Movable Tuft Section Patents (Class 15/201)
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Patent number: 12220049Abstract: A toothbrush including a main body with a grip part as well as a brush head which forms a bristle field with a plurality of care bristles.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2019Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: TRISA HOLDING AGInventors: Herbert Fischer, Thomas Gabriel Stolz
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Patent number: 12128595Abstract: A method for manufacturing a handle for a personal care implement includes molding from a fiber-reinforced material, preferably by injection-molding, a core-connector unit having a core structure and a connector for attaching and detaching a head to and from the handle, and molding, preferably by injection-molding, a polymeric material onto the core structure to form a component that at last partially covers the core structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2021Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: The Gillette Company LLCInventor: Uwe Jungnickel
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Patent number: 12070122Abstract: Powered toothbrush systems that provide improved bristle positioning and bristle contact with tooth surfaces that reduce the time and effort required for effective brushing. Some embodiments use alternating or oscillating pneumatic pressure and suction to move a toothbrush head. Various configuration of the brush head provide different areas of coverage ranging from individual tooth to quarter mouth (U-cross section), to half (U-cross section or H-cross section) or whole mouth (U-cross section or H-cross section) coverage. Some embodiments include flexible fingers and/or bladders to keep the bristle tips properly engaged with the teeth and gums, providing bristle contact over a wide variety of malocclusion. The shape of the brush heads adapts to conform closely to the shape of the user's dental tray and to any malocclusion that may be present. The powered toothbrush automatically generates motion of the brush head that simulates the Modified Bass Method of brushing.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2021Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Assignee: RYCA INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Gerald K. Brewer, Caleb Vainikka, Chris Redinger, Aaron Poole, Joe Skidmore
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Patent number: 12016452Abstract: Powered toothbrush systems that provide improved bristle positioning and bristle contact with tooth surfaces that reduce the time and effort required for effective brushing. Some embodiments use alternating or oscillating pneumatic pressure and suction to move a toothbrush head. Various configuration of the brush head provide different areas of coverage ranging from individual tooth to quarter mouth (U-cross section), to half (U-cross section or H-cross section) or whole mouth (U-cross section or H-cross section) coverage. Some embodiments include flexible fingers and/or bladders to keep the bristle tips properly engaged with the teeth and gums, providing bristle contact over a wide variety of malocclusion. The shape of the brush heads adapts to conform closely to the shape of the user's dental tray and to any malocclusion that may be present. The powered toothbrush automatically generates motion of the brush head that simulates the Modified Bass Method of brushing.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2021Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: RYCA INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Gerald K. Brewer, Caleb Vainikka, Chris Redinger, Aaron Poole, Joe Skidmore
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Patent number: 11937689Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product including a first part and a second part that extend along a longitudinal direction of extension from a proximal end towards a free distal end of the applicator, the first part and the second part being configured to form parts for applying the cosmetic product, one of the parts is mounted mobile in for translational with respect to the other of the parts, from at least a first retracted position, to a second deployed position, the first and second parts are configured to form together a variable volume reservoir, intended to contain the cosmetic product and that has a first volume when the parts occupy the first retracted position and a second volume when the parts occupy the second deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: ALBEA SERVICESInventors: Yann Crapet, Charlotte Wastyn
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Patent number: 11641932Abstract: A head for an oral care implement comprises a mounting surface and at least one tuft extending from the mounting surface. The tuft comprises a first group of filaments and at least a second group of filaments. The first group of filaments is surrounded by the second group of filaments. The filaments of the first group have a first length and the filaments of the second group have a second length, the first length being different from the second length. The difference in length between the first length and the second length is about 1.1 mm to about 1.9 mm.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Uwe Jungnickel, Marlis Hubner, Kathi Ballmaier, Soeren Wasow, Fiona Harrington
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Patent number: 11166542Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hair brush. The hair brush has an elongate profile defining a first longitudinal axis, has a handle portion in the form of a stick sharing the first longitudinal axis and provided with a proximal end and an distal end, and further comprises a utility portion extending from the distal end of the handle portion for engaging the hair and the scalp of a user during use. The utility portion includes at least a first floating finger and a second floating finger forking off from the distal end of said handle portion, with both the first floating finger and the second floating finger provided with brushing members but independently and flexibly movable in any direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the first and second floating members can separately adjust in position in use.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Tung Hing Plastic Manufactory LimitedInventor: Ka Chuen Sze
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Patent number: 10588398Abstract: In some embodiments an oral care implement herein may be embodied as a toothbrush having a head disposed at a distal end of a handle. The head may include a fixed bristle support and at least two movable bristle supports, movable relative to the fixed bristle support and relative to each other. An actuator is disposed to actuate the movable bristle supports between a brushing position in which bristles on the fixed bristle support and the movable bristle supports are substantially parallel and an interdental cleaning position in which the movable bristle supports are moved relative to each other such that the bristles on the movable bristle supports are angled toward each other. In the interdental cleaning position, the bristles may form a point or similar bristle tip, which may be useful for interdental cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Douglas Hohlbein, Kenneth Waguespack, Anthony Baxter
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Patent number: 10449014Abstract: Motion-assisted dental treatment method and apparatus. Manual back-and-forth manipulation of a handpiece with respect to a working surface automatically reciprocates a tip with respect to the handpiece in phase with the operator manipulation to amplify the movement of the tip adjacent the working surface and thereby attenuate the extent of hand motion required, which can help to alleviate repetitive motion fatigue. Also disclosed are motion-assisted dental treatment tools and systems for implementing the method.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Inventor: James Feine
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Patent number: 10363195Abstract: A device for use in physical therapy is provided. The device includes an axis, and a plurality of balls which are rotatably mounted on the axis. Each ball is equipped with a shaft through which the axis extends. The surface of the shaft is equipped with a plurality of spaced apart protrusions, and an adjustable locking feature disposed on the axis that rotatably and releasably engages the grooves formed by the spaces between the protrusions such that the distance between the balls may be adjustably fixed to any of a plurality of predetermined values.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Inventors: Cosmo Mark Raines, Christie Powell
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Patent number: 10258443Abstract: A brush head assembly (100) including: a hard platen (24); a plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which includes a plurality of bristle strands having a proximal end (23) and a free end (25); and an elastomeric matrix (30) bonded to the hard platen, where each of the bristle tufts is bonded directly to the elastomeric matrix without a retention element. A brush head assembly (100) includes: a hard platen (24) with a plurality of bristle tuft holes (28); a plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which includes a plurality of bristle strands having a proximal end (23) and a free end (25), where each of the plurality of bristle tufts are inserted into a respective one of the bristle tuft holes; and an elastomeric matrix (30) that at least partially encompasses the hard platen and the proximal end of the bristle tufts.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Gregory Russ Goddard, Evan Dak Wah Dengler
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Patent number: 9788637Abstract: A cosmetics applicator having a core bearing application organs in the form of bristles and/or comb teeth, wherein the core is formed by a slotted tube equipped with bristles and/or comb teeth on its outer circumferential surface, and the slotted tube comprises at least one weakening groove extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which facilitates curling of the tube under the influence of forces acting from outside on the tube or expansion of the tube by means of an eccentric arranged within it.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: GEKA GmbHInventor: Christian Hauger
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Patent number: 9687070Abstract: A toothbrush head includes a main body composed of multiple cylinder bodies, made of rigid material, and mounted by multiple bristles on the surface of each of the multiple cylinder bodies. The multiple cylinder bodies are separate or are connected to each other by connecting strips. A soft cladding layer is formed on an exterior of each of the multiple cylinder bodies. The toothbrush head can be connected to a brush holder to form a toothbrush. As each of the multiple cylinder bodies having multiple bristles can oscillate in different directions, the toothbrush can efficiently clean the teeth surface and crevices in different directions and facilitate convenience of cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Acumen Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shou-Jen Huang
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Patent number: 9603441Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Kenneth Waguespack, Robert Moskovich, Tanja Langgner, Joachim Storz, Thomas Kuchler
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Patent number: 9585464Abstract: 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, the head comprising a base structure having a front surface and an opening in the front surface; a carrier having a front surface and a rear surface, the carrier comprising a plurality of teeth cleaning elements extending from the front surface, the carrier movably supported above the front surface of the base structure so that a gap exists between the rear surface of the carrier and the front surface of the base structure; and a spheroid positioned within the opening so that a first portion of the spheroid protrudes from the front surface of the head into the gap and alters movement of the carrier relative to the head.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Robert Moskovich, Andreas Wechsler, Michael Rooney, Douglas Hohlbein
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Patent number: 9370235Abstract: A cosmetic applicator with an applicator body, a wand, and a handle that is attached to the latter; the applicator body has a longitudinal axis that coincides with that of the wand; and the applicator body is composed of plates that are arranged in concertina-like fashion, are integrally joined to one another, and simultaneously constitute the support structure of the core-less applicator.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: GEKA GmbHInventor: Erwin Schuster
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Patent number: 9271816Abstract: The present invention generally relates to oral hygiene. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to a multi-headed toothbrush and method for brushing teeth.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Inventor: Maxim Sverzhin-Babiner
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Patent number: 9032981Abstract: A painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus 10 is provided. The apparatus facilitates the cleaning and storage of painting implements such as a roller 12, a brush 14 and a roller pan 16. The apparatus includes a base 18 and a bracket 32 coupled to the base. The roller 12 is supported on the bracket 32 in an upwardly extending diagonal position between shields 45 and 54 for containing paint spreads from the roller. The brush 14 is supported on bracket 32 in a upwardly projecting position. A roller pan 16 is coupable to shield 45 and supported thereon in a descending position. Once the painting implements 12, 14 and 16 are supported on the apparatus 10, cleaning can be accomplished by the application of a stream of water thereto after which the implements can be left until they are needed.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Inventor: Michael Rhines
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Patent number: 8997300Abstract: Provided is a toothbrush having a handle, a tuft block, multiple lateral cushioning gels and a rear cushioning gel. The handle has a head and a fore linking member protruding from the head. The tuft block has a fore end linked to the fore linking member. A gap is formed between the head and the tuft block. Multiple bristle tufts are planted on the tuft block. The multiple lateral cushioning gels connect the head and the tuft block. The rear cushioning gel connects a rear end of the tuft block and the handle.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Acumen Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shou-Jen Huang
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Patent number: 8990996Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Kenneth Waguespack, Robert Moskovich, Tanja Langgner, Joachim Storz, Thomas Kuchler
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Patent number: 8959696Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Wen Jin Xi, Liu Yu, Jian Rong Zhou
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Patent number: 8887339Abstract: A toothbrush including a handle, a head and a moving mechanism, where the head includes a head base; and at least two bristles sets: two outer bristles sets and a middle bristles set located therebetween. The moving mechanism connects to the two outer bristles sets for rotating thereof in respect to a main axis of the toothbrush for shifting the bristle sets between at least two positions: an open position, in which the outer bristles sets are angularly shifted away from the main axis; and a closed position, in which the outer bristles sets not angularly shifted away from the main axis, wherein in the closed position the bristles of all bristles sets are more dense than in the other positions providing a substantially harder toothbrush thereby allowing a user to change hardness level of the toothbrush by changing the position of the outer bristles sets.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Inventor: Moshe Barzel
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Publication number: 20140331429Abstract: Implements may include an adjustable ferrule to manipulate an applicator to take various configurations for application of cosmetic products to a variety of areas of skin. An example cosmetic implement comprises a handle coupled to an applicator and an adjustable ferrule configured to move along an axis of the handle. In some examples, when the adjustable ferrule is in a first position the applicator may have a first shape; however, when the ferrule is placed in a second position the applicator may have a second shape different from the first shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: HCT Group Holdings LimitedInventor: Cindy Sean Yuei Lim
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Patent number: 8875336Abstract: This application relates to electric toothbrushes and in particular to a brush section for an electric toothbrush. The brush section may include static contact elements and movable contact elements to perform a cleaning operation. A head portion of the brush section is resistant to fractures or other material damage which might result from impacts, such as for example caused by dropping the toothbrush. It is structured to transmit forces from the impact away from an interior region of the head portion, to pass through the side portions of the head portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Thomas Fritsch, Ulrich Sotrkel
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Patent number: 8869340Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush, characterized by forming a hole perforated in an up-down direction on a header of a toothbrush, wherein the hole has placed therein a plate having a brush implanted thereon, and the plate is fixed on top of an elastic member fixed on the edge of the bottom surface portion of the header, so as to enable an elastic movement in up, down, left, right directions, and as the plate having the brush implanted thereon elastically moves similarly on the header according to the shapes of the teeth, the contact area between the teeth and the brush increases and the friction increases, to maximize the tooth brushing effect, minimizes the abrasion of the teeth and the damage of the periodontal tissues due to tooth brushing by adjusting the pressure exerted excessively on the teeth by a user, to enable an easier use of Bass tooth brushing techniques and to aid the user in achieving both cleanliness of gums and oral hygiene.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Neob Co., Ltd.Inventor: Pal Hyung Lee
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Patent number: 8845034Abstract: A brush head, particularly a toothbrush head, may have a plurality of cleaning elements, in particular bristle tufts, which are anchored by an end section in a brush carrier, wherein the cleaning elements may be cast with positive engagement in blind-hole shaped retaining recesses. For producing such a brush head different cleaning elements may be placed successively or simultaneously in different mold cavities and may be over-molded using different plastic materials from which injection-molding sections of the bristle carrier are formed in the process. In doing so, a first cleaning element is over-molded in a first mold cavity using a first plastic material, while a second cleaning element is over-molded in a second mold cavity using a second plastic material.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: The Braun GmbHInventors: Andreas Birk, Lars Foerster, Ulrich Pfeifer, Klaus Amsel, Guenther Alschweig
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Patent number: 8839481Abstract: An oral care implement having a cleaning element carrier. In one embodiment, the implement comprises a handle; a head coupled to the handle, the head having a longitudinal axis and a base structure with a front surface; a cleaning element carrier having a top surface and a bottom surface supported above the front surface of the base structure so that a gap exists between the bottom surface of the cleaning element carrier and the front surface of the base structure; a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the top surface of the cleaning element carrier; at least one second cleaning element extending from the front surface of the base structure beyond the top surface of the cleaning element carrier; and wherein the second cleaning element and the cleaning element carrier are in transverse alignment.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Robert Moskovich, Kenneth Wawguespack, Bruce Michael Russell
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Patent number: 8806695Abstract: An oral care implement having a head with a soft tissue cleaner disposed on a second side thereof. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle and having a first side and a second side; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements attached to the first side of the head; and a soft tissue cleaner disposed on the second side of the head, the soft tissue cleaner including a first portion comprising a plurality of projections and a second portion comprising a plurality of bristles.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Robert Moskovich, Douglas Hohlbein, Bruce Russell
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Patent number: 8613123Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush that is produced by AFT and has a head part and at least one carrier element connected thereto. A front surface of the head part is formed by the top surfaces of the at least one carrier element and has a non-planar three-dimensional configuration, or is capable of assuming such a configuration during intended use. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Trisa Holding AGInventors: Philipp Pfenniger, Franz Fischer
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Patent number: 8601635Abstract: An oral care implement having a handle and a toothbrush head is disclosed. The head includes a base portion and a cleaning portion. The cleaning portion includes a plurality of cleaning elements, wherein the cleaning portion is attached to the base portion at a first end and a second end. A mid-section of the cleaning portion is elevated above the base portion such that an opening is created between the base portion and the cleaning portion, and wherein the opening extends along a longitudinal axis of the head.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: Paul David Goldman, Mark Edward Farrell, Paul Albert Sagel
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Patent number: 8590095Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, a head and a movable portion affixed to the head. In one embodiment, the head includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite said upper surface. A recess extends into the upper surface and includes a floor, and a pair of walls extending upwardly from the floor to the upper surface. A central support may be suspended above the floor by a pair of arms that extend from opposite ends of the central support and into notches in the opposing sidewalls of the recess. A portion of the arms may be affixed in the respective notches, and a portion of the arms may be spaced from the walls of the notches to enable the arms to twist within the notches, and this enable movement of the central support.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Ranir, LLCInventor: Scott P. Crossman
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Patent number: 8578546Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a head frame and a cleaning elements assembly attached thereto with tooth cleaning elements extending from one or more carriers. One or more central carriers can be suspended via a flexible bridge between a pair of support carriers attached to the head frame. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central carriers to move from an initial position toward the head frame during use. The bridge may include rigid supports and flexible elastomeric supports. The carriers and the bridge can be formed as a unitary assembly attached to the head frame, such as via mechanical connections. The mechanical connections could include snap-fit connections.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Kenneth Waguespack, Robert Moskovich, Bruce M. Russell, Douglas Hohlbein
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Patent number: 8578544Abstract: An oral hygiene implement includes a cleaning element carrier and a body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. The cleaning element carrier has a first area and a second area wherein the second area is disposed inboard of the first area. The first area is attached to the body while the second area is unattached to the body. A bending element is disposed between the first area and the second area, thereby allowing the second area to bend/flex while the first area stays fixed to the body.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: William Ralph Brown, Jr., Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, Soeren Jan Wasow, Steffi Raehse, Tilmann Winkler
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Patent number: 8578539Abstract: The dental cleaning appliance includes an appliance body (30, 73) which has a bristle field housing (32, 52) and fluid within the housing. A flexible membrane (34) is positioned within the housing, or in a fluid-tight relationship (54) within an opening (60) in the housing. A fluid pressure system involving either a dual piston system (22, 24, 28) or a pump and valve system (70, 68, 68) provides pressure on the fluid, wherein the pistons move alternately, or the valves open and close alternately, in such a manner to produce alternating pressure above and beneath the membrane, moving the membrane and the bristle field toward and away from the teeth.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Hendrik Richard Jousma, Johannes Hotze Bernhard De Vries
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Patent number: 8561247Abstract: 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 unitary assembly comprising a top portion of a first pod, a top portion of a second pod, a third pod comprising a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the third pod, and at least one suspension member is formed. The unitary assembly is subsequently attached to the base structure of the handle to form the first pod extending from a first face of the base structure and the second pod extending from the first face of the base structure. The third pod is disposed between and supported above the first face by the first and second pods by the at least one suspension member so that a gap exists between a bottom surface of the third pod and the first face of the base structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Robert Moskovich, Kenneth Waguespack, Bruce M. Russell
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Patent number: 8561248Abstract: The flexible, ergonomic toothbrush with replaceable bristles has a handle, a bristle block having bristles extending therefrom, and a brush head frame configured to removably receive the bristle block. The brush head frame has a pair of parallel prongs that define a recess and that slidably engage opposite sides of the bristle block so that the bristle block can be selectively disposed in first and second operative positions in the recess, the bristles extending in opposite directions in the operative positions. A neck interconnects the handle and the brush head frame, the neck being flexible relative to the handle.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: King Saud UniversityInventor: Fahad Ibrahim Fatiny
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Patent number: 8539632Abstract: A toothbrush with a cleaning zone with bristles, and with a deformable element by which the cleaning zone can be adapted to the shape of the tooth surface by the cleaning force, where the deformable element comprises flexible wings tapering in a wedge shape toward the cleaning zone and with guide elements between them, at least one of the wings and/or guide element is made of a compressible elastic material.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co KGInventor: Hans Kraemer
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Patent number: 8528146Abstract: The present invention discloses a cleaning apparatus which the main body is made up of individual brush sections that are shaped in such a way and attached to one another, that no matter which position it is in, always has a continuous row of bristles making contact with the surface being cleaned, and these sections are attached to each other using hinges, or hinge-like devices, and having constant tension that connects these sections, and allow each individual section to operate independently of one another, while always having the constant spring-like action of returning to a flat-like position when not being applied to contour to any angle or shape other than a flat surface, allowing the user to an easier, faster, and more efficient way to clean a swimming pool or other things alike.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Inventor: Edward Abrahamson
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Patent number: 8516645Abstract: A toothbrush head having a bristle carrier, and bristles held in bristle holders, the bristle holders being connected to the bristle carrier by resilient connectors which cause the holders to move resiliently as brushing pressure is applied to the bristles and also cause the bristle holders to rotate. A suitable form of connector follows a conical surface between the bristle holder and bristle carrier.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co.Inventor: Hans Kraemer
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Patent number: 8506197Abstract: A first apparatus includes a base, a plurality of stems, each stem having a first end retained by the base and a second end opposite the first end. Each stem is movable between a withdrawn position and an extended position with respect to the base, such that the second end projects from the base when the stem is in the extended position. Flexible tips are attached respectively to the second ends of the stems. A second apparatus includes a storage vessel, a cup dimensioned to receive the flexible tips of the first apparatus, and a dispensing mechanism linking the storage vessel to the cup.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Inventors: Thomas Howard Beaty, Payton Autrey Morrison, Sr.
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Patent number: 8495790Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance includes a rotatable agitator and an agitator chamber housing the agitator. The agitator includes a flexible body and surface engaging members mounted on the body. The agitator chamber includes a downwardly-directed opening through which debris energized by the surface engaging members enters the cleaner head. The opening is located in a plane. The cleaner head includes a drive mechanism for rotating the agitator about a rotational axis which is inclined both relative to the plane of the opening and towards the rear of the opening so that, with rotation of the agitator, the surface engaging members protrude through the opening towards the front of the opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Dyson Technology LimitedInventors: Steven John Forbes, Spencer James Robert Arthey, Jean-Paul Mark Iles
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Patent number: 8439054Abstract: A painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus 10 is provided. The painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus of this invention facilitates the cleaning and storage of painting implements such as a roller 12, a brush 14 and a roller pan 16. The apparatus of this invention is provided with a base support member 18. The roller 12 is supported on the base support member 18 in an upwardly extending diagonal position adjacent a shield 70 for containing paint spreads from the roller in a predetermined confined area. The brush 14 is supported on the base support member in a predetermined upwardly projecting position. A roller pan 16 is coupable to the base support member 18 and supported thereon in a diagonally descending position.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Michael Rhines
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Patent number: 8434183Abstract: A brush section for use with an electric toothbrush includes a movable contact element holder and a fixed contact element holder. The movable contact element holder is driven to move relative to the fixed contact element holder by an electric drive in a handle section which is coupled to the movable contact element holder. The risk of oral mucosa being pinched by the movement is minimized by any one of several methods, such as for example reducing the width of the gap between the two holders, adding a cover member, reducing the movement of the movable contact element holder, and the like. In addition, a low profile brush section is provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Thomas Fritsch, Ulrich Störkel
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Patent number: 8434184Abstract: This application relates to electric toothbrushes and in particular to a brush section for an electric toothbrush. The brush section may include static contact elements and movable contact elements to perform a cleaning operation. A head portion of the brush section is resistant to fractures or other material damage which might result from impacts, such as for example caused by dropping the toothbrush. It is structured to transmit forces from the impact away from an interior region of the head portion, to pass through the side portions of the head portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Thomas Fritsch, Ulrich Störkel
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Patent number: 8418306Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush that is produced by AFT and has a head part and at least one carrier element connected thereto. A front surface of the head part is formed by the top surfaces of the at least one carrier element and has a non-planar three-dimensional configuration, or is capable of assuming such a configuration during intended use. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Trisa Holding AGInventors: Philipp Pfenniger, Franz Fischer
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Patent number: 8402592Abstract: A brush includes a first tuft holder having at least one tuft, a second tuft holder having at least one tuft, a support structure having a handle to grasp and use the brush, an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the brush between (1) a first condition where the first and second tuft holders are not movable with respect to each other; and, (2) a second condition where the first tuft holder is movable with respect to the second tuft holder, and wherein the first and second tuft holders remain attached to the support structure in the first and second conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: The Wooster Brush CompanyInventors: James M. Byrne, Michael Zimmerman
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Patent number: 8393042Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head with tooth cleaning elements extending from fixed pods. Additional tooth cleaning elements extend from one or more central pods suspended between the fixed pods via a bridge. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central pods to move from an initial position toward the head during use. The central pods, the bridge and outer portions of the fixed pods may be formed as a unitary structure. When a single central pod is employed, a flexible section may be disposed in the middle of the central pod so that cleaning elements extending from either end of the central pod can move toward one another during use.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Robert Moskovich, Kenneth Waguespack, Bruce M. Russell
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Patent number: RE44346Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Trisa Holding AGInventors: Franz Fischer, Reto Strahler
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Patent number: RE44819Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada CompanyInventors: Phillip M. Braun, William A. Bredall, Karen Claire-Zimmet, Thomas Craig Masterman, Mark Edward McConnell, Michael F. Roberts, Thomas Overthun
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Patent number: RE45141Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Trisa Holding AGInventors: Franz Fischer, Reto Strahler