Abstract: A toothbrush for cleaning and polishing teeth includes a handle attached to a brush head. Attached to the brush head is at least one prophy cup device for polishing teeth, and a plurality of bristle tufts for scrubbing teeth, the bristle tufts being attached to the brush head and placed about the perimeter of each prophy cup device.

Abstract: A toothbrush assembly is disclosed which includes an articulating head portion for releasable supporting a brushhead, and which is configured to releasably mount a plurality of interchangeable dental accessory tools. A spring biased actuation member having a plurality of sprockets associated therewith is provided for effectuating incremental articulated movements of the brushhead supporting portion with respect to the handle of the toothbrush assembly to position the brushhead in a desired angular orientation.

Abstract: The invention is a brush for cleaning and polishing teeth while stimulating the gums. The invention consists of a handle with an integral head. The head has a flat surface with a plurality of recessed sockets. Affixed within the recessed sockets are the stimulator rods surrounded by bristles and polishing rods surrounded by bristles.

Abstract: A device for molding a buffer cap at the same time of fixing the cap to the bristle base implanting head of a toothbrush body preform. In the buffer cap molding and fixing device, a stationary molding plate is coupled to a mounting plate by a stop rod such that it is limited in its moving distance. The stationary molding plate has a plurality of sprues aligning with a plurality of gate holes. The bottom surface of the stationary molding plate has a plurality of top cavities, communicating with the sprues through their respective gates and each having a wider section provided with a pair of holding projections for holding a toothbrush body preform. The gates are formed at necks of the top cavities respectively. A back up plate is interposed between the stationary mounting plate and the stationary molding plate. A core plate comes into contact with the stationary molding plate at a parting plane. The top surface of the core plate has a plurality of bottom cavities corresponding to the top cavities.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided for achieving improved interproximal cleaning without increasing gum irritation. The bristles of the toothbrush have a generally "V" shaped side profile. In addition, the exposed ends of all of the bristles are properly end rounded. The dimensions and shape of the "V" shape fall within a certain range, as does the stiffness of the bristles. These characteristics allow the bristles to penetrate into the interproximal areas with enough force to effectively clean these areas without causing irritation to the user's gums.

Abstract: A toothbrush having two types of bristle end forms. Filaments, each having a tapered end and a ball-like end, are bundled, and folded in to a U-shape bend in a manner that the tapered end is projected from the ball end. The tapered end is inserted into a periodontal pocket by the projected length.

Abstract: A toothbrush for brushing tooth surfaces and for flossing and picking foreign matter from spaces and interstices on and between and around teeth and gums.

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 with timer and signalling apparatus having interchangeable periodontal devices. The signalling apparatus is composed of both an audio and vibrating signalling device to alert the user when the preset time limit is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush utilized for properly cleaning all teeth, including hard to reach back teeth. It includes a tapering head having bristles extending outward from its end. This toothbrush improves the quality of brushing by being configured to be readily maneuverable within confined portions of a user's mouth. The brushing surface formed by the bristles is substantially planar with the distance between adjacent bristles being substantially consistent throughout the head. This assures an even cleaning of the teeth, and also provides for even wear of the bristles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush including a flexible extension which is attached to the outside of a brush head for perfectly cleaning the back teeth and minimizing scratches on the periodontal tissue surface and oral cavity.

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 gum stimulator is disclosed which has a removable brush composed of a high-density of soft thin fibers. The brush tip is disposed on a handle, which may comprise an end of a toothbrush, and is mounted on a shaft which extends from the handle. In one embodiment, the brush extends at an angle of about 90 degrees from the handle and includes long fibers surrounded by short fibers which penetrate the interstitial spaces between the teeth to provide complete gum stimulation without causing tissue damage.

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 dental instrument, particularly such an instrument equipped on a toothbrush, which provides excellent tooth picking function, gum line probing, and gum massage. A distal end segment of a handle is provided with an elastomer oral hygiene member in the form of both a toothpick and a gum massager. An arm of planar shape that is elongated along the handle axis and tapering to an edge remote from the handle, projects perpendicularly from the distal end segment of the handle. The oral hygiene member is formed over the distal end segment of the handle, inclusive of the arm. The oral hygiene member provides a gum massager, having preferably a convex dome shape, wherein the center of curvature thereof is located axially with respect to the handle. The oral hygiene member further provides a toothpick of planar shape formed over the arm. The toothpick is elongated along the handle axis and tapers to a tip radially remote from the arm.

Abstract: The baby teething gum massager has a body in the shape of a figure eight with a forward curved portion dimensioned to fit within a child's opened mouth and a rearward curved portion which is wider than a child's mouth, the forward curved portion containing a plurality of tufts of bristles embedded on opposite sides of the forward portion in a conventional manner to provide a large number of contact surfaces and permit flexing of the bristles when the infant bites down so that the cusp tips of the unerupted teeth can bite into the bristles to assist in forcing the teeth through the soft tissue of the gums.

Abstract: A toothbrush designed for use by orthodontic patients. The toothbrush head includes first conventional bristle tufts on one face, but further includes a lengthwise channel on the opposite face. The bottom face of this channel includes transverse second bristle tufts, and from the side faces of the channel depend interdigitating third bristle tufts, while third bristle tufts depend from the remainder of this face of the toothbrush head. Accordingly, the second and third bristles will be able to reach out small cavities about the braces worn by the patient's teeth, while the fourth bristles will clean tooth portions adjacent the braces. The teeth scrubbing action of the second, third and fourth bristles occurs concurrently in a single toothbrush stroke.

Abstract: A cleansing and stimulating brush that doubles as a backscratcher having sufficiently firm construction means approximating the function of human nails for scratching and stimulating one's skin, combined with brush means comprising slender stalklike projections for stimulating and cleansing the skin, and including interspersing smooth protuberance means approximating the soft pads of one's finger tips for pleasant touch sensations. This device further includes a soap applicator means to which soap can be applied for further application to the skin. The device can be adapted to contain and dispense liquid soap.

Abstract: The small animal prophylactic dentifrice is a foam figure 10 jacketed by a minimally fine threaded netting 14 which, in concert with a flavor attractant, both encourages and results in positive dental care results for small animals.

Abstract: An organization arranged for mounting in a fixed relationship relative to a shower wall and the like, including a rigid support plate, with a matrix of suction cups mounted to a rear surface thereof. Alternating resilient and deformable polymeric projections are arranged in rows alternating with bristle brush rows, each of an equal predetermined length. A modification of the invention includes elongate blade members formed with a forward edge wherein each blade member and edge are arranged in a parallel alternating relationship relative to the brush and projection rows. A further modification arranges the blade members in a perimeter orientation to define a framework about the brush and projection rows to provide a wiping relationship of soap and moisture on an individual's back.

Abstract: A teething brush for an infant or child is disclosed which has a body in the shape of closed ring. The body ring has a forward curved portion which is dimensioned to fit within a child's opened mouth and a rearward curved portion which is wider than a child's opened mouth so as to prevent the body from being inserted fully into a child's mouth. The rearward curved portion forms a handle for gripping by a child and has a plurality of protrusions which extend from the upper and lower surfaces of the rearward portion to form teething bumps for biting engagement with a child's teeth and gums. The teething brush has a brush head formed of a plurality of upstanding bristles which extend from the forward curved portion of the body. The brush head is curved to conform to the curve of the forward body portion. The teething brush has smooth sides and rounded edges and is dimensioned to avoid trauma to a child's throat and mouth to permit unsupervised use by infants and small children.

Abstract: An interproximal brush comprises a handle having an end portion provided with a transverse hole communicating with a longitudinal groove for receiving the elongated stem of an interproximal brush. The handle further has a cylindrical boss formed on the lower surface thereof through which the transverse hole extends, and the brush stem is retained securely in the longitudinal groove on closure of a cap, which is pivotably attached to the end portion.

Abstract: An article such as a flat scrub brush has a major axis and a minor axis with a concave recess along the minor axis and at each end thereof, which enables the brush to be bent around this axis when used, and to be resiliently returned to its flat shape when not being used.

Abstract: It is often necessary to manipulate or extend a tongue in order to perform an operation on the tongue or inside the mouth. The apparatus and method claimed provide non-slip surfaces which are attached to a user's finger and thumb, and which are maintained in an optimal predetermined physical relationship to each other so that the apparatus may be easily attached to the user's finger and thumb, and so that a positive and comfortable contact with the tongue is achieved. Thereby, the tongue may be manipulated or restrained in any position, even fully extended.

Abstract: A dental apparatus adapted for penetrating and cleaning the interstices and interproximal surfaces between the teeth, the surfaces at and below the gum margins, and the tooth-gum interfaces including the grooves and crevices thereof, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a neck portion interconnects an elongated handle portion and a head portion, with the head portion being angled upwardly of the handle portion. A plurality of tufts of bristles are fixedly attached to the face of said head portion, said tufts of bristles having wedge means and conforming means to enable penetration into and cleaning of said interstices, surfaces and interfaces.A single row of a plurality of tufts of bristles, disposed substantially perpendicularly of said handle portion, has the free end of each of said plurality of tufts which are disposed at said end of said head portion beveled, said bevel sloping upwards from a vertex formed at said free end of the outermost bristle in each of said tufts.

Abstract: Improved attachment structure between a rotatable interdental device and a toothbrush handle having said device rotatable about a movable shaft. The device is held in position by positioners which engage when the device is at a predetermined angle to said handle and said shaft is in a first position. The positioners dissengage when the shaft moves to a second position. The positioners interact in a camming manner so that a predetermined force cams the shaft into its second position. The shaft extends from a resilient cantilever arm which biases the shaft toward the first position. The shaft also includes diverging wedgelike end surfaces which facilitate separating legs of the device for assembly of the shaft and device.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a pad of bristles, a neck region and a handle is disclosed. The bristle pad has three longitudinally arranged columns of bristles, except at the distal end of the pad where there are two additional columns of bristles. The handle is short, so as to bring the user's hand into a closer relation to the mouth and teeth. The reverse side of the bristle pad has a concavity for receiving the user's finger.

Abstract: A toothbrush for efficient cleaning of the teeth, the area under the sulcus and between the teeth and for massage and stimulation of the gums, has a plurality of spaced longitudinally extending rows of bristles in center and outer rows extending from the brushhead. The bristles of the center rows extend perpendicularly to the brushhead and the bristles of each of the outer rows are inclined in different directions relative to the bristles of the center rows. The bristles of each of the outer rows are inclined in one direction from approximately the center of the row to one end thereof and in the opposite direction from approximately the center of the row to the opposite end thereof. Each of the one and opposite directions is away from a normal line at approximately the center of the row. The bristles of the outer rows may also be inclined away from the planes of the bristles of the center rows.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising five or seven rows of tufts of soft filaments or bristles of which the middle row of bristles is higher than the rows of tufts of bristles on each side. The middle row performs the special task of cleaning the gum line or sulcus while the rows on each side alternately, as used in various positions in the mouth, either clean the teeth themselves or support and massage the gum tissue.

Abstract: A toothbrush having two arms pivotally jointed with cleansing means at the other extremities of both arms. The jointed section comprises several methods for manipulating and indexing the arms relative to each other to permit brushing in various parts of the mouth. The jointed section is composed of bifurcated bridging members for one arm, and an accommodating bar at the other arm disposed to lie between the bridging members. The bridging members and bar are pivotally held together by a control pin which can be manipulated to permit one arm to move relative to the other. The bar and bridging members may be frictionally in contact with each other or can be connected thru gearing and socket devices each disposed to function through special control pins for causing the engagement and disengagement of the said gear and socket devices. Simple finger manipulation of the controlling pin causes selective indexing of the toothbrush arms relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved toothbrush for sulcular brushing which includes a head, a shank and a handle. The head has a rounded heel, a rounded toe which is narrower than the rounded heal in order to facilitate reaching the distal surface of either the last tooth in the arch or an isolated tooth, a pair of rounded sides both of which benignly interface with the soft oral tissue and a flat top surface on which multitufted bristles are disposed. The multitufted bristles include a plurality of rows of tufts spaced to provide two smooth, orthogonal brushing planes intersecting each of the rounded sides and a lingual brushing plane intersecting both of the two smooth, orthogonal brushing planes to form a smooth angled heel for cleaning the sulcus and the gingival third of lingual surface of the anterior teeth of both arches. The center row of the plurality of rows of tufts includes a set of the longest individual bristles each of which has a diameter of 0.

Abstract: A back scrubbing device comprising a plate having a main surface from which there extend a plurality of suction cups adapting the device to be mounted to a shower stall wall in a temporary location and, from the other main surface, there extends a plurality of bristles against which one may rub the back to clean it after it has been soaped.

Abstract: A toothbrush has an elongate handle and a brushing head. The brushing head is at an acute angle relative to the handle, to facilitate brushing of lingual surfaces. The toothbrush can include a second brushing head at the other end of the handle, which is at an obtuse angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental appliance for cleansing the gingival one third areas of the teeth, the sulcular regions and the embrasure regions. The dental appliance of the present invention is in the form of a tooth brush having a brush head portion a handle portion and a neck portion. A plurality of tufts of bristles are connected to the brush head portion, preferably in a single row. The tufts form an undulating brushing surface having a plurality of alternating convex and concave regions. The convex regions are configured to coincide with portions of the free gingival margin adjacent to the facial surfaces of selected teeth and the concave regions are configured to coincide with the interproximal margins between the teeth selected in configuring the convex regions. As a result of the coincidence, the aforementioned areas of the teeth and gingivae can be efficiently cleaned.In order to permit easy manipulation of the appliance within the oral cavity, the brush head portion is cylindrical.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a liquid-storing sponge structure formed with a thickness diminishing to a pointed head which projects outwardly longitudinally from the bristle head. The sponge structure is in contacting engagement with the bristles whereby the stored liquid may be introduced into and along the rows of bristles. The sponge structure carries more liquid than the bristles alone and thereby generates a cleansing foam to the teeth.

Abstract: The present invention is a toothbrush provided with a teeth brushing surface and two gum treatment brush surfaces which distributes the brushforce to optimally and automatically clean the tooth surfaces, clean under the sulcus and massage the gums during casual horizontal brushing. The gum treatment brush surfaces can be integral with the tooth portion or disposed on an outrigger brush body that may be attached to a conventional toothbrush or one specially adapted for that purpose.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a plurality of bristles supported on a bristle supporting portion of the toothbrush, wherein at least one resilient projecting element encapsulating a permanent magnet in the tip end portion thereof is supported on the bristle supporting portion. The height of the projecting element is somewhat lower than that of the bristles.

Abstract: A toothbrush assembly combining a toothbrush handle, a brush assembly releasably engageable with a head end of the handle, and an oral hygiene device releasably engageable with the tail end of the handle. The head end of the handle has a recess formed therein designed to provide a snap fit with a base of the brush assembly. The tail end of the handle is shaped to provide releasable engagement with a base of the oral hygiene device. The oral hygiene device can take numerous forms. For instance, the oral hygiene device can be used to apply an oral hygiene agent, such as a disclosing agent or a gum treating agent, or a herbal combination usable in oral hygiene, or a refreshing agent. Alternatively, the oral hygiene device can take the form of a stimulator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a toothbrush, the head of which preferably has a circular or elliptical cross section and carries at least one tuft of bristles, the width of which substantially corresponds to the depth of the sulcular sulcus.The head of the brush is preferably joined to a handle which has a polygonal cross section, preferably a square cross section, the median longitudinal plane of the tuft of bristles advantageously forming an angle of less than 90.degree., preferably an angle of 45.degree., with the plane of at least one surface of the handle having a polygonal cross section, which surface is turned towards the free end of the tuft of bristles.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising an elongate, flexible, one-piece bristle 10 having a rounded end and textured with tooth cleansing elements 14 on the side of the bristle. A free end 18 of the bristle is thin enough to penetrate the space between the teeth and the gums. Opposite its free end, the bristle has a generally cylindrical stem 20. A toothbrush holder 50 is provided having a conventionally shaped handle end 52 and a tip end 54 defining a cylindrical opening 56. The cylindrical stem 20 of the bristle is rotatably engageable in the cylindrical opening 56 of the tip 54. In an alternative embodiment, the cleansing elements 14 are offset from and directed toward the toothbrush holder 50 pivot axis.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with an improvement of a tooth brush for keeping users' decayed teeth and gingival portion in a hygeine and healthy condition comprising a grip portion of a tooth brush shank to be held between their thumb and first finger with respect to their lower jaw and upper jaw, which shank being formed intermediate thereof in an opposedly inclined shape so as to enable them to cleanly brush their tooth especially cased with gold and also whole gingival surface area by a finger massage operation. The invention further involves a construction wherein the grip portion of tooth brush shank is provided rearwardly with a projection which is adapted to press against the gingival portions thereby enabling users to perceive the seat of gingivitis at an earlier stage by feeling pain when the projection is applied to their gingival portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a toothbrush with curved bristles formed of natural or manmade fibers of thermoplastic or thermosetting material such as acetate fibers, rayon fibers, acrylic fibers, nylon fibers, polyamide resins, polyimide resins, phenolic resins, or urea resins; the bristles are set in two rows, at least one of the rows being offset from the center-line of the brush and with a curvature which is concave viewed from the center-line of the brush; some embodiments have bristles with substantially uniform curvature and other embodiments have bristles wherein the curvature in non-uniform and the greatest curvature is approximately one-third of the length from the distal extremity of the bristle. Preferably the bristle distal extremities are at about a right angle to the proximal bristle portion and the brush optionally has a row of short straight bristles parallel to the row of curved bristles on the concave curvature side of the curved bristles.

Abstract: A toothbrush assembly having a handle, a brush assembly releaseably interconnected with one end of the handle, and a massaging device connected with a second end of the handle. The brush assembly has a cylindrical base shaped to be received in a recess in the end of the handle and has an array of bristles arranged to provide a concave brushing surface. The massaging device includes a carrier having a container of liquid positioned in an internal cavity of the carrier. The container is positioned so as to be broken and dispense its contents when an end of a toothbrush is inserted into the carrier. A porous, absorbent material forms an outer surface of the device and absorbs the liquid for application to the gums of a user.

Abstract: An improved toothbrush advantageously designed for horizontal brushing and selectively distributing brushing forces between the teeth and gums such that the teeth surfaces and gums are simultaneously cleaned and stimulated without damage to the gums.

Abstract: An implement for removing dental plaque and massaging gums in a form of a slender rod-like body of appropriate length comprising a fibrous structure obtained by bundling or bundling and bonding a plurality of fibers such as synthetic fibers in a longitudinal direction and a shell layer on the outer peripheral section of the fibrous structure, the shell layer is partly cut or ground to expose the fibrous layer in the interior thereof to form a brushing section, the fibrous layer may contain such as hygienically harmless alkali substances, surfactant, bactericide, deodorant, perfumes or the like.

Abstract: A manual massager comprises a block (11) for grasping in the hand, said block having a substantially plane surface (19) from which a plurality of blades (21) project. Each blade extends over a major portion of the width of said block, and slopes relative to said substantially plane surface, with all the blades sloping in the same direction. In use, the effect is to provide two different massaging actions, depending on whether the massager is moved along the skin with or against the lie of the blades.

Abstract: A toothbrush is disclosed which is capable of cleaning the buccal-labial and lingual surfaces of teeth simultaneously. The method of fabricating the toothbrush is also disclosed. The toothbrush includes a bristle mounting head, a holder for supporting the bristle mounting head and a plurality of cleaning bristles on the bristle mounting head, with the cleaning bristles being in the form of two arcuate or angular shaped bundles of nylon filaments, whose ends are spaced apart and opposed to each other. When the toothbrush is placed over teeth to be cleaned the tips of the bristles at the ends of the bundle rub against opposite surfaces of the teeth.

Abstract: A brush adapted for cleaning of the teeth, mouth, and gums of the user, comprising a toothbrush handle, ordinary toothbrush bristles affixed to one surface of a brush head at one end of said handle (hereinafter deemed the "brush end") in the usual and customary manner, and shorter, softer bristles, (hereinafter deemed "mouth bristles") for cleaning of the interior of the mouth and for massaging of the gums affixed to all surfaces of the above-mentioned brush head at the brush end of the toothbrush handle.

Abstract: In a toothbrush including a handle and an array of bristles affixed to one end portion of the handle, as disclosed herein, is an improvement comprising a gum massaging accessory movably secured to an opposite end portion of the handle for articulation between a first position, stored and inoperative, in general alignment with the handle to an operative position askew to the handle.

Abstract: A tongue toothbrush has a hollow, pliable body made of thin film material to envelope the outer portion of the tongue and carry on its terminal end short filaments for brushing the teeth with movement of the tongue. The filaments may be composed of brush bristles permanently or detachably mounted. Additionally, abrasive material may be attached to the body rearwardly of the bristles along with a hard rubber tip for gum massage mounted on the outermost portion of the body. The device may be reuseable, disposable, or composed entirely of edible material.