With Elongate Handle Means (e.g., Toothbrush) Patents (Class 601/141)
  • Patent number: 11744432
    Abstract: A manual dusting tool incorporating a handle connected to an elongated bendable paddle member adapted for insertion into a textile sock structure for use in dusting hard-to-access surfaces. The bendable paddle member may be deformably bent in either one or two directions to adopt a curved or serpentine shape as may be desired for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: CONTEC INC.
    Inventor: Layne Z Ross
  • Patent number: 11484110
    Abstract: An interdental cleaner (10) has a rod-shaped support (11) made of plastic, a handle part (12) connected to the support (11), and a cleaning part (13) which has a sleeve-shaped cover (14) arranged on the support (11). The cover carries radially outwardly protruding cleaning elements (15). Provision is made that the cover consists of a plurality of cover parts, wherein a first cover part (16) consists of a first soft-elastic plastic, and wherein a second cover part (17) consists of a second soft-elastic plastic or of a thermoplastic, wherein the plastics material of the first cover part (16) is different than the plastics material of the second cover part (17). Preferably, the plastics material of the first cover part (16) has a lower Shore hardness than the plastics material of the second cover part (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Sunstar Suisse SA
    Inventors: Jürgen Butz, Gerhard Pötsch
  • Patent number: 11213011
    Abstract: Provided is a massaging tool for pets usable for pets of various sizes and various portions of pets, and having excellent maintenance property. A massaging tool for pets, which comprises two approximately cylindrical roller bodies, and a grip body having a branched supporting part which has a first and second supporting parts in the form of right and left pair, and can vary separation distance therebetween, wherein each of the first and the second supporting part supports the roller body in the freely rotatable manner so that a rotation axis of the roller body is oriented in the direction approximately vertical to the direction of the separation distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: DOGGYMAN H. A. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akio Hayashi, Tomoya Sumitsuji
  • Patent number: 9271815
    Abstract: A device is provided for preventative and acute treatment of teeth and gums, with a handle (1) and a treatment element mounted on the handle for insertion into the mouth of a patient, comprising an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle. In order to treat teeth and gums, for example, for dissolving and removing lipophilic bacteria, and to provide for treatment and massage of the gums without risk of damage to the epithelia, in addition to feeding care and treatment agents, the treatment element (2) comprises a three-dimensional, rotationally symmetrical surface made at least partially of open-pore foam, wherein the treatment element (3) is mounted so as to be freely rotatable about the axis of rotation, such that the rotationally symmetrical surface thereof can be rolled along the teeth and/or gums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Dieter Götte
  • Patent number: 9005173
    Abstract: A system and method for rejuvenating skin through ablation using a handheld device (200) having a removable treatment component (213) with an abrasive material on one surface of the component which surface is on a portion of the treatment component (213) configured to conform to a skin surface. The system further includes application of other elements to facilitate skin recovery and rejuvenation processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Zelickson, David A. Kist, Mark A. Rydell
  • Patent number: 8997299
    Abstract: A tooth cleaning device comprising a handle, and a pad coupled to the handle, wherein the pad has a front face, a back face and a plurality of side walls. There are a plurality of different areas disposed on the front face of the pad comprising a first area comprising a first set of protrusions, in a substantially semi-spherical shape, and a second area comprising a second set of protrusions in a substantially conical shape. There is also a third area of protrusions formed as a substantially conical shape, and a fourth area of protrusions formed as a substantially semi-spherical shape. The device can be formed as a pad which collapses voluntarily under pressure. The pad can be made from any suitable material such as any type of rubber or plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Gruber, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Gruber, Edward Kozloski
  • Patent number: 8806693
    Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush 100 includes a head 104, a tooth cleaning element region 116 and a tissue cleaning element region 114. The tissue cleaning element region 114 includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections 120. The projections 120 are configured to flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth. The projections 120 are also configured to flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections 120 may be used in conjunction with rigid projections 122 having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Thomas Boyd, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Joe Vazquez, Ian Nicholson
  • Patent number: 8800091
    Abstract: An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material positioned within the receiving cavity, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a base surface that is flush with the second face of the head and a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 8763194
    Abstract: An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The tooth cleaning elements preferably include an elastomeric polishing element defining an elevated dentifrice retaining recess spaced above the toothbrush head for holding dentifrice. In one embodiment, the recess may be configured as an annular groove. Preferred embodiments of the recess include a partially or completely closed bottom portion to support and minimize loss of dentifrice during brushing. In some embodiments, the polishing element may be collectively formed from a plurality of Y-shaped polishing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Andreas Wechsler, Joachim Storz, Raimund Klausegger
  • Patent number: 8677541
    Abstract: An oral care implement may include a base portion sized for insertion into an oral cavity and a plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements extending from the base portion, wherein each of the plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements comprises an edge, wherein at least one of the edges comprises a micro edge, and wherein the plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements comprises an element density of less than about 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Meadows, Jose Tadeo Vergara de Castro, Mark Edward Farrell, William Ralph Brown, Jr., Eric V. Borges, Long Sheng Yu
  • Patent number: 8549693
    Abstract: A tooth cleaning device comprising a handle, and a pad coupled to the handle, wherein the pad has a front face, a back face and a plurality of side walls. There are a plurality of different areas disposed on the front face of the pad comprising a first area comprising a first set of protrusions, in a substantially semi-spherical shape, and a second area comprising a second set of protrusions in a substantially conical shape. There is also a third area of protrusions formed as a substantially conical shape, and a fourth area of protrusions formed as a substantially semi-spherical shape. The device can be formed as a pad which collapses voluntarily under pressure. The pad can be made from any suitable material such as any type of rubber or plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Gruber, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Gruber, Edward Kozloski
  • Patent number: 8550736
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a releasable material (e.g., an oral medicament) and a tissue cleaner for cleaning the soft tissues and removing odor-causing bacteria from the mouth. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed on the surface of the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed behind the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is incorporated in the composition of the tissue cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Chi Shing Wong
  • Patent number: 8528145
    Abstract: An oral care implement includes a head, a tooth cleaning element region and a tissue cleaning element region. The tissue cleaning element region includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections. The projections are configured to (1) flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth, and (2) flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections may be used in conjunction with rigid projections having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Thomas Boyd, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Joe Vazquez, Ian Nicholson
  • Patent number: 8522386
    Abstract: An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material that is injection molded into the receiving cavity to bond the soft tissue cleanser to the head, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 8484789
    Abstract: Toothbrushes are provided which have various features that may include one or more tooth cleaning elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, one or more gum treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, and/or one or more soft tissue/tongue treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, William Ralph Brown, Jr., Alexander Timothy Chenvainu, Chris Blain, Jens Uwe Stoerkel, Ulrich Pfeifer, Gerhard Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8281446
    Abstract: An oral care implement including a handle and a head with a tongue cleanser. The tongue cleanser has at least one ridge which is at least as wide as it is high. In one preferred construction, the ridges are shaped so as to define a concave surface facing generally toward the handle. The ridges also preferably include aligned segments from front to back that are oriented at different angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Robert Moskovich
  • Patent number: 8214962
    Abstract: A device for massaging the jaw or cleaning the teeth of a baby. The device has a handle and a plate-shaped bite part which is curbed in such a way that it essentially corresponds to the curbed shape of the jaw. The bite part has massage or cleaning projections on at least one broad side and is of a material which is softer than that of the handle. The handle and the bite part are interconnected in a nondetachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Mam Babyartikel Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Peter Rohrig
  • Patent number: 8185999
    Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush 100 includes a head 104, a tooth cleaning element region 116 and a tissue cleaning element region 114. The tissue cleaning element region 114 includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections 120. The projections 120 are configured to flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth. The projections 120 are also configured to flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections 120 may be used in conjunction with rigid projections 122 having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Thomas Boyd, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Joe Vazquez, Ian Nicholson
  • Patent number: 8156600
    Abstract: A toothbrush including a head having an elastomeric support member is described herein. The elastomeric support member supports a plurality of upstanding projections. At least a portion of the upstanding projections include non-elastomeric projections and elastomeric projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Michael Roberts, Thomas Craig Masterman, Edward H. Park, Scott Batson, Philip Sweeney, Mingchih M. Tseng, Stephen C. Witkus
  • Patent number: 8079110
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Thomas E. Mintel, Armin Baertschi
  • Patent number: 8056176
    Abstract: Toothbrushes are provided which have various features that may include one or more tooth cleaning elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, one or more gum treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, and/or one or more soft tissue/tongue treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, William Ralph Brown, Jr., Alexander Timothy Chenvainu, Chris Blain, Jens Uwe Stoerkel, Ulrich Pfeifer, Gerhard Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8042214
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The hard material provides good stability for cleaning debris from the tongue or other tissue while the soft material provides comfort and a reduced risk of injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Robert Moskovich
  • Patent number: 7950100
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 7908699
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel, Armin Baertschi
  • Patent number: 7861356
    Abstract: A brush head of compact design, which includes a bristle carrier having secured to it bristles, and an elastic element for holding an oral, dental and/or gingival cleaning and/or care substance. The elastic element is joined to the bristle carrier by means of a support element. The bristle carrier is made of a first plastic, the support element of a second plastic, and the elastic element of a third plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Braun, GmbH
    Inventors: Ivo Kunath, Georges Driesen, Thomas Fritsch, Armin Schwarz-Hartmann
  • Patent number: 7725980
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The hard material provides good stability for cleaning debris from the tongue or other tissue while the soft material provides comfort and a reduced risk of injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Robert Moskovich
  • Patent number: 7721376
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Thomas E. Mintel, Robert Moskovich, Armin Baertschi
  • Patent number: 7712175
    Abstract: The invention is directed to toothbrushes that include a handle, a neck a head, and a polishing member attached to the head, where the polishing member includes a base proximate the backside of the head and a plurality of projections of sufficient size and shape and disposed in a pattern on the base that are effective to provide polishing of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen John Blanchard, Bethann O'Malley, Justin McDonough
  • Patent number: 7607189
    Abstract: An oral care implement including a handle and a head with a tongue cleanser. The tongue cleanser has at least one ridge which is at least as wide as it is high. In one preferred construction, the ridges are shaped so as to define a concave surface facing generally toward the handle. The ridges also preferably include aligned segments from front to back that are oriented at different angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive
    Inventor: Robert Moskovich
  • Patent number: 7594293
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The hard material provides good stability for cleaning debris from the tongue or other tissue while the soft material provides comfort and a reduced risk of injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Swanson Xi, James Mei, Robert Moskovich, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Thomas Mintel
  • Publication number: 20080184511
    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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: William Ralph Brown, Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, Soeren Jan Wasow, Steffi Raehse, Tilmann Winkler
  • Patent number: 7322067
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 7143462
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 7093316
    Abstract: For effective plaque removal, a combination of a gel force gauging component and a plaque removing gel component are employed to prevent tooth and gum damage over gel rigidity range of from about 75 gram Bloom to about 300 gram bloom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Inc.
    Inventor: John Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 6993804
    Abstract: Oral devices are provided, including oral brushes that include bristle tufts and a rocking member having radially extending protrusions constructed to penetrate between a user's teeth. The protrusions are shaped to penetrate the interproximal region, cleaning between a user's teeth and stimulating the gums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Phillip M. Braun, William A. Bredall, Michael Roberts, Thomas Craig Masterman
  • Patent number: 6826797
    Abstract: Oral devices are provided, including oral brushes that include bristle tufts and a rotatable member having radially extending protrusions constructed to wedge between a user's teeth and, among other things, cause compression of the papilla.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Company
    Inventors: Alexander T. Chenvainu, Thomas A. Christman, Amit Birla
  • Publication number: 20040231082
    Abstract: A dentition cleaning device and system is disclosed for cleaning teeth, gums and dentures. The dentition cleaning device utilizes squeegees that protrude from a cleaning head to provide efficient contact of dentition surfaces during cleaning. The dentition cleaning device is particularly useful for cleaning teeth because the squeegee contact surfaces and remove residues, such as plaque, without causing significant abrasion to surrounding gum tissue which can lead to gum recession. The dentition cleaning device can be configured with bristle sections or with squeegees that are configured to retain water in squeegee channels. The dentition cleaning device is adaptable to water assisted tooth cleaning system and motorized electric teeth cleaning systems. The dentition cleaning device is also particularly useful to be used in conjunction with a low viscosity tooth cleaner that is capable of being delivered through a conventional pump dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Gavney
  • Publication number: 20040134007
    Abstract: Toothbrush comprising a handle and a bristle-bearing head attached thereto, said head comprising a bristle-bearing face and an opposite face, said opposite face comprising an array of resilient wall-like massaging flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Huw Davies
  • Publication number: 20040087882
    Abstract: An oral brush is provided that includes an elongated body, a head portion extending from the body, and a plurality of bristles, formed of particular thermoplastic elastomers, extending from the body. In various embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness of at least 30; the thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of polyetheramides, polyesters, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers, polyurethanes, polyolefin elastomers, and mixtures thereof; and the thermoplastic elastomer has a flexural modulus of at least 5 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Gillette Canada Company, a Canadian corporation
    Inventors: Michael Roberts, Thomas Craig Masterman, Edward H. Park, Scott Batson, Philip Sweeney, Mingchih M. Tseng, Stephen C. Witkus
  • Publication number: 20040060136
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion having a neck formed at one end and a head coupled to the neck. The handle portion is adapted to receive a single battery therein in a tight fitting arrangement. The head includes a base, and one or more carriers coupled to the base. At least one of the carriers is operatively connected to a drive for moving the one or more coupled carriers in respective directions. The one or more carriers have bristles, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Henry Goldfine
  • Patent number: 6671919
    Abstract: A oral care brush device is described for use primarily for massaging and stimulation of sensitive gums and teeth. The brush head is hollow but closed at one end, and is made of a shape-retaining but soft and resilient material. One end of the brush handle is inserted into the hollow handle and is configured to substantially seal the open end of the head and trap air inside, the trapped air providing an air cushion effect. The air cushion effect and the soft head allow use of the device for effective and thorough cleaning, massage and stimulation of the gums and teeth notwithstanding the user's tooth or gum sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Colin G. Davis
  • Publication number: 20030226224
    Abstract: A toothbrush design which more effectively permits bristle penetration into the spaces between tooth and gum for removal of plaque and food debris lodged within these spaces. The toothbrush design incorporates a rotatable brush disc having a plurality of radially outward extending bristles but where the width of the bristle disc and number of bristles are preferably limited so that the bristle tips can penetrate into the space between tooth and gum and preferably be of sufficient length to penetrate to the bottom of the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Soo-Woong Lee
  • Publication number: 20030196283
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush include a head containing a rotating or oscillating first bristle carrier and also containing a second bristle carrier movably connected to said head, which second bristle carrier may include elastomeric walls for enhanced cleaning and may include a weakened section to permit it to at least partially collapse during a brushing motion to couture to the teeth in use for enhanced cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Eyal Eliav, John J. Gatzemeyer
  • Publication number: 20030191417
    Abstract: There is provided a gum massager, which includes an elongate handle member having a first free end portion and a second end portion. The gum massager also includes a massaging head member formed together with the second end portion of the elongate handle member. The massager head member includes a resilient massaging element formed so as to generally adapt to the contours of a gum portion being massaged, when pushed thereagainst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Verifresh Ltd.
    Inventors: Theodore Welt, Jonathan H. Weisberg
  • Publication number: 20030077107
    Abstract: This invention relates to a toothbrush that utilizes a replaceable brush head having rubber gum guard on its top surface and a triangular shaped rubber pad on its bottom surface. The rubber gum guard is shorter than the height of the bristles and is positioned on the peripheral edge of a brush head for functioning as a sensor for providing feedback to prevent brushing at excessive pressures and improper angles as well as for massaging the gumlines without the risk of gum damages. The triangular shaped rubber pad is for conforming to and massaging gumlines at the back of teeth. The replaceable brush head having the rubber gum guard and massaging pad features is economically used in conjunction with a permanent handle that dispenses dentifrice material to the top of bristles. The handle has a resilient contractible connector for secure mounting of the replaceable brush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Youti Kuo
  • Publication number: 20030041402
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a function element carrier with function elements, for example, individual tufts made up of bristles and/or massage elements, interproximal cleaning elements, or other elements designed to be fastened to a toothbrush and also perform special functions. The function elements are equipped at their ends intended for anchoring in a toothbrush with an anchor, retainer or axle element. The method includes: (a) inserting several function elements in corresponding recesses of an injection mold, said injection mold being connected via grid or bar shaped channels formed in a die to recesses in the areas of the anchoring ends of the function elements; (b) filling the grid or bar shaped channels with liquefied plastic material and injecting said material at the anchoring ends of the function elements or embedding them therein; and (c) allowing the plastic material to cool and removing a function element carrier made up of a grid or bar shaped plastic frame and the function elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Bernd Stein, Mark McConnell, Joseph DePuydt, Michael Vankov, Ahmet Cem Firatli
  • Publication number: 20030033682
    Abstract: Toothbrush comprising a head and a handle, the head comprising massaging wings extending from a bristle-bearing face said massaging wings flanking a central bristle area and angled outwardly from said area, wherein the bristles are arranged in bristle tufts and of the bristle tufts which are adjacent a wing, at least a portion are angled towards said wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Huw Davies, Isotta Di-Drusco, Paola Giani
  • Patent number: 6463618
    Abstract: A toothbrush, of the type in which a brush head is equipped with flexible friction rods which include a lower anchoring foot by fastening the rods to a principal body of the head, the anchoring foot of at least some of the rods is received in an anchoring hole passing through the principal body in such a way that upper and lower ends of the anchoring foot are arranged above and below the upper and lower faces, respectively, of the principal body, an upper end of an anchoring foot is connected to a lower end by a bridge of material which extends outside the anchoring hole and, at the lower and upper ends of the anchoring foot, the bridge of material bears against the lower and upper faces, respectively, of the principal body in order to fasten the rods to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sanofi-Synthelabo
    Inventor: Bertrand Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20020124337
    Abstract: Toothbrush comprises a handle and a head, said head comprising upstanding bristles and at least one upstanding tooth polishing element, characterised in that the tooth polishing element is in the form of a resilient wall-like member and is flanked by bristles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Calabrese, Nicola Conte, Allesandro Manfredi
  • Patent number: 6389634
    Abstract: Oral devices are provided, including oral brushes that include bristle tufts and a rotatable member having radially extending tips constructed to penetrate the interproximal and subgingival regions of the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Company
    Inventors: Thomas E. Devlin, Michael F. Roberts, Phillip M. Braun