• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    TOOTH BRUSH HAVING A CLOSED HANDLE ARRANGEMENT OF CLEANING ELEMENTS A toothbrush (100) having an arrangement of cleaning elements (130) for improved oral care and tooth retention. In one aspect, the invention is a toothbrush comprising a first set (140) of the cleaning elements forming a loop that extends from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head. The handle is in the form of a race track and comprises a first pareliptic wall (141) of the cleaning elements on the distal periphery of the head and a second par-elliptical wall of the cleaning elements located on the proximal periphery of the head. The parelliptical walls are connected to the second arcuate series (142,143) of the cleaning elements. In one embodiment, the second and second arcuate series are symmetrically arranged around the longitudinal axis so that the peripheral convex surfaces of the first and second series face the longitudinal axis.
    公开号:BR112012014742B1
    申请号:R112012014742-0
    申请日:2009-12-18
    公开日:2020-10-13
    发明作者:Eduardo Jimenez；Michael Rooney；Robert Moskovich；Joachim Storz；Raimund Klausegger
    申请人:Colgate-Palmolive Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Field of the Invention
    The present invention relates generally to utensils with handle for oral care, and specifically to toothbrushes, either manual or electric, which has a handle and a head having cleaning elements for oral cleaning. Background of the Invention
    A toothbrush is used to clean teeth by removing plaque and debris from tooth surfaces. Conventional toothbrushes supplied with a flat bristle adornment are limited in their ability to adapt to the curvature of the teeth, to penetrate the interproximal areas between the teeth, to sweep away plaque and debris, and to clean along from the gum line. In addition, such toothbrushes have a limited ability to retain toothpaste for cleaning teeth. During the brushing process, the toothpaste typically slides through the tufts of bristles and away from the contact between the bristles and the teeth. As a result, the toothpaste is often dispersed around the mouth, instead of being concentrated on the contact of the bristles with the teeth. For this reason, the efficiency of the cleaning process is reduced.
    At the same time that substantial efforts have been made to modify toothbrush cleaning elements to improve the efficiency of the oral cleaning process and to hold toothpaste in place during brushing, the industry continues to seek cleaning element provisions. that will improve upon the previous technology.
    In an initial attempt to improve the cleaning elements, toothbrushes were developed having two or three circular brush parts that are arranged within brackets that can be screwed into the joining receptacles on the toothbrush handle so that they can be removed and replaced as needed. Each part of the brush contains rigid cleaning elements and is spaced from the other along the longitudinal axis of the handle at a distance less than the thickness of a tooth so that the brush operates on both the lingual (inside) and facial surfaces (outside) teeth.
    Another existing toothbrush includes a head containing a prophylactic polishing cup such as rubber, flexible or "prophy cup" similar to that used by dental personnel to professionally clean teeth. This prophy cup is loaded with toothpaste by the user and applied to the teeth. The "lightweight prophy rubber cup device follows tooth contours more effectively than bristles." A ring of cleaning elements ("tufts of bristle") is placed around the periphery of the head toothbrush that co-act with the prophys cups to clean the user's gums and teeth.
    More recently, the combination and strategic arrangement of cleaning elements in the form of elastomeric prophys cups and bristle tufts has become more common as a way of improving cleaning efficiency and keeping toothpaste in place during brushing. An example of the combined use and strategic arrangement of elastomeric prophys cups and bristle tufts is a toothbrush having a head part comprising a plurality of internal handles formed by means of elastomeric walls. The inner central handle is surrounded by the outer handles formed of bristles. A central cleaning element, formed as a tuft of bristle, is located inside the internal elastomeric handle.
    Another example of the combined use and strategic arrangement of elastomeric prophys cups and bristle tufts can be found on a toothbrush having a head part comprising a plurality of soft elastomer prophys cups surrounded by the bristle rings. In another embodiment, a toothbrush exists where the centralized prophys cups are formed by means of densely packed groups of cleaning elements that are surrounded by the bristle rings. The bristle rings on this toothbrush are also described as having one or more tufts on a slope. Summary of the Invention
    In one aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle: a head connected to the handle, the head having a proximal periphery, a distal periphery, a first surface, a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a first set of cleaning elements forming a loop extending from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head, the first set of cleaning elements comprising: a first par-elliptical wall of cleaning elements located on the distal periphery of the head , the first pair-elliptical wall ending at a first end and a second end; a second par-elliptical wall of cleaning elements located at the proximal periphery of the head, the second par-elliptical wall ending at a first end and a second end; a first row of cleaning elements extending from the first end of the first par-elliptical wall to the first end of the second par-elliptical wall; and a second row of cleaning elements extending from the second end of the first par-elliptical wall to the second end of the second par-elliptical wall; wherein the first and second rows are symmetrically arranged around the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis, the first and second rows separated by means of a first distance which increases with the distance from the lateral axis; a third row of cleaning elements extending adjacent the first row and located along a first lateral periphery of the head, the third row located outside the handle, the third row extending upwards from the first surface at an inclination of in order to depart from the first row, the third row having a height that is greater than a height of the first row; and a fourth row of cleaning elements extending adjacent the second row and located along a second lateral periphery of the head, the fourth row located outside the handle, the fourth row extending upwards from the first surface at an incline in order to depart from the second row, the fourth row having a height that is greater than a height of the second row.
    In another aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle: a head connected to the handle, the head having a proximal periphery, a distal periphery, a first surface and a longitudinal axis; a first set of cleaning elements forming a loop extending from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head, the first set of cleaning elements comprising: a first par-elliptical wall of cleaning elements located on the distal periphery of the head , the first pair-elliptical wall ending at a first end and a second end; a second par-elliptical wall of cleaning elements located at the proximal periphery of the head, the second par-elliptical wall ending at a first end and a second end; a first row of cleaning elements extending from the first end of the first pair-elliptical wall to the first end of the second pair-elliptical wall; and a second row of cleaning elements extending from the second end of the first pair-elliptical wall to the second end of the second pair-elliptical wall; a third row of cleaning elements extending adjacent the first row and located along a first lateral periphery of the head, the third row located outside the handle, the third row extending upwards from the first surface at an inclination of in order to depart from the first row, the third row having a height that is greater than a height of the first row; and a fourth row of cleaning elements extending adjacent the second row and located along a second lateral periphery of the head, the fourth row located outside the handle, the fourth row extending upwards from the first surface at an incline in order to depart from the second row, the fourth row having a height that is greater than a height of the second row.
    In yet another aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle: a head connected to the handle, the head having a proximal periphery, a distal periphery, a first surface and a longitudinal axis; a first set of cleaning elements forming a loop extending from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head, the first set of cleaning elements comprising: a first par-elliptical wall of cleaning elements located on the distal periphery of the head , the first pair-elliptical wall ending at a first end and a second end; a second par-elliptical wall of cleaning elements located at the proximal periphery of the head, the second par-elliptical wall ending at a first end and a second end; a first arcuate row of cleaning elements extending from the first end of the first par-elliptical wall to the first end of the second par-elliptical wall; and a second arcuate row of cleaning elements extending from the second end of the first par-elliptical wall to the second end of the second par-elliptical wall; and wherein the arcuate first and second rows are symmetrically arranged around the longitudinal axis so that the convex peripheral surfaces of the first and second rows face the longitudinal axis.
    In yet another aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle: a head connected to the handle, the head having a proximal periphery, a distal periphery, a first surface and a longitudinal axis; a first set of cleaning elements forming a loop extending from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head, the first set of cleaning elements comprising: a first par-elliptical wall of cleaning elements located on the distal periphery of the head , the first pair-elliptical wall ending at a first end and a second end; a second par-elliptical wall of cleaning elements located at the proximal periphery of the head, the second par-elliptical wall ending at a first end and a second end; a first row of cleaning elements extending from the first end of the first par-elliptical wall to the first end of the second par-elliptical wall; and a second row of cleaning elements extending from the second end of the first par-elliptical wall to the second end of the second par-elliptical wall; wherein an upper surface of the handle has a longitudinal side profile which is an extended S shape.
    Also in one aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle: a head connected to the handle, the head having a proximal periphery, a distal periphery, a first surface and a longitudinal axis; a first set of cleaning elements forming a loop that extends from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head; and where an upper surface of the loop has a longitudinal side profile comprising a concave section extending from a peak at a more distal point of the loop to a transition point in an intermediate portion of the loop, and a concave section extending from the transition point to a more proximal point on the second par-elliptical wall. Brief Description of Drawings
    This invention is capable of use in a wide range of oral care tools and hygiene products. The drawings illustrate a use of the invention and are not to be interpreted as just the modality of the invention.
    Figure 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention.
    Figure 2 is a front view of the toothbrush in Figure 1.
    Figure 3 is a view of the left side of the toothbrush in Figure 1.
    Figure 4 is a view of the right side of the toothbrush in Figure 1.
    Figure 5 is a top view of the toothbrush in Figure 1.
    Figure 6 is an approximate perspective view of the toothbrush head of Figure 1.
    Figure 7 is an approximate front view of the toothbrush head of Figure 1.
    Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head of Figure 1 along view VIII-VIII of Figure 7.
    Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head of Figure 1 along view IX-IX of Figure 7.
    Figure 10 is a view of the left side of the toothbrush of Figure 1 where certain cleaning elements have been removed to clearly show a side profile of the substantially closed handle formed by the first set of cleaning elements. Detailed Description of Drawings
    In the description that follows, the invention is discussed in terms of a manual toothbrush incorporating the object arrangement of cleaning elements. In any case, in other forms, the invention may be in the form of other oral care tools including a soft tissue cleaner, an electric toothbrush, or other handle tool designed for oral care.
    Referring first to Figures 1 to 5 simultaneously, a toothbrush 100 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush 100 generally comprises a handle 110 and a head 120. The handle 110 provides the user with a mechanism by which he / she can easily grasp and handle the toothbrush 100. The handle 110 is generically illustrated and can be formed of many different shapes, sizes, materials and a variety of production methods that are well known to those skilled in the art. If desired, cable 110 may include a suitable textured grip (not shown) made of elastomeric material or may be of a multi-part construction. Simply stated, the details of the cable 110 are not limiting to the present invention and, therefore, also need not be discussed for the purposes of the present invention.
    The toothbrush 100 extends from a proximal end 112 to a distal end 113 along a longitudinal axis A-A (illustrated in Figure 2). The head 120 is operably connected to the handle 110. The head 120 and the handle 110 of the toothbrush are preferably formed as a single unitary structure employing a modeling, grinding, machining or other suitable process. In any case, in other embodiments, the cable 110 and the head 120 can be formed as separate components which are operably connected to a later stage of the production process by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation of thermal welding , a tight fitting assembly, a coupling cylinder, adhesion, or fasteners. Whether the head 120 and the cable 110 are of a single or multi-piece construction (including connection techniques) is not limiting to the present invention.
    It should be noted at this point that the relative terms, such as distal, intermediate, proximal, upper, lower, top, bottom, right, left, etc. They are merely employed to delineate the relative positions of the toothbrush components 100 with respect to each other and are not intended to be in any way also limiting of the present invention.
    The head 120 generally comprises a front surface 121 and a rear surface 122. The front surface 121 and the rear surface 122 of the head 120 can assume a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of the present invention. For example, the rear and front surfaces 121, 122 can be flat, contoured or combinations thereof. Furthermore, if desired, the rear surface 122 may also comprise additional structures for oral cleaning, such as a soft tissue cleaner. An example of a suitable mold wiper is described in United States Patent 7,143,462, issued December 5, 2006 to the assignee of the present application, all of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, the same time that the head 120 is normally extended relative to the neck 111 of the cable 110, which in some constructions could simply be a continuous or reduced extension of the cable 110.
    Head 120 also comprises a distal periphery 124, a first lateral periphery 125, a second posterior periphery 126, and a proximal periphery 127. The distal periphery 124, the first lateral periphery 125 and the second posterior periphery 126 are connected by means of a peripheral lateral surface 123 of the head 120. The proximal periphery 127 is defined where the head 120 passes through the cable 111.
    A collection 130 of cleaning elements is provided on the front surface of the head 120 for cleaning contact with an oral surface, preferably the teeth. While the collection 130 of cleaning elements is particularly suitable for tooth brushing, the collection 130 of cleaning elements can be used to clean the soft tissue of the mouth, such as a tongue, gums, or cheeks instead from or beyond the teeth. As used here, the term "cleaning element" is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean or massage an oral surface through the relative contact of the surface. Common Examples of "cleaning elements" include, without limitation, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protusions, flexible polymer profusions, co-extruded filaments , bristles with edges, pleated bristles, anti-bacterial bristles and their combinations and / or structures containing such materials or combinations.
    The collection 130 of cleaning elements of the present invention can be connected to the head 120 by any method known in the art. For example, free anchor puffing (AFT) should be used to assemble the cleaning elements. In AFT, the plate or membrane is attached to the brush head, such as by means of ultrasonic welding. The bristles (or other elastomeric elements) extend across the plate or membrane. The free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or membrane perform the cleaning function. The ends of the bristles on the other side of the plate or membrane are fused together by means of heat to be anchored in place. Any suitable form of cleaning elements can be employed in the broad practice of this invention.
    Alternatively, the bristles can be mounted in tuff blocks or in sections by extending through the appropriate openings in the tuff blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted inside or below the tuff block.
    Referring now to the Figures. 6 and 7 simultaneously, the details of the head 120 and the collection 130 of cleaning elements extending from there should be described according to an embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush head 120 comprises a longitudinal axis A-A and a lateral axis C-C. In general, the collection 130 of cleaning elements comprises a first set 140 of cleaning elements, a second set 150 of cleaning elements, a third set 160 of cleaning elements, and a plurality of prophylaxis cups 171-173.
    The first set 140 of cleaning elements generally comprises a distal par-elliptical wall 141 of cleaning elements, two arched rows 142-143 of cleaning elements, and a proximal par-elliptical wall 144. The distal par-elliptical wall 141 is formed by cleaning elements 141 ab. The proximal par-elliptical wall 144 is formed by the cleaning elements 144a-d. The first arcuate row 142 is formed by the cleaning elements 142a-c the same time as the second arcuate row 143 is formed by the cleaning elements 143a-c.
    The second set 150 of cleaning elements is arranged in a row along the side periphery 125 of the head 120. Similarly, the third set 160 of cleaning elements is arranged in a row along the side periphery 126 of the head 120. Specifically, the row formed by the first set 150 of cleaning elements comprises cleaning elements 150a-and the same time as the row formed by the second set 160 of cleaning elements comprises cleaning elements 160a-e.
    Preferably, all the cleaning elements of the distal par-elliptical wall 141, the two arched rows 142-143, and the proximal par-elliptical wall 144 are formed by the densely packed bristles. In any case, the invention is not so limited and one, a little, or all of these cleaning elements can be formed from another material, such as an elastomer, etc. Furthermore, the same time as the distal par-elliptical wall 141, the two arched rows 142-143, and the proximal par-elliptical wall 144 are illustrated as being formed by two, three and four cleaning elements, respectively, each one of the distal par-elliptical wall 141, the two arched rows 142-143, and the proximal par-elliptical wall 144 can be formed by more or less cleaning elements than the illustrated embodiment. Furthermore, it is even possible that the distal par-elliptical wall 141, the two arched rows 142-143, and the proximal par-elliptical wall 144 can be formed as a single cleaning element wall.
    The 171 prophylaxis cup is formed by three arched sections of the elastomeric wall 171a-c. Similarly, the prophylaxis cup 173 is formed by three arched sections of the 172a-c elastomeric wall. The central prophylaxis cup 172 is formed by two arched sections of the elastomeric wall 172a-b. Of course, each of the 171-173 prophylaxis cups can be made from more or less sections than the illustrated modality and can be made from other materials, such as densely packed bristles. Suitable elastomeric materials include any elastic biocompatible material suitable for use in an oral hygiene device. To provide better comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material preferably has a hardness property in the hardness range of A10 to A40 Shore, and preferably, A25 Shore hardness. A preferred elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) produced by GLS Corporation. However, other manufacturers' SEBS material or other materials within and outside the observed hardness range could be employed.
    All 171-173 prophylaxis cups are disposed within a handle, which is preferably a substantially closed handle, formed by the first set of cleaning elements 140 (which should be discussed in greater detail below). The prophylaxis cups 171-173 are also arranged along the longitudinal axis A-A of the head. The prophylaxis cup 172 is also located on the lateral axis C-C of the head 120.
    Also in relation to the first set of cleaning elements 140, the prophylaxis cup 171 is located within the distal par-elliptical wall 141 and the prophylaxis cup 173 is located within the proximal par-elliptical wall 144. The prophylaxis cup 172 is centrally located between the two arched rows 142-143.
    An elongated central cleaning element 181-183 is located within each of the prophylaxis cups 171-173 and extends over the first surface 121 of the head 120 in a substantially normal manner. Specifically, the central cleaning element 181 is located inside the prophylaxis cup 171 and extends along a central axis XX of the prophylaxis cup 171. The central cleaning element 182 is located inside the prophylaxis cup 172 and extends over a YY central axis of the prophylaxis cup 172. The central cleaning element 183 is located inside the prophylaxis cup 173 and extends along a central axis ZZ of the prophylaxis cup 173. Each of the elongated cleaning elements 181-183 is preferably more higher than its respective 171-173 prophylaxis cup and extends above its upper surface. Each of the elongated central cleaning elements 181-183 terminates at a cleaning end which is preferably a cone-like tip. Of course, the invention is not so limited and the cleaning ends of the central cleaning elements 181-183 can take other forms. The central cleaning elements 181-183 are preferably densely packed tufts of bristle but can be elastomeric binders if desired. In some embodiments of the invention, the elongated cleaning elements 181-183 can be omitted all together.
    A first pair of elongated cleaning elements 191a-b is also located within the substantially closed handle formed by the first set 140 of cleaning elements. The first pair of elongated cleaning elements 191a-b is located between the first prophylaxis cup 171 and the second prophylaxis cup 172. Similarly, a second pair of elongated cleaning elements 192a-b is located within the substantially closed loop formed by the first set 140 of cleaning elements. The second pair of elongated cleaning elements 192a-b is located between the second prophylaxis cup 172 and the second prophylaxis cup 173
    Referring now only to Figure 7, the details of the front profile of the first set 140 of cleaning elements should be discussed. Collectively, the distal par-elliptical wall 141 of cleaning elements, the two arched rows 142-143 of cleaning elements, and the proximal par-elliptical wall 144 form a substantially closed loop extending from the distal periphery 124 of the head 120 to the proximal periphery 127 of the head 120. The substantially closed loop formed by the distal par-elliptical wall 141 of cleaning elements, the two arched rows 142-143 of cleaning elements, and the proximal par-elliptical wall 144 is also symmetrically located at the along the longitudinal axis AA of the head 120. As best seen in Figure 7, the substantially closed handle resembles a race track in shape. Of course, other forms can be used in certain alternative modalities.
    The distal par-elliptical wall 141 circumferentially extends from a first end 241a to a second end 241b. The distal par-elliptical wall 141 circumferentially extends at least 180 degrees, and in the illustrated embodiment it extends about 180 degrees. The proximal par-elliptical wall 144 circumferentially extends from a first end 244a to a second end 244b. The proximal par-elliptical wall 144 circumferentially extends at least 180 degrees, and in the illustrated embodiment it extends to about 180 degrees.
    The first arcuate row 142 extends from the first end 241a of the distal par-elliptical wall 141 to the first end 244a of the proximal par-elliptical wall 144. Similarly, the second heated row 143 extends from the second end 241b of the distal par-elliptical wall 141 for the second end 244a of the proximal par-elliptical wall 144. The first and second arched rows 142, 143 are arranged in the head 120 so as to be symmetrically located around both the longitudinal axis AA and the lateral axis CC of the head . The first and second arched rows 142, 143 are separated by a distance D that increases with the distance from the lateral axis C-C. The arched rows 142, 143 are arranged so that their peripheral conversational surfaces are opposite one another.
    Referring now to the Figures. 7-9 simultaneously, the details of the second and third sets 150, 160 of cleaning elements should be discussed, together with their relationship to the first set 140 of cleaning elements and the head 120. As mentioned above, the third and second sets 150, 160 of cleaning elements are arranged in rows along the first and second side peripheries 125, 126 of the head 120 respectively. Cleaning elements 160a-e extend from the first surface 121 of the head 120 at an unusual angle so that the cleaning elements 160a-e extend from the first surface 121 of the head 120 so as to depart from the second row 143 of cleaning elements (which preferably extend from the first surface 121 at a substantially normal angle). Similarly, cleaning elements 150a-e extend from the first surface 121 of the head 120 at an abnormal angle θ so that the cleaning elements 150a-e extend from the first surface 121 of the head 120 so as to depart from the first row 142 of cleaning elements (which preferably extend from the first surface 121 at a substantially normal angle). Preferably, the angle θ is in the range of 1 to 15 degrees, and more preferably 4 degrees.
    A longitudinal channel 165 is formed between the third set 160 of cleaning elements 160a-e and the third row 143 of cleaning elements 143a-c. Similarly, a longitudinal channel 155 is formed between the second set 150 of cleaning elements 150a-e and the second row 142 of cleaning elements 142a-c. Longitudinal channels 155, 165 provide a cavity for receiving and retaining toothpaste during oral care.
    The cleaning elements 160a-e of the third assembly 160 end at the cleaning end 161 a-e. The cleaning ends 161a-e are preferably tapered to form a longitudinal edge 162 along the row formed by the third set 160 of cleaning elements 160a-e. Similarly, the cleaning elements 150a-e of the second assembly 150 terminate at the ends of the cleaning 151 a-e. The cleaning ends 151 a-e are preferably tapered to form a second longitudinal edge 152 along the row formed by the third set 150 of cleaning elements 150a-e. The tapered and sloping nature of the second and third rows 150, 160 of cleaning elements 150a-e, 160a-e not only provides increased cleaning of the teeth along the gum line during brushing, but also provides a means by which to direct the toothpaste in those areas.
    As best seen in Figure 9, the second and third sets 150, 160 of cleaning elements 150a-e, 160a-e are taller than the second and third rows 142, 143 of cleaning elements 142-c, 143a -c respectively. Otherwise indicated, the second and third sets 150, 160 of cleaning elements 150a-e, 160a-e have a height that is greater than the height of the second and third rows 142, 143 of cleaning elements 142- c, 143a-c respectively. With employed here, a height is the normal distance from the first surface 121 of the head 120 to the uppermost part of the object element.
    Referring now to Figures 7 and 9 simultaneously, as discussed above, the prophylaxis cup 171 is located within the distal par-elliptical wall 141 and the prophylaxis cup 173 is located within the proximal par-elliptical wall 144. As a result a channel annular 195 exists between the prophylaxis cup 171 and the distal par-elliptical wall 141. Similarly, an annular channel 196 exists between the prophylaxis cup 173 and the proximal par-elliptical wall 144. These annular channels 195, 196 provide the cavities to also receive retain toothpaste during oral care. As can be seen in Figure 9, the most distal portion of the first elliptical pair wall 141 extends over the first surface 121 of the head 120 of a mod inclined at an angle β away from the cable 110. Preferably, the angle β is in the range of 1 to 15 degrees, and more preferably at 4 degrees. Conversely, the most proximal portion of the second par-elliptical wall 144 extends above the first surface 121 of the head 120 at an angle <t> facing cable 110. Preferably, the angle $ is in the range of 1 to 15 degrees, and more preferably to 4 degrees.
    Referring now to Figures 7 and 10 simultaneously, the contour of the substantially closed loop formed by the first set 140 of cleaning elements should be discussed. Figure 10 illustrates a simplified longitudinal side profile of the upper surface of the substantially closed loop formed by the distal par-elliptical wall 141, the two arched rows 142-143, and the proximal par-elliptical wall 144. As can be seen, the upper surface 149 has a lateral side profile comprising a concave section 40 that extends from a peak P at a more distal point from the distal par-elliptical wall 141 to a transition point T in an intermediate portion of the two arched rows 142-133. The lateral side profile also comprises a concave section 50 extending from the transition point T to a more proximal point F of the second pair-elliptical wall 144. The longitudinal side profile is essentially an extended S shape.
    Otherwise described, the first par-elliptical wall 141 has a first height H1 at the first and second ends 241 a, b and a height of the peak HP at the place where the first par-elliptical wall 144 crosses (or hypothetically should cross) the longitudinal axis AA The first par-elliptical wall 144 slopes upwards from the first height H1 to the height of the peak HP moving from the first and second ends 241 a, b to the location P where the first wall elliptical pair crosses the longitudinal axis AA. When moving from the first par-elliptical wall 141 to the second par-elliptical wall 144, the height of the first and second rows 142, 143 slopes downwardly to a first portion until a height H2 is reached. Thereafter, the height of the first and second rows 142, 143 is then tilted upwards to a second portion until a height H3 is reached. At all points, the second par-elliptical wall 144 preferably has a height that is greater than the height H2 and less than the height of the peak HP.
    While a number of embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, various alternatives and modifications should be made readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As several alternatives must be made in the above methods, compositions and structures without departing from the scope of the invention, it is understood that all the modes contained in this application, including all the mechanisms and / or modes of interaction described above, will be interpreted as illustrative and only not limiting in any way the scope of the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (17)
    [0001]
    1. A toothbrush (100), comprising: a handle (110): a head (120) connected to the handle (110), the head (120) having a proximal periphery (127), a distal periphery (124), a first surface (121), a longitudinal axis (AA) and a lateral axis (CC); a first set (140) of cleaning elements forming a loop extending from the distal periphery (124) of the head (120) to the proximal periphery (127) of the head (120), the first set (140) of cleaning elements comprising: a first par-elliptical wall (141) of cleaning elements located at the distal periphery (124) of the head (120), the first par-elliptical wall (141) ending at a first end (241a) and a second end ( 241b); a second par-elliptical wall (144) of cleaning elements located at the proximal periphery (127) of the head (120), the second par-elliptical wall (144) ending at a first end (244a) and a second end (244b) ; a first row (142) of cleaning elements extending from the first end (241a) of the first par-elliptical wall (141) to the first end (244a) of the second par-elliptical wall (144); and a second row (143) of cleaning elements extending from the second end (241b) of the first par-elliptical wall (141) to the second end (244b) of the second par-elliptical wall (144); wherein the first and second rows (142, 143) are symmetrically arranged around the longitudinal axis (AA) and the lateral axis (CC), the first and second rows (142, 143) separated by a first distance which increases with the distance from the lateral axis (CC), a third row (150) of cleaning elements extending adjacent the first row (142) and located along a first lateral periphery (125) of the head (120), the third row (150) located outside the loop, the third row (150) extending upward from the first surface (121) at an inclination to depart from the first row (142), a fourth row (160) of cleaning elements extending adjacent the second row (143) and located along a second lateral periphery (126) of the head (120), the fourth row (160) located outside the handle, the fourth row (160) extending upward from the first surface (121) on an incline to move the toothbrush (100) away from the second row (143), characterized by the fact that: the first and second rows (142, 143) of cleaning elements have convex peripheral surfaces that oppose each other; the third row (150) having a height that is greater than a height of the first row (142); and the fourth row (160) having a height that is greater than the height of the second row (143).
    [0002]
    2. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the first par-elliptical wall (141) has a first height (H1) at the first and second ends (241a, b) of the first wall pair-elliptical (141) and a peak height (HP) at a location where the first pair-elliptical wall (141) crosses the longitudinal axis (AA), the first pair-elliptical wall (141) inclined upward from the first height ( H1) to the height of the peak (HP) moving from the first and second ends (241 a, b) of the first par-elliptical wall (141) to the place where the first par-elliptical wall (141) crosses the longitudinal axis (AA); moving from the first par-elliptical wall (141) to the second par-elliptical wall (144), the height of the first and second rows (142, 143) slopes downwards to a first portion and then slopes upward to a second portion; and wherein the second pair-elliptical wall (144) has a height that is less than the height of the peak (HP).
    [0003]
    3. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the third and fourth rows (150, 160) of cleaning elements have upper surfaces that are aligned in order to form a first and second edges sides respectively.
    [0004]
    4. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first set of cleaning elements are densely packed bristles.
    [0005]
    5. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first and second rows (142, 143) are arched walls.
    [0006]
    6. Toothbrush (100), according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the third and fourth rows (150, 160) are symmetrically arranged around the longitudinal and lateral axes (AA, CC) of the head (120 ).
    [0007]
    7. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that a first channel (155) is formed between the first and third rows (142, 150) and a second channel (165) is formed between the second and fourth rows (143, 160). 8. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the third row (150) has a first end and as a second end, the third row (150) extending so that the first the end of the third row (150) is adjacent to an external surface of the first pareliptical wall (141) and the second end of the third row (150) is adjacent to an external surface of the second par-elliptical wall (144); and
    [0008]
    8. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the fourth row (160) has a first end and as a second end, the fourth row (160) extending so that the the first end of the fourth row (160) is adjacent to an external surface of the first par-elliptical wall (141) and the second end of the third row (160) is adjacent to an external surface of the second par-elliptical wall (144).
    [0009]
    9. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first and second par-elliptical walls (141, 144) are at least 180 degrees in circumference.
    [0010]
    10. Toothbrush (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a first elastomeric cup (171) located inside the first par elliptical wall (141); a second elastomeric cup (172) located between the first and second rows (142, 143); and a third elastomeric cup (173) located inside the second parelliptical wall (144).
    [0011]
    11. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a first annular opening (195) between the first elastomeric cup (171) and the first par-elliptical wall (141) and a second annular opening (195) between the second elastomeric cup (172) and the second par-elliptical wall (144).
    [0012]
    12. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the first, second and third elastomeric cups (171, 172, 173) are located along the longitudinal axis (AA) of the head ( 120).
    [0013]
    13. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a first elongated cleaning element (181) extending along a central axis of the first elastomeric cup (171) which is taller than the first elastomeric cup (171); a second elongated cleaning element (182) extending along a central axis of the second elastomeric cup (172) which is higher than the second elastomeric cup (172); and a third elongated cleaning element (183) extending along a central axis of the third elastomeric cup (173) which is higher than the third elastomeric cup (173).
    [0014]
    14. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the first and third elastomeric cups (171, 173) are formed by means of the three sections of the arched wall (171a-c, 173a-c ), and the second elastomeric cup (172) is formed by means of the two sections of the arched wall (172a, b).
    [0015]
    15. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a first pair of elongated cleaning elements (191a, b) located between the first and the second elastomeric cups (171, 172) inside of the handle and a second pair of elongated cleaning elements (192a, b) located between the second and third elastomeric cups (172, 173) within the handle.
    [0016]
    16. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the handle is substantially closed.
    [0017]
    17. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a more distal portion of the first par-elliptical wall (141) of cleaning elements extends from above from the first surface (121) of the head (120) tilted away from the cable (110); and wherein a more proximal portion of the second par-elliptical wall (144) of cleaning elements extends from above from the first surface (121) of the head (120) in an inclined manner to the cable (110).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    RU2533089C2|2014-11-20|
    CA2781695C|2016-04-19|
    CN102933114B|2016-05-25|
    EP3172986B1|2018-10-24|
    KR101441773B1|2014-09-17|
    CA2919870C|2019-09-17|
    RU2012130387A|2014-01-27|
    CA2919870A1|2011-07-14|
    EP3430942B1|2021-06-23|
    MX362091B|2019-01-07|
    CA2781695A1|2011-07-14|
    EP3430942A1|2019-01-23|
    EP2512289A1|2012-10-24|
    CN102933114A|2013-02-13|
    EP2512289B1|2016-11-16|
    BR112012014742A2|2016-04-05|
    MX2012006220A|2012-07-03|
    EP2512289B8|2017-01-11|
    AU2009357643B2|2014-02-27|
    KR20120084344A|2012-07-27|
    WO2011084116A1|2011-07-14|
    AU2009357643A1|2012-06-07|
    EP3172986A1|2017-05-31|
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    法律状态:
    2019-01-15| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-07-09| B07A| Technical examination (opinion): publication of technical examination (opinion) [chapter 7.1 patent gazette]|
    2019-12-24| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-04-28| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-10-13| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 10 (DEZ) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 13/10/2020, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    PCT/US2009/068647|WO2011084116A1|2009-12-18|2009-12-18|Toothbrush having a closed-loop arrangement of cleaning elements|
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