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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A manual toothbrush with a handle and a toothbrush head mounted on the handle. A pivot bearing for pivoting the toothbrush head relative to the handle is arranged between the toothbrush head and the handle.

Abstract: A toothbrush head includes a base portion having a first surface and a pivot portion having a first cleaning element holder having a second surface, wherein the second surface is superjacent the first surface. The pivot portion also includes a second cleaning element holder and a third cleaning element holder which extend longitudinally from the first element holder. The head includes a pivot element for pivotally coupling the base portion and the pivot portion.

Abstract: A toothbrush head comprising a flexible bristle carrier such as an elastomer or gel pad or flexibly linked segments, on which bristles are mounted, with a support which supports the carrier at its base near the handle and at the opposite tip part, leaving the carrier unsupported thereby in a region longitudinally between these parts, the carrier being flexible such that it can deform under the forces of toothbrushing so that both its longitudinal and widthways sections become distorted. Preferably the support is also flexible.

Abstract: A head for an electric toothbrush includes a support member having a plurality of holes extending completely therethrough. A plurality of tufts of bristles each extends through one of the holes. A first brushing end of each tuft projects from a first side of the support member. Each tuft is prevented from being withdrawn from its hole when a tensile force is applied to the first end of each tuft along a long axis of the tuft. A resilient cushion is positioned adjacent a second side of the support member such that a second end of each tuft can contact the cushion. When a compressive force is applied to the first end of each tuft along the long axis of each tuft, each tuft can move in its hole in a first direction into the cushion. When the compressive force is removed the cushion causes each tuft to move in its hole in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning apparatus having a tooth scrubbing assembly and a handle through which a cleaning portion of the tooth scrubbing assembly can be placed in operative relationship to a user's teeth and borne against surfaces of a user's teeth. The tooth scrubbing assembly is configured so that at least one of a) the cleaning portion of the tooth scrubbing assembly is preformed in a curved shape to conform to a curved arrangement of inside surfaces of a user's front teeth and b) a part of the tooth scrubbing assembly is flexible to allow conforming of the cleaning portion of the tooth scrubbing assembly to the curved arrangement of inside surfaces of a user's front teeth under a pressure as applied by a user during a tooth cleaning operation.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided includes a head platform having a plurality of faces with cleaning elements extending therefrom. The oral care implement can have flexibly mounted cleaning elements extending in opposite directions. The oral care implement can include a handle and a head with tooth cleaning elements extending from fixed pods and 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 and away from the head platform during use. The one or more central pods can include first cleaning elements extending in a first direction toward the first face and second cleaning elements extending in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second cleaning elements can extend through one or more apertures in the head platform.

Abstract: A toothbrush in which at least some of the bristles are linked together at their ends proximate to the head by a web in the toothbrush head, with a pad of a resilient elastomeric material adjacent to the web. When pressure is applied to the bristles this pressure is communicated to the web, and the web bears upon the pad, and communicates the pressure to the pad of elastomeric material. By the toothbrush excessive pressure between the teeth and the bristles during toothbrushing may be relieved.

Abstract: An interchangeable retractable hair brush includes a retracting brush element and a brush case. The retracting brush element includes a brush base and a brush body. A spring loaded detent pin is retained in the brush base. A notch is preferably formed in the brush base for brush bodies with a round cross section. The brush body includes a plurality of brush projections. An inner perimeter of the brush case is sized to slidably receive the brush base. First and second location openings are formed through a wall of the brush case to receive the spring detent pin for retaining the brush body in retracted and extended positions. A lengthwise projection extends from the inner perimeter of the brush case. The lengthwise projection is sized to be received by the notch. The retracting brush element and the brush case preferably come in different styles, shapes and colors.

Abstract: A toothbrush head in which the fixed ends of the bristles are embedded in a mass of a polyurethane gel material incorporated in the head. Typical nylon materials as used for toothbrush bristles are found to bind with polyurethane gels so that advantageously holders for the bristles need not be used. A moulding process is also provided for making the toothbrush head.

Abstract: An applicator assembly and in particular, relates to an adjustable applicator capable of being adjusted to retain variable quantities of a product is provided. Also disclosed is a container comprising an applicator assembly for storing and application of consumer products such as cosmetic, hair care or dental products. The applicator assembly is configured to comprise at least two applicator heads, wherein the applicator heads are arranged to be movable relative to each other thereby resulting in change in density of the bristles of the applicator assembly.

Abstract: A brush head, in particular a toothbrush, with a base carrier (1) formed from a soft elastic material in which connecting elements comprising separate support rings (2) separated from one another and bearing a plurality of bristle tufts (4) are embedded, each of the rings having a bristle tuft threaded through. Preferably the bristle tuft can move axially in the support ring and is supported resiliently by the soft elastic material.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head having a proximal end and a distal end furthest from the proximal end. The head also includes a top face having a plurality of bristle tufts disposed therein, a back face opposed to the top face, and a tip. An elastomeric support element covers a portion of the back face, and the tip is uncovered by the elastomeric support element. A first plurality of elastomeric elements is integrally formed with the elastomeric support element. Each of the first plurality of elastomeric elements extends individually from the elastomeric support element and terminates in a free end.

Abstract: An adjustable hair combing, drying, and straightening device and related method is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the device includes: a first row of comb teeth disposed upon a comb body in a fixed position relative to a comb handle; a second row of comb teeth disposed upon the comb body and configured to slide in a generally parallel manner alongside the first row of comb teeth; an adjustable tension device disposed upon the comb body and configured to provide a tension between the first row of comb teeth and the second row of comb teeth, thereby configured to compress hair at a variable level of tension and provide a wring effect; and a tab, operable by a single digit of a user, disposed upon the comb handle, operable to regulate a position of the second row of comb teeth in relation to the first row of comb teeth.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a compact toothbrush head, which contributes to the economy, cost reduction, and saving of resources, includes a brush base which is provided with consumable brush bundles and which is attachable to and detachable from the toothbrush head. The brush base of the toothbrush is an elastic member in order to absorb excessive pressure added to the brush bundles and secure stable elasticity and a substantial elastic amount for those brush bundles in contact with recessed and projected portions of teeth or those brush bundles entered into space between teeth to enable user to gently clean the teeth and gum. Even when excessive pressure is added to brush bundles, the inventive toothbrush effectively functions for the teeth brushing process. A hole penetrates perpendicularly the toothbrush head, and a slit is formed therein. Further, the inner surface of the slit is formed with recesses and projections.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a hair tangle is provided that moves the hair brush having a first bristle on a rotatable brush element through the hair above the tangle in a first direction, pivots the first bristle on the rotatable brush element about a pivotal axis of the brush in a second direction if the hair tangle is encountered by the bristle, moves a second bristle on the rotatable brush element through the hair below the tangle, and moves additional bristles to a side of the tangle in order to release the hair tangle.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a head with a first end and a second end with peripheral edge regions extending between the first end and the second end is described. The head includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface includes raised portions and depressed portions, wherein the depressed portions are adjacent the peripheral edge regions. A first plurality of cleaning elements protrude from the first surface, and a second plurality of cleaning elements protrude from the first surface. Each of the first plurality of cleaning elements protrudes from a depressed portion and has a cross section. Each of the depressed portions has the same cross section as each of the first plurality of cleaning elements.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head having a base structure. A pair of fixed pods extend from a first face of the base structure of the head and a movable pod is supported by and between the pair of fixed pods above the first face of the base structure by at least one suspension member. The movable pod comprises cleaning elements, thereby facilitating a greater degree of cleaning action during an oral care session.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a handle and a head part, on which bristle filaments and at least one flexible cleaning element are arranged. 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. A process for producing such a toothbrush is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprises a head having a bristle face and an opposite face, the head including a longitudinal groove filled with an elastomer; and a handle connected to the head and formed at least in part by a non-compressible material.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a hair tangle is provided that moves the hair brush having a first bristle on a rotatable brush element through the hair above the tangle in a first direction, pivots the first bristle on the rotatable brush element about a pivotal axis of the brush in a second direction if the hair tangle is encountered by the bristle, moves a second bristle on the rotatable brush element through the hair below the tangle, and moves additional bristles to a side of the tangle in order to release the hair tangle.

Abstract: A wiper blade (18) with a connecting device (84) to connect a wiper arm (10), which connecting device features a pivoted adapter (66) equipped with holding surfaces (70, 72) for the wiper arm (10) and an openable and closeable protective cap (26), which in its closed position can fix the wiper arm (10) with limiting surfaces (64) arranged on an inner side by means of the holding surfaces (70, 72). The protective cap (26) has an openable and closeable cover (50) with an opening in its covering wall through which the wiper arm (10) can be connected to the adapter (66).

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.

Abstract: A toothbrush with independently mobile bristles comprises a toothbrush body with a handle section, a head section and a neck section, with a long axis there through. A plurality of individual, linear slots extends from a top surface of the head section and terminates there within. The individual slots are angled to the long axis of the toothbrush body. A bristle assembly is movably positioned in each slot of the head section with a bristle group extending exterior to the top surface thereof. When brushing teeth, movement of the toothbrush body in a first direction, parallel with the long axis thereof, causes movement of the bristle assemblies in a direction essentially perpendicular to the long axis of the toothbrush body. Movement of the toothbrush body in the opposite direction causes movement of the bristle assemblies in an opposite direction, also essentially perpendicular to the long axis of the toothbrush body.

Abstract: An elongated toothbrush head defining a longitudinal axis includes a first brush member having a first brush support surface and a second brush member which is a pivot arm mounted for pivotal movement on the first brush member. The pivot arm has a second brush support surface including a first portion and a second portion which are joined together and include free ends which are spaced apart. The first portion and the second portion of the second brush support surface are capable of pivoting relative to the first brush support surface about an axis which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the head and laterally across the pivot arm. One or more teeth cleaning elements project from the first portion and the second portion and are inclined at an angle to the second brush support surface.

Abstract: A toothbrush including a brush head, bristle clusters protruding from a cleaning surface of the brush head and a depression disposed in the surface and surrounding at least one bristle cluster, the depression having a bottom into which the bristle cluster penetrates and in which the bristle cluster is fixed.

Abstract: A hairbrush and method of brushing are provided in which tangled hair may be brushed out at a better rate and with less pain. The hairbrush includes bristles that are mounted on revolving track portions so that when the bristles encounter a tangle or a resistance in the hair, the bristles are free to rotate. The hairbrush further includes a thumb button to adjust the resistance of the revolving track portion from a freely rotating position to a fixed position.

Abstract: A manual toothbrush with a handle and a toothbrush head mounted on the handle. A pivot bearing for pivoting the toothbrush head relative to the handle is arranged between the toothbrush head and the handle.

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.

Abstract: A toothbrush head comprising a mid section, a tip section resiliently flexibly connected to the tip end of the mid section, and at least two side sections each resiliently flexibly connected to the mid- or tip- section at respective points on widthways opposite sides of the mid- or tip- section.

Abstract: An adjustable bristle toothbrush apparatus which provides pneumatic bristle exposed length pressure adjustment. Bristles are provided in bristle bundles which are affixed to bristle bases. Each base moves within an individual cylinder via a slave piston. Adjustment of chamber pressure via the adjustment knob on the handle first end determines slave piston resistance to inward movement.

Abstract: The present invention includes a toothbrush having a handle attached to a head. The head may rotate positions relative to the handle to improve brushing of both teeth and tongue of a user.

Abstract: A toothbrush head is provided with a plurality of separate cleaning areas. The distal end and the proximal end of the head include cleaning elements mounted to generally non-movable bases. The central portion of the head includes resilient pods carrying cleaning elements in such a manner that the cleaning elements are capable of bending away from their initial position and then returning to their initial position. In another aspect of the invention the pods are made as a separate unitary subassembly wherein the cleaning elements are bristles in an IMT procedure. The unitary subassembly is secured to the remainder of the cleaning head of the brush during the molding operation of the remainder of the head and the handle. In this aspect of the invention non-movable bases may be provided or may be omitted.

Abstract: A hairbrush for detangling, smoothing, shaping and drying of hair and designed for improving efficiency of a conventional air blow dryer. At least one channel in the head of the brush includes an inlet that is shaped for receiving preferably heated air from a blow dryer and directing the air to exit from an outlet of the channel in an approximately reverse direction closely adjacent to the inlet thereby concentrating the drying action of the heated air.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a rechargeable battery operated combination sweeper/vacuum assembly for picking up debris that is swept into a pile. The assembly further comprises an elongated handle, a sweeper member, and a vacuum member. A compartment for housing the rechargeable battery is mounted to the upper end of the elongated handle. Mounted to the lower end of the handle is the sweeper member which further comprises a housing adapted to slidably receive the bristles of the sweeper member. Mounted to the backside of the housing is the vacuum member which further comprises a removable cover constructed in the shape of a dust pan. The removable cover of the vacuum member can be used as a conventional dust pan with the sweeper portion of the present invention.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head having a bristle carrying surface formed from a thin resilient flexible dome shaped membrane. An air space is located between the base of the head and the membrane so that the membrane is capable of flexing to alter its original shape during use of the toothbrush and then recover to the original shape randomly during use. In a further practice of the invention the head and/or handle have elastomeric portions at least partially surrounding an open area. These portions are readily deflectable under pressure during use to improve handling of the toothbrush and orientation of the cleaning elements. Alternatively the toothbrush includes a longitudinal hinge collinear with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush head so as to separate the head into a pair of side by side longitudinal sections, each of which has outwardly extending cleaning elements.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided for cleaning and/or massaging of teeth and gums having a mechanical vibratory element and a head having cleaning/treating elements on a plurality of different types of cleaning areas which provide for an enhanced cleaning, scrubbing and massaging effect. The cleaning/treating elements have different physical characteristics so that in addition to providing a varied cleaning/treating effect from the cleaning/treating elements themselves there is enhanced treatment as a result of the movement of the cleaning/treating elements imparted by the mechanical vibratory device.

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.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a handle and a head. The head includes a first section having cleaning elements extending outwardly from its outer surface. A ball joint is mounted to the head adjacent to the first section. The ball joint also includes cleaning elements extending outwardly from the outer surface. The head includes resilient material urging the ball joint so be in its initial position after the pivotal movement of the ball joint cleaning elements.

Abstract: The toothbrush head of the present invention is designed to conform to teeth surfaces by equalizing bristle pressure longitudinally. There is an elastomeric field, populated with bristles, that is allowed to flex within a rigid perimeter frame. The frame is bonded to a rigid top member which is an extension of the toothbrush handle. A bristle pressure equalizing device adjusts the longitudinal shape of the bristles by sensing and equalizing the pressures on the elastomeric field and bristles. This equalization of bristle pressures applies to convex and concave teeth surfaces. In four embodiments, the bristle pressure equalizing device is a confined mobile substance located in the elastomeric field or in bladders between the top of the elastomeric field and the underside of the top member of the head. Initial bristle pressure pushes the elastomeric field toward the equalizing device which transfers the mobile substance longitudinally to bristle regions of less pressure, thus equalizing bristle pressures.

Abstract: An assembly structured to be used primarily, but not exclusively, with a toothbrush and cooperatively structured therewith to selectively orient the bristles of bristle tufts of the brush between a neutral position, an angularly oriented forward position and/or a angularly oriented rearward direction. A position assembly is connected to the body of the toothbrush and reciprocally moveable along the length thereof in a manner which substantially maintains the longitudinal axises of both the body of the toothbrush and the positioning assembly in parallel relation to one another. The position assembly including a bristle engaging portion with may be mounted either exteriorly or interiorly of the head portion of the toothbrush body and cooperatively structured therewith to selectively orient the plurality of bristles in any of the above noted positions.

Abstract: A toothbrush head comprising three widthways adjacent sections in which the tip end of the middle section is enlarged into a bristle-carrying tip pad, there is an intermediate bristle-carrying pad between the tip pad and the base end of the head, with narrow link regions between the pads and the intermediate pad and the handle. The sections are connected to the toothbrush handle by flexible necks. The bristle distribution of a multi-section toothbrush head is thereby optimized.

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.

Abstract: A hair brush includes a body, a cushion pad, and a plurality of bristles. The body includes at least a partial cavity at a first end, and the cavity includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a plurality of apertures. A cushion pad having a first surface is disposed near the front portion of the cavity when the hair brush is in a user position, and is disposed near a second surface located near the rear portion of the cavity when the hair brush is in a cleaning position. The plurality of bristles are disposed on the cushion pad, and have a first end that bristles extend substantially perpendicular from the first surface of the cushion pad through the apertures in the front portion of the body.

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.