Movable Tuft Section Patents (Class 15/201)
  • Patent number: 11937689
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: ALBEA SERVICES
    Inventors: Yann Crapet, Charlotte Wastyn
  • Patent number: 11641932
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Jungnickel, Marlis Hubner, Kathi Ballmaier, Soeren Wasow, Fiona Harrington
  • Patent number: 11166542
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Tung Hing Plastic Manufactory Limited
    Inventor: Ka Chuen Sze
  • Patent number: 10588398
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Douglas Hohlbein, Kenneth Waguespack, Anthony Baxter
  • Patent number: 10449014
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: James Feine
  • Patent number: 10363195
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventors: Cosmo Mark Raines, Christie Powell
  • Patent number: 10258443
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Gregory Russ Goddard, Evan Dak Wah Dengler
  • Patent number: 9788637
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: GEKA GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Hauger
  • Patent number: 9687070
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Acumen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shou-Jen Huang
  • Patent number: 9603441
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Kenneth Waguespack, Robert Moskovich, Tanja Langgner, Joachim Storz, Thomas Kuchler
  • Patent number: 9585464
    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, 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Andreas Wechsler, Michael Rooney, Douglas Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 9370235
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: GEKA GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Schuster
  • Patent number: 9271816
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Maxim Sverzhin-Babiner
  • Patent number: 9032981
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Rhines
  • Patent number: 8997300
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Acumen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shou-Jen Huang
  • Patent number: 8990996
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Waguespack, Robert Moskovich, Tanja Langgner, Joachim Storz, Thomas Kuchler
  • Patent number: 8959696
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Wen Jin Xi, Liu Yu, Jian Rong Zhou
  • Patent number: 8887339
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Moshe Barzel
  • Publication number: 20140331429
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: HCT Group Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Cindy Sean Yuei Lim
  • Patent number: 8875336
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Fritsch, Ulrich Sotrkel
  • Patent number: 8869340
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Neob Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pal Hyung Lee
  • Patent number: 8845034
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Birk, Lars Foerster, Ulrich Pfeifer, Klaus Amsel, Guenther Alschweig
  • Patent number: 8839481
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Kenneth Wawguespack, Bruce Michael Russell
  • Patent number: 8806695
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Douglas Hohlbein, Bruce Russell
  • Patent number: 8613123
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Trisa Holding AG
    Inventors: Philipp Pfenniger, Franz Fischer
  • Patent number: 8601635
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Paul David Goldman, Mark Edward Farrell, Paul Albert Sagel
  • Patent number: 8590095
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ranir, LLC
    Inventor: Scott P. Crossman
  • Patent number: 8578539
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Richard Jousma, Johannes Hotze Bernhard De Vries
  • Patent number: 8578544
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: William Ralph Brown, Jr., Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, Soeren Jan Wasow, Steffi Raehse, Tilmann Winkler
  • Patent number: 8578546
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Waguespack, Robert Moskovich, Bruce M. Russell, Douglas Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 8561248
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventor: Fahad Ibrahim Fatiny
  • Patent number: 8561247
    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 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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Kenneth Waguespack, Bruce M. Russell
  • Patent number: 8539632
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Hans Kraemer
  • Patent number: 8528146
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Edward Abrahamson
  • Patent number: 8516645
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Kraemer
  • Patent number: 8506197
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Howard Beaty, Payton Autrey Morrison, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8495790
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Steven John Forbes, Spencer James Robert Arthey, Jean-Paul Mark Iles
  • Patent number: 8439054
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Rhines
  • Patent number: 8434183
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Fritsch, Ulrich Störkel
  • Patent number: 8434184
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Fritsch, Ulrich Störkel
  • Patent number: 8418306
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Trisa Holding AG
    Inventors: Philipp Pfenniger, Franz Fischer
  • Patent number: 8402592
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Wooster Brush Company
    Inventors: James M. Byrne, Michael Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8393042
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Kenneth Waguespack, Bruce M. Russell
  • Patent number: 8359697
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head portion having bristles thereon, a neck portion, and a handle. One end of the neck portion is connected to the head portion, and the other end is connected to the handle. The axis of the bristles is substantially parallel to the axis of the neck portion. The axis of the neck portion and the axis of the handle form an angle. Accordingly, the toothbrush can be used easily for brushing, and it reduces angle limitations when cleaning the inner surface of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jui-Chi Wang
  • Patent number: 8359692
    Abstract: 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 tooth brush 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 arch and to any malocclusion that may be present. The power toothbrush automatically generates motion of the brush head that simulates the “Modified Bass Method” of brushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Gerald K. Brewer
  • Patent number: 8353075
    Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush includes a head, tooth cleaning elements and tissue cleansing elements. The tooth cleaning elements may be provided on a first face of the toothbrush head while the tissue cleansing elements may be disposed on a second face of the head. The head may further include one or more splits that provide flexible and non-flexible regions. Various configurations of splits may be used to create different effects such as more responsive flexion, regions of differing flexibility and/or different degree of flexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: James Herbert Kemp
  • Patent number: 8327492
    Abstract: A toothbrush having a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head is disclosed. The handle having one or more elastomeric handle regions. The head having a first face and a second face. The second face opposes the first face and at least one of the first face or second face has an elastomer filled recess. The elastomer filled recess has a plurality of cleaning elements. An elastomer filled supply channel extends from the one or more elastomeric handle regions to the elastomer filled recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: David Victor Cann
  • Patent number: RE44346
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Trisa Holding AG
    Inventors: Franz Fischer, Reto Strahler
  • Patent number: RE44819
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, a head extending from the handle, and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, such as tufts of bristles, extending from the head. Each tooth cleaning element is supported for rotation about primarily only one axis. Each tooth cleaning element is rotatable independent of the other tooth cleaning element(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company
    Inventors: Phillip M. Braun, William A. Bredall, Karen Claire-Zimmet, Thomas Craig Masterman, Mark Edward McConnell, Michael F. Roberts, Thomas Overthun
  • Patent number: RE45141
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Trisa Holding AG
    Inventors: Franz Fischer, Reto Strahler