Toothbrush having a flexibly linked zone in its head.

Toothbrush with an area flexibly attached at the end

The present invention relates to a novel object which is a toothbrush, and in particular to a toothbrush having a flexibly connected area at its end.

When brushing teeth, especially with a conventional toothbrush with a rigid head, it may be difficult to reach all the teeth so that they become properly brushed. With such a brush, it is also difficult to maintain an optimal angle between the teeth and the toothbrush head to provide effective brushing and cleaning, which is why the position of the brush in the hand must be changed several times during brushing. For this reason, the user easily applies extra brushing pressure to the other teeth and insufficient pressure to the other teeth. The consequent combination of excessive brushing pressure and inadequate cleaning or poor cleaning techniques can damage both teeth and gums.

Although toothbrushes with an angle at the end 15 have been proposed to overcome these difficulties, they do not satisfactorily meet all the requirements.

Also provided are toothbrushes having flexible stems or flexible areas on the stems to make it easier to align the brushed bristle head according to the profile of the user's teeth and gums. Such toothbrushes are included in the brochure e.g. in applications EP-A-0 336 641, US-4 520 526, DE-OL-36 40 898, DE_: \ 20 OL-36 12 108, CH-155 730 and IT-485 723.

• · • · t '·' · In certain cases, it is desirable to further increase the flexibility of the head relative to the direction of the stem of the ham brush.

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Accordingly, the present invention provides a toothbrush having an arm and a bristled end at one end that is flexibly and resiliently connected to an extension of the arm that either completely or partially surrounds the head, or the head is at least partially surrounded.

I .. snaps the extension, allowing the head to wobble relative to the extension.

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: The toothbrush head of the present invention is able to move, especially in a wobbly motion relative to the arm, allowing it to better adapt itself to the shape of the teeth than a fully rigid toothbrush can.

In addition, the ability of the head to float relative to the arm allows for a much gentler exercise, which reduces the risk of damage to the wearer's gums.

The essential features of the invention are set out in the appended claims.

In the first embodiment, the extension is in the form of a frame which completely or partially surrounds the head, whereby the head is flexible! and resiliently attached to the frame and capable of wobbling relative to the frame.

The frame of the embodiment preferably completely surrounds the head and is preferably equal to 5 pieces with the arm.

In the first embodiment, the head is preferably in the form of an undivided elongate rectangular or diamond-shaped portion within the frame. The bristles on the head may be divided into an area of ​​the head in a pattern common in the manufacture of toothbrushes. The bristles may be uniformly distributed over the head but are preferably placed in separate groups, each comprising a number of bristles.

The frame according to the first embodiment may also include bristles. The bristles in the frame are also preferably divided into separate groups and may be of the same color or color, divided or arranged in the same or different way, of the same or different length and with the same or different stiffness as the bristles at the end.

The bristles in the frame are preferably shorter than the bristles at the end so that they do not interfere with the movement of the head.

In another embodiment, the head partially surrounds the extension, making the head flexible! and resiliently connected to the extension and capable of wobbling motion relative thereto.

The head according to the second embodiment may comprise a head provided with an opening 20 or a seat into which the extension of the arm fits. Such an end may be a generally U-, V-, or C-shaped frame that allows the extension of the arm to fit into a socket formed by or between the branches of the U, V, or C. The bristles at the end may be distributed over the head in a pattern conventional in the manufacture of toothbrushes. The bristles may be evenly distributed over the frame-shaped end but are preferably arranged in separate groups, each comprising a certain number of bristles.

The arm extension according to the second embodiment may also comprise bristles. The bristles arranged in the extension of the shaft are also preferably divided into separate groups and may be of the same color or different color, divided or placed in the same or different way, of the same or different lengths and with the same or different stiffness as the bristles at the end.

The bristles of the extension are suitably shorter than those at the end. The area of ​​the extension which fits into the frame-shaped end may suitably be conical or narrower relative to the adjacent stem area, making it easier to fit the extension into the opening or seat.

In both embodiments, the head and arm extension may be of different colors to be aesthetically pleasing or to emphasize the structure of the toothbrush.

In either embodiment, suitably in another embodiment, it may be convenient to provide the frame-shaped end with one or more grooves on the opposite surface from that from which the bristles protrude, thus providing flexibility to the end. Such grooves can be oriented, for example, perpendicularly, parallel to or diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

In both embodiments, the flexible and resilient connection of the head and extension can be provided in a number of different ways.

In one embodiment, the relative dimensions of the head and surrounding frame or extension and the opening or seat may be such that a gap is left between the head and the extension such that the head and extension are able to wobble around a gap completely or partially closed by a flexible and a flexible material, preferably in the form of a thin film. The flexibility and elasticity of such a film depends on the materials from which it is made, its thickness and the extent to which it closes the gap between the head and the extension. The flexible and flexible material is suitably an elastomeric material and the head and / or extension and / or stem may be dyed in different colors for aesthetic reasons or to emphasize the structure of the toothbrush.

Alternatively, a gap may be present between the head and the extension as above, and the head 20 may be connected to the extension by one or more thin flexible and resilient spans extending over the gap between the head and the extension.

In one such embodiment, there are preferably at least two such frames arranged directly opposite each other with respect to the end and the extension.

In another embodiment, such a body may be located at the end of the extension, where it may extend substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, connecting the extension and the head and / or the extension and the shaft. In a variation of this embodiment, the extension itself is in the form of a thin, flexible, flexible body and extends generally in line with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush between the shaft and the head.

In the above-mentioned toothbrushes, in which the toothbrush head and / or arm is connected to the extension 30 by one or more frames, or if the extension itself is in the shape of a frame, the space between the head and the extension and / or frame / frames may be completely or partially closed by a flexible and resilient material, which may be an elastomeric material and which may be dyed differently from the head and / or the extension and / or the stem for aesthetic reasons or to emphasize the structure of the toothbrush.

The flexibility and elasticity of these rods depends on the materials from which they are made, their size, e.g., length and width. The overall mobility of the head relative to the extension also depends on the number of these frames and their location in the space between the head and the extension. Attaching the head to the extension as described above allows the head to wobble relative to the arm about a plurality of axes. The head is preferably capable of at least wobbling in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the arm.

The film or frames can be made in one piece with the extension and / or head or as separate parts. For example, if the extension and / or head is made of a plastic material, the film or frames can be made in the same modification as the frame and / or head. If the film is made of an elastomeric material, it may be necessary to manufacture and adapt it separately.

The arm, head and bristles of the toothbrush according to the invention can be made of materials which are customary in the manufacture of toothbrushes, in particular plastic materials. Suitable plastic materials include, for example, polyamides and polypropylenes. An example of a suitable polyamide is Ultramid B3 (trademark marketed by BASF, Germany) with a modulus of elasticity (DIN 53452) of 3000. An example of a suitable polypropylene is Novolene 1100 HX (trademark marketed by BASF, Germany), which is a homopolymer with a modulus of elasticity (DIN 53457) of 1400. Such a polypropylene homopolymer can optionally be used in admixture with a polypropylene group copolymer such as Novolene 2500 HX. trademark marketed by BASF, Germany) e.g. as a mixture of 80:20 parts by weight (1100 HX: 2500 HX). Suitable elastomeric materials include natural or synthetic latex type elastomers, especially polychloroprene, natural rubber and silicones.

The shape of the shaft may be conventional in the manufacture of toothbrushes. However, it can advantageously be prepared in the form disclosed in EP0 336 641-A, the contents of which are referred to, in particular in column 1, in lines 36-49.

In use, the toothbrush of the invention can be used to clean teeth with a conventional hand movement used for brushing teeth, preferably as recommended by dental authorities. The toothbrush according to the invention can also be used in electric toothbrushes.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 shows a toothbrush according to the invention with a frame-shaped extension with a head and frame connected by a membrane. includes an extension in the form of a frame comprising bristles, shows a toothbrush according to the invention comprising an extension in the form of a frame in which the head and the frame are connected by thin frames, shows a toothbrush according to the invention, the frame end of which partially surrounds the extension, shows a toothbrush according to the invention, the frame end of which partially surrounds an extension containing bristles, shows a toothbrush according to the invention, the frame end of which is connected to the extension by frames, and shows a toothbrush according to the invention by means of an extension in the form of a stem.

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Referring to Fig. 1, a bristle-containing portion of a toothbrush according to the invention is shown from above in Fig. 1A, from below as seen in Fig. 1B, seen from the side in Fig. 1C, in longitudinal section and in longitudinal section along line AA in Figs. ID and 1F separately,

In the toothbrush of Figure 1, the toothbrush shaft (part shown at 11) extends to form a one-piece frame 12 surrounding a rigid head 13. The upper surface of the head 13 includes bristles 14 arranged in separate groups. The frame 12 and the end 13 are sized to have a narrow gap 15 therebetween.

The underside of the slot 15 is open, but the upper side thereof is closed by a thin film 16 of elastomeric material. The film 16 is thick enough to be flexible and resilient.

Figures IE and 1F shows the end 13 of the wobbling motion relative to the frame 12 by the application of pressure to the bristles 14 indicated by the arrow points to the film 16 is thin enough and the gap of a size such that movement is possible.

Referring to Fig. 2, a bristle-containing portion of a toothbrush according to the invention is shown in a top view in Fig. 2A, a bottom view in Fig. 2C, a side view in Fig. 2C, a longitudinal section and a longitudinal section along the line AA in Figs. 2D and 2F separately,

In the toothbrush of Figure 2, the toothbrush shaft (part shown at 21) extends into a one-piece frame 22 surrounding a rigid end 23 containing bristles, with a narrow gap 25 between the frame 22 and the end 23. The underside of the space 25 is open but the top is closed by a thin film 26 of elastomeric material which is thin enough to be flexible and flexible. The structure, location and oscillating movement of the characteristics of the toothbrush according to Fig. 2 correspond to those shown in Fig. 1.

Mounted on the upper surface of the frame 22 are bristles 27 arranged in separate groups around the frame 22. These bristles 27 are shorter than the bristles 24 at the ends 23.

Referring to Figure 3, the bristle-containing portion of a toothbrush according to the invention is shown from above in Figure 3A, in longitudinal section along line AA 15 in Figure 3B and in cross-section along line BB in Figure 3C.

In the toothbrush of Figure 3, the arm (part shown at 31) extends into a one-piece frame 32 surrounding the head 33, on the upper surface of which bristles 34 divided into separate groups are mounted in a configuration completely corresponding to the frame, head and bristle assembly of Figure 1. There is a narrow gap 35 between the head 32 and the head 20 33.

Extending over the gap 35 between the frame 32 and the head 33 are two integral thin frames 36 arranged opposite approximately the center of the length of the head 32.

As shown in Figure 3B provides the pressure to establish the direction of arrow 25 of the head frame 33 of yaw 32 within the timber 36 two axis. By using sufficiently thin frames 36, the head 33 is also able to sway somewhat within the frame 32 in the plane of Figure 3C.

Referring to Fig. 4, a bristle-containing portion of a toothbrush according to the invention is shown in top view in Fig. 4A, bottom view in Fig. 4B, side view in Fig. 4C, in longitudinal section along line AA in Figs. 4D and 4F and in cross section along line BB in Fig. 4E.

In the toothbrush of Fig. 4, the toothbrush shaft 41 is formed as a narrow elongate portion 42. The extension 42 fits into a seat 43 at a substantially U-shaped frame-shaped end 44. Bristles 45 are mounted on the upper surface of the head 44 in separate groups. The extension 42 and the seat 43 are of such a size 5 as to leave a narrow gap between the extension 42 and the end 44.

The underside of the gap 43 is open, but the upper side thereof is closed by a thin film 46 of elastomeric material which is thin enough to be flexible and flexible.

Figures 4E and 4F shows the head of a wobbling movement relative to the shaft 41 of the application of pressure to the bristles ADDRESSED sections of the arrow 45, whereby the head 44 and the extension slot between October 42 is sized so that the wobble is possible.

Referring to Fig. 5, a bristle-containing portion of a toothbrush according to the invention is shown in a top view in Fig. 5A, a bottom view in Fig. 5B, a side view in Fig. 5C, a longitudinal section along line AA in Figs. 5D and 5F and a cross section along line BB in Fig. 5E.

In the toothbrush according to Fig. 5, the arrangement of the narrow extension 52 of the head 51 and the arm 53 corresponds to the arrangement of Fig. 4. The extension 52 is conical with respect to the arm 53 to fit the generally V-shaped end 54 of the seat 54, and the extension 52 and the seat 54 are again sized to leave a narrow gap between the extension 52 and the end 51.

The toothbrush of Fig. 5 differs from the toothbrush of Fig. 4 in that the bristles 55 are mounted on both the extension 52 and the end 51. In this case, the bristles 55 of the extension are shorter than the bristles 56 of the head 51.

Figures 5E and 5F shows the head 51 of a wobbling movement relative to the shaft 53 of the application of pressure to the bristles ADDRESSED sections 56 of the arrow.

Referring to Fig. 6, a portion 25 comprising bristles of a toothbrush according to the invention is shown from above in Fig. 6A, seen from below in Fig. 6B and in cross section along line BB in Fig. 6C.

In the toothbrush of Fig. 6, the arrangement of the frame-shaped head 61, the extension 62, the seat 63 and the bristles 64 corresponds to the arrangement according to Fig. 4. The flexible and resilient joints between the head 61 and the extension 62 are arranged 30 by means of two frames 65 on either side of the end 61, said frames extending over the gap 63 between the head 61 and the extension 62. The frames 65 are sized so that the head 61 can wobble relative to the ground in the same manner as the extension 42 in Figure 4F, and optionally as shown in Figure 4E.

Referring to Fig. 7, the bristle-containing portion of a toothbrush according to the invention is shown in a top view in Fig. 7A, in a bottom view in Fig. 7B and in full view from the side in Fig. 7C.

In the toothbrush of Fig. 7, the end of the shaft (part shown at 71) is formed in one piece as an extension 72 in the form of a thin, flexible, resilient frame. The body 72 extends into the seat 73 at the end 74 and is integrally connected to the end 74 from the bottom of the seat 73, connecting the arm 71 and the end 74. The body 72 is thin enough to allow the head 74 to wobble relative to the arm 71. The end 74 has bristles 75 disposed in separate groups.

The space between the body 72 and the head 74, which includes e.g. seat 73, is filled with an elastomeric material 76. The material 76 modifies the wobble properties of the head 74 relative to the shaft 71 and is, for aesthetic reasons and to emphasize the structure of the toothbrush, additionally 15 different colors from the material of the shaft 71 and the head 74.