Oral care implement.

(54) Title: IMPLEMENT FOR ORAL CARE.

(54) Title: ORAL CARE IMPLEMENT.

(57) Summary

An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of teeth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The teeth cleaning elements preferably include an elastomeric brushing element having a base portion and a tooth engaging portion comprising a plurality of cleaning members spaced circumferentially over the base portion. In one embodiment, the base portion has a circumferentially continuous side wall to stiffen the brushing element. The cleaning members project outwardly and preferably upwardly from the base portion in one embodiment to collectively define a central cavity for retaining the toothpaste. Embodiments of the oral care implement may include a field of circular bristles distributed circumferentially around and associated with the brushing element.

(57) Abstract

An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of Sooth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The tooth cleaning elements preferably inelude an elastomeric scrubbing element having a base portion and a tooth engaging portion comprising a plurality of cleansing members circumferentially spaced apart on the base portion. In one embodiment, the base portion has a circumferentially continuous sidewali \ o stiffen the scrubbing element. The cleansing members project outwards and preferably upwards from the base portion in one embodiment to collectively define Centra! cavity for retaining dentifrice. Embodiments of the oral care implement may include a circular bristle field arranged circumferential! and around and associated with the scrubbing element.

<img file="MX338599B_D0001.tif" />

Institute

Mexican Property

Industrial

<img file="MX338599B_D0002.tif" />

PATENT TITLE NO. 338599 ___SE___

M&gt; Rk 'ΙΛΜ. ! &lt;im

Owner (s): COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Address: 300 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10022, USA

Name: IMPLEMENT FOR ORAL CARE.

Classification: lnt.CI.8: A46B3 / 22; A46B9 / 04; A46B9 / 06

Inventors):

DAVID LEE

Number:

MX / a / 2013/003270

REQUEST

International filing date of September 2010

PRIORITY

Country:

Date:

Number:

Validity: Twenty years

Expiration Date: September 30, 2030

The reference patent is granted with full cover in articles 1^or. 2nd fraction V, 6th fraction III, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law.

In accordance with article 23 of the I * Incustria Property Law, this patent has a validity of twenty non-extendable years, counted from the date of presentation of the International sophistication and will be subject to the payment of the fee to keep the rights. '/

Who subscribes the presenil title does so based on the dispuMtu by articles 6 * fractions III and 7 'bis 2 of the Industrial Property Law (Official Journal of the Federation (DOF) 06/27/1991. Amended on 02 / 1/8/1994, 10/25/1996, 12/26/1997, 5/17/1999, 1/86/2004, 6/16/2005, 2001/2006, '.....^J * subsection a), 4th and 12th fractions I and III

07/01/2002, 07/15/2004, 07/25/2004 and the Instituto Mexicano de llPropieda e delega tores DI / 05 / 2009,06 / 01/2016, 06/18/2010. 06/28/2010, 01/27/2012 and 04/09/2012); Articles 1, 3, fraction VI, Regulations of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (D OF 14/12/1999, re-signed on / 09/2007); Articles 1, 3, 4 and 9 of the VincMa section), 16 sections I and III and 30 of the Industrial Industrial Statute (DOF 12/27/1999, amended efwitwoto '07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13 / 2007); 1st, 3rd

Industrial. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2007 - and 09/13/2007).

<img file="MX338599B_D0003.tif" />

<img file="MX338599B_D0004.tif" />

<img file="MX338599B_D0005.tif" />

ΜχΙα | xois /

IMPLEMENT FOR ORAL CARE __, _____

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE Λ

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to implements for oral care, and more particularly to a toothbrush with elements for cleaning teeth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oral care implements such as toothbrushes are typically used in conjunction with a toothpaste to clean teeth and / or soft tissues in the oral cavity. Toothpaste or a similar oral care product may contain one or more active ingredients which, when administered with a toothbrush, generally by brushing, provide an oral health benefit to the user such as removal of plaque and debris from the surface of the teeth and / or gums, polishing and whitening the teeth, reducing bacterial populations on the oral surface, and others.

Conventional toothbrush heads generally contain a plurality of tooth cleaning elements such as bristles that temporarily support the toothpaste during application to the teeth and / or gums. By design, usually such bristles

<img file="MX338599B_D0006.tif" />

They are formed into tufts containing numerous individual bristle strands (typically made of nylon or other polymer) and primarily adapted for debris removal.

These general purpose bristles alone are not optimized for cleaning teeth or gums or for buffing and removing stains from the surface of the teeth, particularly when used with a toothpaste containing bleaching and polishing agents.

The tips of the individual bristle strands form a less than ideal surface contact area with the tooth surfaces to obtain the optimal type of action desired for cleaning and polishing.

Oral treatment toothpastes such as toothpaste are available in a wide variety of formulations for various purposes including control / removal of tartar, whitening, reduced sensitivity, enamel protection, and others. In order for the user to obtain the maximum benefit from such products, the toothpaste should preferably remain in contact with the teeth during brushing. However, the toothpaste typically migrates into the user's mouth from the toothbrush-supporting bristles of the toothbrush, or is forced down between and toward the base of the bristles thereby minimizing the effectiveness of the toothpaste.

INSTITUTO MEXICA NO 2 'i

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

A toothbrush head endowed with teeth cleaning elements that improves cleaning / polishing effectiveness and is a better support for the toothpaste for application to teeth during brushing is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An oral care implement such as a toothbrush in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a head that supports a plurality of teeth cleaning elements including bristle elements and preferably one or more units for teeth cleaning-polishing configured and adapted to provide better teeth cleaning, polishing and whitening. Polishing cleaning units may include an elastomeric brushing element having a base portion and an integral tooth engaging portion comprised of a plurality of cleaning members such as fingers circumferentially spaced apart in the base portion. The cleaning members may have an arcuate shape in some exemplary embodiments and project upward from the base portion outward of the toothbrush head. Preferably the base portion has a wall

<img file="MX338599B_D0007.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PHOI'IEDAD lateral continues circumferentially to do more^STRHe laughed at the brushing element. The achievements¹ The oral care implement may include a circular field of bristles arranged circumferentially around and associated with the brush element to support the wash element during brushing to prevent excessive outward expansion of the cleaning members.

In preferred embodiments, the upper portion of the stop of the cleaning members terminates with a pointed end having an angled or brushed surface to improve the deep insertion of the free ends of the cleaning member between the teeth and gums and maximize the area of ​​the surface in contact with the teeth, which is beneficial for the best removal of debris and plaque.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an oral care implement includes a head that defines a longitudinal axis and at least one flexible elastomeric teeth cleaning element. The cleaning element includes a support base portion adhered to the toothbrush head and having a circumferentially continuous side wall to stiffen it. The cleaning element further includes a preferably integral tooth engaging portion which

<img file="MX338599B_D0008.tif" />

IMPIféP⁵

MEXICAN INSTITUTE P £ THE PROPERTY comprises a plurality of limpieaa ^ 'Sépáí members circumferentially at the base portion .-- The —irrieiilbWS cié ”cleansing project outward from the base portion and collectively define a central cavity to retain the 5 toothpaste. An upper portion of the cleaning members terminates at one end that has an angled brushing surface configured to engage the teeth and gums.

According to another embodiment, an oral care implement includes a head defining a longitudinal axis and at least one flexible elastomeric tooth cleaning element, supported by the head. The cleaning element includes a base portion adhered to the toothbrush head and having a circumferentially continuous side wall 15. The cleaning element further includes a tooth engaging portion comprising a plurality of arcuate cleaning members spaced circumferentially in the base portion.

The cleaning members project upward from the base portion and collectively define an interior central cavity to retain the toothpaste.

An angled planing surface configured to

In some embodiments, the cleaning members further include a top portion terminated with a stop having

<img file="MX338599B_D0009.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA INDUSTRΩ INDUSTRIAL to attach to teeth and gums, where the angled brushing surface provides better cleaning along the line of teeth and gums.

According to another embodiment, an oral care implement includes a head defining a longitudinal axis and a front side for brushing and at least one cleaning-polishing unit. The cleaning-polishing unit may include a flexible elastomeric toothbrushing element with a cylindrical configuration. The cleaning element includes a supporting base portion adhered to the toothbrush head which preferably has a circumferentially continuous side wall and an adjacent tooth engaging portion comprising a plurality of 15 cleaning members spaced circumferentially on the base portion . The cleaning members project upward from the base portion away from the toothbrush head and collectively define a central cavity to retain the toothpaste. An upper portion 20 of the cleaning members terminates at one end that has an angled brushing surface configured to engage teeth and gums. The cleaning-polishing unit may further include a bristle element associated with the tooth brushing element arranged proximal to the cleaning element, which are arranged in circumferential spacing around the cleaning element in a circular pattern.

Tufts or groups of bristles arranged in a circular pattern provide support to the cleaning members during brushing to resist excessive outward spacing of the members to improve cleaning and polishing effectiveness.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics of the preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings where like elements are similarly labeled, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the aforementioned toothbrush head;

<td></td><td>FIG. 3 is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>frontal</td><td>of the</td><td>head</td><td>of the</td><td>brush</td>

<td>of</td><td>teeth of the</td><td>FIG.</td><td> 2;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>FIG. 4 is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>side</td><td>of the</td><td>head</td><td>of the</td><td>brush</td>

<td>of</td><td>teeth of the</td><td>FIG.</td><td> 2;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

FIG. 5 is a view of the distal end of the toothbrush head of the

FIG.

ÍN5TITtn O MEXJCaNO

EU PROPERTY toothbrush handle);

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the toothbrush head of FIG.

which shows only one

<td> 5</td><td>magnified view of one</td><td>of the</td><td>elements</td><td>elastomeric</td><td>of</td>

<td></td><td>teeth cleaning</td><td colspan="2">respective;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td colspan="4">FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of</td><td>a</td>

<td></td><td colspan="2">upper portion of the element</td><td>cleaning</td><td>of the teeth</td><td>of</td>

<td></td><td>FIG. 6;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 10</td><td colspan="2">FIG. 8 is a view</td><td>side</td><td>of the element</td><td>of</td>

<td></td><td>FIG cleaning. 2;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>FIG. 9 is</td><td>a</td><td colspan="2">side view of</td><td>a</td>

<td></td><td>alternative realization</td><td>of a</td><td colspan="3">cleaning element</td>

<td></td><td>usable on the brush</td><td colspan="2">of teeth of the</td><td>FIG. one; and</td><td></td>

<td> 15</td><td colspan="2">FIG. 10 is a view</td><td>higher</td><td>of the element</td><td>of</td>

<td></td><td>FIG cleaning. 8.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

they are schematic

All drawings and are not actual physical representations of the items, components, or systems described in this document, and also the drawings are not to scale. Drawings should be interpreted accordingly.

<img file="MX338599B_D0010.tif" />

<img file="MX338599B_D0011.tif" />

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE I

It should be understood that the description of illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention should be read in connection with the drawings than the written description in its entirety. In describing the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely understood for the convenience of the description and not in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as bottom, top, horizontal, vertical, top, bottom, top, bottom as well as their consequent derivatives (for example, horizontally, 15 down, up, etc.) should be interpreted to refer to the orientation as describes or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for the convenience of description only and the apparatus is not required to be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly stated as such. Terms such as attached, added, connected, coupled, interconnected, and the like refer to a relationship where the structures are secured or adhered to each other, directly or indirectly through structures

<img file="MX338599B_D0012.tif" />

Intermediates, as well as movable or rigid additions or related items, unless expressly described otherwise. Furthermore, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to the aforementioned preferred embodiments by illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; The scope of the invention is defined by the claims described in the annexes to this document.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an oral care implement in the form of a toothbrush 100 that includes an elongated head 102 having a neck portion 101 and a handle 103 for grasping by the user. The handle 103 can be permanently attached or removed from the neck portion 101; This last example of the detachable handle is suitable for a toothbrush with user replaceable brush heads.

The handle

103 it has dimensions to be grasped by a user.

The handle is generally elongated and can have any suitable ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing configuration

INSTITUTE ΜΙλΊΟ.ί-.Ό

DC LA l'ROI'IEnAli (INDUSTRIAL *** more suitable materials manufacturing field of including without limitation,

103 It can be formed from one or conventionally used in toothbrush handles for polymers, rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and combinations thereof. Accordingly, handle 103 can be manufactured in many different shapes, lengths, and varieties of construction.

In some embodiments, handle 103 may form

<td>part of</td><td>a brush</td><td colspan="3">teeth operated by battery e</td>

<td>include</td><td>a fountain</td><td>of</td><td>power and</td><td>components</td>

<td colspan="2">electronic / electrical.</td><td>By</td><td>therefore the</td><td>head of</td>

<td>Brush of</td><td>teeth 102 no</td><td>this</td><td>limited in their</td><td>application to</td>

<td>brushes</td><td colspan="2">manual teeth</td><td>or operated</td><td>with battery</td>

only.

As regards FIGS. 1-5, the toothbrush head 102 includes a front side 104 for the

<td>brushed,</td><td>a side</td><td>later</td><td>opposite</td><td> 105,</td><td>two</td><td>sides</td>

<td>lateral</td><td colspan="2">opposites 106,107, a</td><td>extreme</td><td>distal</td><td> 108,</td><td>and a</td>

<td colspan="2">proximal end 109</td><td colspan="2">closest to</td><td>mango</td><td> 103 .</td><td>A</td>

primary region 110 for oral care is defined in

<img file="MX338599B_D0013.tif" />

brushed between

<img file="MX338599B_D0014.tif" />

proximal

106

<img file="MX338599B_D0015.tif" />

<img file="MX338599B_D0016.tif" />

107,

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extreme

<img file="MX338599B_D0018.tif" />

<img file="MX338599B_D0019.tif" />

<img file="MX338599B_D0020.tif" />

extreme

<img file="MX338599B_D0021.tif" />

some

<img file="MX338599B_D0022.tif" />

108,

<img file="MX338599B_D0023.tif" />

105

<img file="MX338599B_D0024.tif" />

define a

<img file="MX338599B_D0025.tif" />

secondary 111 posterior

<img file="MX338599B_D0026.tif" />

<img file="MX338599B_D0027.tif" />

supports an elastomeric tongue cleaner 180 with a plurality of protuberances and / or other ancillaries or cleaning elements for teeth or soft tissue. Toothbrush head 102 may have an elliptical or oval elongated shape 5 in one possible embodiment. Neck portion 101 can be tapered and narrower in width than head 102 to smooth the transition to handle 103.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, an imaginary XYZ coordination system is identified with respect to the toothbrush head 102 for ease of reference when describing the teeth cleaning elements 120. A horizontal plane and its direction are defined by the XY axes (generally parallel to the front brushing side 15 104 of the toothbrush head

102) and the vertical planes and directions are defined by the XZ and YZ axes (generally perpendicular to the front brushing side of toothbrush head 104). Toothbrush head 102 has a longitudinal axis LA generally coinciding with the axis

X and a transverse axis TA perpendicular that also coincides distal

108 and the proximal end

109.

This divides the oral care region 110 into a mango

103 middle with shaft

And and positioned halfway between the end

<img file="MX338599B_D0028.tif" />

<img file="MX338599B_D0029.tif" />

proximal for proximal treatment and a distal end 108 proximal for distal treatment of toothbrush head 102 (see FIG. 3).

Continuously referring to FIGS. 1-5, the front side 104 of the toothbrush head 102 in the oral care region 110 supports a plurality and variety of teeth cleaning elements 120 which are attached to the toothbrush head 102. Teeth cleaning elements 120 may include a variety of bristles and / or elastomeric elements. As shown in FIG. 4, a nominal imaginary reference of a brushing plane BP is defined approximately by the free stops / ends of the teeth cleaning elements 120, which is separated from and is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis LA and to the brushing front side 104 of the toothbrush head 102 (with variations that allow to vary the height of the cleaning elements 120 and the deformation of the elements 120 when pressed against the teeth). The upper portions of the teeth cleaning elements 120 close to the brushing plane BP define an active brushing zone in cleaning 120 and the teeth during brushing.

Which most of the contact happens between the elements of

<img file="MX338599B_D0030.tif" />

iNSTITu

OF 120 teeth cleaning elements will be described^-! ' Below each in greater detail. ~~~

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, the teeth cleaning elements 120 include at least one flexible and strong structured unit for teeth cleaning-polishing 150 as shown below in FIGS. 6 - 9. As further described in this document, the cleaning-polishing unit 150 has a unique configuration of tooth contact surfaces adapted for better tooth polishing / cleaning and further to contain and support toothpaste D in order to minimize loss during brushing (see examples in FIGS. 8 and 9). In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning-polishing unit 150 may include a combination of a strong / flexible protrusion such as the elastomeric toothbrushing element 130 and an associated bristle element 140. In other embodiments, the cleaning-polishing unit 150 may be composed only of the brushing element 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning-polishing unit 150 may be tubular or cylindrical in shape and define a central cavity 136 to retain, support, and deliver the toothpaste to the oral cavity during use of toothbrush 100 as described

IMPIOUS?

MEXICAN INSTITUTE Dt THE PROPERTY

<img file="MX338599B_D0031.tif" />

later in this document.

INDUSTRIAL

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the toothbrush head 102 showing only one brushing element 130 the size of which is exaggerated by being larger than in FIG. 2 to more clearly show the structure of the brushing element.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-10, the elastomeric brushing element 130 includes a vertically elongated lower support base portion 131 extending outwardly from the toothbrush head 102 and an upper portion 170 engaging an upper tooth. Referring now to FIGS. 2 - 10, the elastomeric brushing element 130, includes a vertically elongated 31 lower support basal portion extending outwardly from the toothbrush head 102 and an upper tooth engagement portion 170. The brushing element 130 defines a Axle element To the vertical center concentrically aligned with element 130 and oriented generally perpendicular to the front planing side 104 and the longitudinal axis LA. The base portion 131 includes a fixed bottom 132 secured to the toothbrush head 102 and a free opposite end 133. In a preferred embodiment the support base portion 131 has

<img file="MX338599B_D0032.tif" />

PI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE Y, - T

DELA PKOPIEL'aI »-INDUSTRIAL in general a cylindrical shape in its configuiaclóil UdTtTU 'SU“ ”shows and is circular in shape of the cross section (when viewed from the top). Base portion 131 defines a side wall that extends circumferentially and vertically 137 and that extends between upper and lower ends 133, 132. In one embodiment, the circumferential vertical side wall 137 is preferably continuous circumferentially to provide rigidity to the brushing element 130. The side wall 137 may be straight in a vertical direction and perpendicular to the front brushing surface 104 of the toothbrush head 102 as best shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9.

In a possible embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and

8, the base portion 131 of the brushing element 13 0 can be configured as a hollow tube or a cylinder that defines a recess 134 within the side wall 137 which serves to contain the toothpaste D and forms a part of the central cavity 136 In this embodiment, the upper end 133 of the base portion 131 therefore defines an annular top surface 135 since the base portion 131 has a tubular shape with a hollow center. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the base portion 131 of the brushing element 130 can be configured as one. substantially solid cylinder or rod-like.

<img file="MX338599B_D0033.tif" />

In this last embodiment, the upper end 133 of the base portion 131 defines a generally flat upper surface 135. The hollow tubular / cylindrical embodiment of the base portion 131 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 advantageously provides a brushing element 130 having an additional and greater volumetric capacity for

<td>contain the</td><td>Toothpaste</td><td>D that</td><td>the</td><td colspan="2">cylindrical embodiment</td>

<td colspan="2">solid shown in the</td><td>FIG.</td><td> 9.</td><td>Further,</td><td>the</td>

<td>realization</td><td>cylindrical</td><td>hollow</td><td>of</td><td>the base portion</td><td> 131</td>

<td>shown in</td><td>FIGS. 6</td><td>and 8,</td><td colspan="2">provides an item</td><td>of</td>

brushed 130 having greater lateral flexibility to enhance polishing / cleaning action due to flexible thin vertical side wall 137 which deforms laterally more rapidly than the solid rod-like / cylindrical base portion shown in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, however, it may be desirable to provide a stiffer solid base portion 131 as in FIG. 9 to harden brush element 130 for brushing and removal of stronger hard plaque deposits on teeth. The embodiment of the solid cylindrical base portion 131 of FIG. 9 further reduces the possibility that unused toothpaste may remain in the brushing element 130 after

<img file="MX338599B_D0034.tif" />

brushing if toothbrush head 102 is not rinsing properly due to elimination of recess

134 of FIG. 8. Accordingly, it should be apparent that any of the aforementioned embodiments, the hollow cylindrical or solid cylindrical of the base portion 131 can be used depending on the intended application and the desired performance characteristics of the brushing element 130.

In a preferred embodiment as best shown in FIG. 3, the brushing element 130 is generally generally cylindrical in shape having a lateral circular transverse shape in the top view. However, embodiments of the brush element 130 are contemplated having other possible shapes, such as oval or elliptical, or various polygonal shapes including, without limitation, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, etc. Therefore, the invention and brush element 130 are not limited to any particular cross-sectional shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-10, the upper engagement portion of tooth 170 of elastomeric brushing element 130 preferably includes a plurality of integrally formed cleaning members 160 that resemble flexible and elastic fingers that

<img file="MX338599B_D0035.tif" />

<img file="MX338599B_D0036.tif" />

they protrude upwards from the base portion 131 of the brushing element 130.

In an exemplary embodiment, cleaning members 160 may preferably extend outwardly from upper surface 135 defined by upper end 133 of base portion 131, and more preferably in some embodiments the cleaning members 160 further extend up or vertically from the top surface 135 in a general direction parallel to the axial element Al and perpendicular to the front brushing side 104 of the toothbrush head 102, as best shown in FIG. 6. Cleaning members 160 provide tooth-engaging portion 170 with greater flexibility relative to stiffer base portion 131.

Referring to FIGS. 2-10, the cleaning members 160 may preferably be spaced circumferentially on the top surface 135 of the base portion 131, thereby defining a generally circular pattern that generally conforms to the transverse lateral shape of the bottom portion. Preferably, cleaning members 160 are disposed along and adjacent the lateral perimeter or edge 13 8 of base portion 131 (see, for example, FIGS. 6-10). A corresponding plurality of openings

<img file="MX338599B_D0037.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

G the distribution of the toothpaste D laterally outward from the brush element 130 towards the teeth of a user are formed between the adjacent cleaning members. The spatial relationship of the cleaning members 160 also increases the flexibility of the cleaning members in contrast to the more rigid base portion 131, thereby improving the grinding and cleaning action on the teeth. Cleaning members 160 collectively define a portion of central cavity 136 that has an open top

<td>upwards</td><td colspan="2">configured for</td><td>to receive</td><td>and retain</td><td>the</td>

<td>toothpaste D.</td><td>In the</td><td>realization</td><td>displayed</td><td>in FIG. 8</td><td>of</td>

<td>this document</td><td>in the</td><td colspan="2">which the base portion</td><td>131 includes</td><td>a</td>

<td>break 134 on</td><td>which</td><td>communicates</td><td colspan="2">with cavity 136,</td><td>the</td>

Volumetric capacity of cavity 136 is increased to retain additional toothpaste D. It is well within the purview of those of skill in the art to determine an appropriate circumferential spacing of the members for cleaning 160 and the width of the spaces G between them without undue experimentation to maximize the flexibility of the brush element 130 while minimizing the Excessive loss of toothpaste D from cavity 136 to retain toothpaste longer in the active brushing zone.

As best shown in detailed top view

<img file="MX338599B_D0038.tif" />

IMPIOS

INSTITUTE M £ X1 CANO

D £ LA nOHÍDAO INDUSTRIAL of FIG. 10, each cleaning member 160 preferably has an arcuate shape in the transverse side view (top view). It can be seen that in the embodiments where the base portion 131 has a different transverse lateral shape from circular as shown herein, the cleaning members 160 preferably, however, have a shape that is generally shaped so that the lateral perimeter or the base portion is provided in such a way that the edges of

<td> 10</td><td>members for</td><td>the</td><td>cleaning</td><td>can be</td><td colspan="2">dispose close</td><td>of the</td>

<td></td><td colspan="3">edge of base portion.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>It can</td><td colspan="2">provide</td><td>any</td><td colspan="2">proper number</td><td>of</td>

<td></td><td>members for</td><td>the</td><td>cleaning</td><td>160. In</td><td>a</td><td>example of</td><td>a</td>

<td></td><td>realization,</td><td>I know</td><td>they can</td><td colspan="2">provide</td><td colspan="2">three members</td>

<td> 15</td><td colspan="2">elastomeric for</td><td colspan="2">cleaning 160 like</td><td>I know</td><td>shows better</td><td>in</td>

<td></td><td>FIGS. 3, 6</td><td>, or</td><td>10. Without</td><td>However, in</td><td colspan="3">other realizations</td>

or fewer members for cleaning 160.

more can be used

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 2-10, each cleaning member 160 also includes a vertical side

167 arched shape that defines a vertical surface

161 facing the outside, a vertical surface

162 opposite facing the interior, a bottom portion 163 adjacent to and integral with the top surface

135 of the base portion 131, - and an opposite portion in the

<img file="MX338599B_D0039.tif" />

upper free upper part 164. In some exemplary embodiments, the arched side wall 167 is preferably oriented perpendicular to the front brushing surface 104 of the toothbrush 100 and axially aligned with the circumferentially shaped side wall 137 of the base portion 131 to complete the full cylindrical shape of the brushing element 130, as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the top stop portion 164 of the cleaning members 160 in a preferred embodiment, may be terminated with a chisel-shaped end defining a surface of

<td>brushed</td><td>in</td><td>angle</td><td>165 for</td><td>improve the</td><td colspan="2">depth of</td>

<td>insertion</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">the members for</td><td>Cleaning</td><td> 160</td><td>between the</td>

<td>15 teeth and</td><td>the</td><td>gums</td><td colspan="3">and maximizing the area of ​​the</td><td>surface</td>

of contact between members 160 and teeth. This unique construction results in better debris removal and cleaning than the vertically straight tooth / gum contact surface alone. Angle planing surface 165 is preferably arranged at an angle Θ that is less than 90 degrees to the surface

160 as best shown in FIG. 7.

In a preferred embodiment the angled brushing surface

<img file="MX338599B_D0040.tif" />

vertical 162 facing the interior of the cleaning member

<img file="MX338599B_D0041.tif" />

<img file="MX338599B_D0042.tif" />

165 can be tilted inward toward the central axis Al of brushing element 130 in which surface 165 is oriented to face outward and upward to maximize the area of ​​the contact surface engaged between cleaning members 160 and teeth or gums to improve the effectiveness of cleaning and polishing. The upper portion 164 in preferred examples of embodiments defines an almost linear predominant upper thin edge 166 in the shown embodiment to better extend its reach and penetration into the space along the gum line between teeth and gums for better cleaning and removal of waste.

In some embodiments, edge 166 may be linear and configured to have a profile like a knife.

It can be noted that in addition to helping retain toothpaste, the base portion 131 of the brushing element 130 adds stability and stiffness to the cleaning element in contrast to the cleaning member 160 which is structured to be more flexible relative to the portion base. As shown in FIG. 6, the base portion 131 extends vertically or upward from the planing front side 104 by a distance defining an axial height Hl and the integral cleaning members 160 extend vertically or upward by a distance

<img file="MX338599B_D0043.tif" />

defining an axial height H2 (H1 and H2 are measured along the axis of element Al of cleaning element 130). The heights H1 and H2 collectively define a total height Ht (ie, Ht = H1 + H2) for the planing element 130. The total height Ht of the planing elements 130 may be less than the axial height of the bristles in the adjacent bristle element 140 (see FIG. 4) to reduce wear on the ends of the cleaning element during brushing. In some embodiments, the height H1 may preferably be approximately equal to or less than the height H2 to balance the desired stiffness of the brush element 130 by providing an adequate degree of flexibility for effective cleaning / polishing action of the cleaning members 16 0. In examples of embodiments, the height H1 is preferably less than 50% of the total height Ht, and more preferably less than 30% of the total height Ht. In contrast to the individual cleaning members 160, which may each be separately adhered directly to the toothbrush head 102, the embodiments of the present invention incorporating any one of a solid or annular base portion 131 to support the members for cleaning 160 at the point of adhesion to the head 102, they provide better resistance to extension during ²⁵ IMPI

D £ LAPitSPISüAD brushed and therefore better performance ^l'^oreph^IiALthe ^ ~ⁱ-cleaning.

In a preferred arrangement, at least two brushing elements 130 are provided as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As best shown in FIG. 3, the brushing elements 130 are preferably centrally and symmetrically positioned in one embodiment between the lateral sides 106, 107 and along the longitudinal axis LA of the toothbrush head 102. In a preferred embodiment, two shaft aligned brushing elements 130 may be provided with one unit disposed between the transverse axis TA and the distal end 108 and another unit arranged between the transverse axis TA and the proximal end 109. In other embodiments, One or both of the planing elements 130 can be positioned off-axis with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. Some other embodiments may have a brushing element 130 positioned at the intersection of the longitudinal axis LA and the transverse axis TA of the toothbrush head 102 in the center of the head, in addition to or instead of the

<td>elements</td><td>of</td><td>distal cleaning</td><td>and</td><td>proximal.</td><td>In</td><td>others</td>

<td colspan="2">realizations</td><td>the elements of</td><td colspan="2">brushed 130</td><td>I know</td><td>they can</td>

<td>position</td><td>in</td><td>other locations</td><td>in</td><td>the head</td><td> 102</td><td>Of</td>

Accordingly, the invention is not limited to

<img file="MX338599B_D0044.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY placement or number of elements of 'ndusJ ^ provided. * ----—--—

Elastomeric planing elements 130 can be made of any suitable flexible and strong materials that maintain a memory in the way that is conventionally used in the field to make such elements. In some embodiments, without limitation for example, the brushing element 136 can be made of rubber or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). The brushing element 130 may be a single molded unitary elastomeric structure in some preferred embodiments. In one possible embodiment, the brushing elements 130 including the support base portion 131 and the cleaning members 160 can be made as integral parts of a unitary elastomeric structure that can be molded onto the toothbrush head 102 such as by injection molding in a conventional manner. In other embodiments, the brushing elements 130 can be formed as separate structures that are secured to the toothbrush head 102 by any suitable means commonly used in the field without limitations, such as molding, heating, adhesives, ultrasonic or heat welding (autogenous), mechanical belayers, or in conjunction with non-AFT anchor bolting methods

IΜΡI Yes

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL BROWEDAD (Anchor-Free Tufting). Accordingly, the invention is not limited in the method used to adhere the brushing elements30 to the toothbrush head 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, some embodiments of the cleaning-polishing unit 150 may further include bristle elements 140 which are associated with and operate in cooperation with the brushing elements 130 to clean and polish the teeth. In some embodiments, the bristle member 140 may be comprised of a plurality of individual bristle tufts that extend vertically outwardly from the planing front side 104 and which are circumferentially spaced around and proximal to the planing element 13 0 forming a circular field pattern of bristles around each of the brushing elements 130.

In addition to helping improve the effectiveness of teeth cleaning and polishing, the bristle element 140 helps to provide lateral support to the brushing elements 130, and in particular to the flexible cleaning members.

160 they have a tendency

Consequently, individual bristle tufts or

<img file="MX338599B_D0045.tif" />

to deform or extend radially outward from the axial element Al when pressed against the teeth.

<img file="MX338599B_D0046.tif" />

IMPI ^

INSTITUTO MEXICANO D £ LA Pí'CViEOAD bristle elements 140 should preferably be positioned close enough to contact and help support the cleaning members 160 when they deform or extend radially outward during use of the 5 toothbrush 100. Preferably, bristle member 140 circumferentially includes brushing members 130 by 360 full degrees to support cleaning members 160 regardless of which direction cleaning members may deform or extend outward during use. The bristle tufts of the bristle element 140 can have the same or different heights (measured vertically outwards from the front brushing side 104 of the toothbrush head 102). In one embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 4, the bristle tufts of bristle element 140 can preferably increase in height towards the distal and proximal ends 109, 108, to increase the reach of the bristles and the effectiveness of brushing especially for cleaning between the cusps of the premolars and molars and / or between the interdental spaces between the teeth.

<img file="MX338599B_D0047.tif" />

It will be appreciated that the other embodiments of the polishing unit 130 may have more or less cleaning members 137 and other forms of bristles in bristle element.

<img file="MX338599B_D0048.tif" />

IMPÍ

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

140. Therefore, the invention is not limited to examples of the embodiments shown in this document. It will be appreciated later that additional bristle and / or tooth cleaning elastomeric elements such as side perimeter bristle elements 170 (see FIGS. 2-4) could be provided and used in conjunction with the 150 units of cleaning-polishing to provide a complete field of teeth cleaning elements.

The teeth cleaning elements described in this document can be added to the toothbrush head by any suitable conventional method used in this work such as, without limitation, for example, anchorless tucking (AFT), injection molding, welding ultrasonic, and their combinations. In addition, the features of the examples of the embodiments described in this document can be practiced and incorporated into a manual or battery powered toothbrush.

While the description and drawings presented represent the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made in the text without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

<img file="MX338599B_D0049.tif" />

as defined in the accompanying claims.

In particular, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be incorporated in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. . A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be used with many modifications of structure, arrangements, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific developments and operational requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The embodiments disclosed herein are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims, and not limited to subsequent descriptions and embodiments.