is a hollow body whose cavity, in the state with the device applied to the patient's body, communicates directly with the wound chamber via an opening formed on the wound-covering element. At least one absorption body that absorbs the wound secretions is positioned in the wound chamber and is surrounded by a finely porous sleeve that is permeable to liquid. The hollow body is provided with at least one valve.

Abstract: Toothbrush heads, e.g., for power toothbrushes, are provided. The toothbrush heads include a support member and a plurality of bristles or tufts of bristles extending from the support member, the bristles or bristle tufts having different lengths. The contour of the bristles may be selected to allow substantially all of the bristles to contact the dentition during brushing.

Abstract: A massage brush (10) includes a base plate (12) that is curved in a rounded shape, a plurality of pressing protrusions (13) that protrude downward from the concave-shaped inner surface of the base plate (12), and a grip portion (20) that is connected to the center portion of the convex-shaped outer surface of the base plate (12). The base plate (12) is provided with a plurality of tongue-like sections (14) arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction and extending outward in a radial direction from the center portion of the base plate (12). The tongue-like sections protrude in a cantilever shape from base end portions (15) of the center portion by the presence of U-shaped through grooves (16) provided around the tongue-like sections other than the base end portions (15). The pressing protrusions (13) protrude downward from the tip portions of the tongue-like sections (14).

Abstract: A toothbrush that enhances cleaning and user comfort while brushing. In one embodiment, the toothbrush comprises a cleaning element support member, or base member, that permits a head of the toothbrush to be comfortably received and manipulated within the user's mouth. In an embodiment, the support member comprises a head support having an overhanging portion and a portion free of an overhang.

Abstract: Described is a wall-mounted back brush comprising a base having a front surface and a back surface. A plurality of bristles are disposed on the front surface and extend outward therefrom. The bristles may be used to scratch, massage, or scrub a user's back as desired. The present invention further comprises an attachment means, such as suction cups, for securing the device to a wall or other surface. One or more grooves are disposed on the front surface of the base and are adapted to receive a plurality of massage nodules that can be removably secured within the grooves. The device may be mounted to a door by means of a plurality of loops of elastic cable having an anchor disposed thereon. The loops of elastic cable can be secured to the base and may be stretched around the corners of a door.

Abstract: An oral care implement, such as a toothbrush. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care implement comprising a handle and a head. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements may extend from a front surface of the head, which is formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments formed of a rigid material, wherein the plurality of segments include a cruciform segment integrally formed with and extending from a distal end of the handle, a first pair of segments located on opposite sides of a longitudinal portion of the cruciform segment, and a second pair of segments located on opposite sides of the longitudinal portion of the cruciform segment, the first pair of segments located on an opposite side of a transverse portion of the cruciform segment from the second pair of segments. The segments of the first and second pairs are flexibly connected to the cruciform segment.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a body, a brush head, and a neck extending between the body and the brush head. The toothbrush also has a massaging element, a plurality of bristles, and a plurality of massaging tips. The brush head has a front face and a rear face. The massaging element is disposed on the rear face of the brush head, while the plurality of bristles and the plurality of massaging tips extend from the front face.

Abstract: Multi-directional wiping elements are disclosed. The wiping elements comprise intersecting squeegee segments that provide top wiping squeegee edges and side wiping squeegee edges. Devices utilizing the multi-directional wiping elements of the present invention can include bristles that are configured to simultaneously wipe a working surface with the wiping elements. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the multi-directional wiping elements are utilized in a toothbrush cleaning head that is configured to be operated manually or, alternatively, is motorized and is configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or move according to a combination thereof.

Abstract: Face and body brush with thin and tapered bristles system includes a face and body brush assembly having a handle comprising a first end, a second end, a top side, and a bottom side; a brush head having a first side, a second side, and plurality of bristles acting as a cleaner-abrasive. The brush head is connected to the first end of the handle of the face and body brush assembly. The bristles are perpendicularly and non-removably affixed to the first side of the brush head and are soft and form a circular tip. The bristles include sharp and pointed edges for cleaning face and body of a user-brusher. The face and body brush assembly is usable for hygienically brushing and cleaning face, body, head, hair, nails, hands and feet of a user-brusher. The massage surface can be included for massage of the face, body, head, hands, and feet.

Abstract: Face and body brush with thin and tapered bristles system includes a face and body brush assembly having a brush head, a handle, and plurality of bristles. The bristles include sharp and pointed edges for cleaning face and body of a user-brusher. The bristles can be thin and tapered. The plurality of bristles can comprise tiny tapered bristles. The bristles, tiny tapered bristles, and tongue cleaner can comprise cleansing ingredient and nutritional ingredient. The bristles, tiny tapered bristles, brush head, handle, and massage surface can comprise flavoring ingredient. The face and body brush assembly is usable for hygienically brushing and cleaning face, body, head, hair, nails, hands and feet of a user-brusher. The massage surface can be included for massage of the face, body, head, hands, and feet. The face and body brush assembly and the massage surface can comprise an electrically powered instrument for wet and dry use.

Abstract: An animal washing brush for washing an animal has a hand grip and a head disposed on a handle with an elongated shaft. The head has opposite or transverse surfaces facing in substantially opposite or transverse directions, including a substantially flat surface and a concave surface. Each of the flat and concave surfaces has a matrix of flexible and resilient fingers extending from the surface. The fingers have a height taller than a diameter, and a spacing on the same order of the diameter.

Abstract: An oral care implement and method for forming the same is provided. The oral care implement comprises a handle and a head having a base structure. A plurality of cleaning elements is attached to the base structure. One end of each of the plurality of cleaning elements is connected to one another. At least one of the plurality of cleaning elements is a spiral bristle.

Abstract: An oral care implement including a head, a gum massaging element extending from proximate a peripheral side of the head, and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements positioned on the head. The plurality of tooth cleaning elements including a side tooth cleaning element positioned inwards and adjacent the gum massaging element. The gum massaging element provides transverse support to the side tooth cleaning element during brushing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a toothbrush having a handle and an articulated head coupled to the handle. The articulated head includes two sections and each of the head sections has a bottom surface and a side surface. Each of the head sections includes a plurality of bristles extending from the bottom surface of that head section and at least one of the head sections includes a plurality of elastomeric fingers partially defining the side surface of that head section and partially extending from the bottom surface of the head section. The head section most remote from the handle, in a normal configuration of the articulated head, is angled with respect to the other head section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush having a handle and a head part, on which bristle filaments and at least one flexible cleaning element are arranged. According to the invention, the at least one flexible cleaning element is arranged on a carrier element which consists of a hard material and is connected to the head part. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush having a handle and a head part, on which bristle filaments and at least one flexible cleaning element are arranged. According to the invention, the at least one flexible cleaning element is arranged on a carrier element which consists of a hard material and is connected to the head part. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.