CA2041216A1 - Adjustable curvature toothbrush - Google Patents
Adjustable curvature toothbrushInfo
- Publication number
- CA2041216A1 CA2041216A1 CA002041216A CA2041216A CA2041216A1 CA 2041216 A1 CA2041216 A1 CA 2041216A1 CA 002041216 A CA002041216 A CA 002041216A CA 2041216 A CA2041216 A CA 2041216A CA 2041216 A1 CA2041216 A1 CA 2041216A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- brush head
- cam
- flexible
- curvature
- attached
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
- A46B7/02—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body in an expanding or articulating manner
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
Landscapes
- Brushes (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
ADJUSTABLE CURVATURE TOOTHBRUSH
The present invention pertains to an adjustable curvature toothbrush which comprises (a) an elongated handle having an aperture, (b) a cam attached to the handle within the aperture by means of a cam shaft, (c) a cam follower which is engaged with, and follows, the cam, (d) a flexible brush head, (e) bristles supported by the brush head, (f) a rigid neck attached to a first end of the brush head and to an end of the handle, and (g) a flexible neck attached to a second end of the brush head and to the cam follower, whereby the curvature of the brush head can be adjusted by rotation of the cam. In another embodiment, the invention pertains to an adjustable curvature toothbrush wherein the cam and cam follower are replaced by a slideable button. In yet another embodiment, the invention pertains to an adjustable curvature toothbrush in the form of a compressible closed loop.
ADJUSTABLE CURVATURE TOOTHBRUSH
The present invention pertains to an adjustable curvature toothbrush which comprises (a) an elongated handle having an aperture, (b) a cam attached to the handle within the aperture by means of a cam shaft, (c) a cam follower which is engaged with, and follows, the cam, (d) a flexible brush head, (e) bristles supported by the brush head, (f) a rigid neck attached to a first end of the brush head and to an end of the handle, and (g) a flexible neck attached to a second end of the brush head and to the cam follower, whereby the curvature of the brush head can be adjusted by rotation of the cam. In another embodiment, the invention pertains to an adjustable curvature toothbrush wherein the cam and cam follower are replaced by a slideable button. In yet another embodiment, the invention pertains to an adjustable curvature toothbrush in the form of a compressible closed loop.
Description
- 2 ~ 2 ~ ~
ADJ~8TaB~B C~RVAT~R~ TOOT~BR~a~
BA~R~Ro~ND OF ~ ~V~IO~
1. Field of the Inven~
This invention pertains to toothbrushe More particularly, this invention pertains to adjustable curvature toothbrushes which comprise a flexible brush head which is ad~ustable to convex, concave, and straight configurations in order to conform th~ toothbrush to the curvature of human teeth.
2. D~scri~tion of the Prior Art The configuration of human teeth requires that tho ideal bristle contour for toothbru~he~ for brushing the labial or outside surfaces o~ teeth be concav2 and that the ideal bristl~ contour for brushing the lingual or inside surfaces o~ teoth be convex. Conventional toothbruchc~ ~re gen~rally of a fixed curvature or con~igurati.on or ar~ ad~u~tablo into difforent conSlgur~ti.ona. Flxod configuration toothbrushes have limlt-d e~i'ectivenes~. and cannot properly clean toeth and convertibl~l toothbrushe~ are generally dif~icult to manipulatQ and are unreliable.
United States patent no. 4,712,267, i~sued to Çh~ng, di3clos2s ~ convertible toothbrush comprising an S-~haped elongated handlo o~ ~hape-r~taining material having curved end regions of opposita curvature, a flexible bru~h block containing bri~tles, and a mean~ for ~ounting th~ flexible brush block on th~ handle for longitudinal movement along th~ length of the handle.
ADJ~8TaB~B C~RVAT~R~ TOOT~BR~a~
BA~R~Ro~ND OF ~ ~V~IO~
1. Field of the Inven~
This invention pertains to toothbrushe More particularly, this invention pertains to adjustable curvature toothbrushes which comprise a flexible brush head which is ad~ustable to convex, concave, and straight configurations in order to conform th~ toothbrush to the curvature of human teeth.
2. D~scri~tion of the Prior Art The configuration of human teeth requires that tho ideal bristle contour for toothbru~he~ for brushing the labial or outside surfaces o~ teeth be concav2 and that the ideal bristl~ contour for brushing the lingual or inside surfaces o~ teoth be convex. Conventional toothbruchc~ ~re gen~rally of a fixed curvature or con~igurati.on or ar~ ad~u~tablo into difforent conSlgur~ti.ona. Flxod configuration toothbrushes have limlt-d e~i'ectivenes~. and cannot properly clean toeth and convertibl~l toothbrushe~ are generally dif~icult to manipulatQ and are unreliable.
United States patent no. 4,712,267, i~sued to Çh~ng, di3clos2s ~ convertible toothbrush comprising an S-~haped elongated handlo o~ ~hape-r~taining material having curved end regions of opposita curvature, a flexible bru~h block containing bri~tles, and a mean~ for ~ounting th~ flexible brush block on th~ handle for longitudinal movement along th~ length of the handle.
3 2!~L12~
The curved portions of the handle bend the flexible block and bristles into a concave or convex configuration which corresp~nds to the curved confiquration of the handle.
United States patent no. 4,694,844, issued to Berl et al., di~closes a toothbrush comprising a handle and a hollow head supporting a plurality of tufts. The hollow head further compriseA an elastically de~ormable element which urges the tufts toward a generally straight position. When pressure i8 applied to a tuft during the uss of the toothbrush, the pressure causes the tips of the tufts to conform to the contours of a given group of teeth because the tufts are pushed into the hollow head to varying degrees against the restoring force of the elastically de~ormable element.
United States patent no. 4,691,405, issued to BÇ~, di~closes a toothbrush comprising a handle and a base at the end of the handl~ consisting of two tabs containing bristle The tabs pivot relative to the base ~o that th~ bristles mounted on the tabs deflect in order to aon~orm to the varying tooth ~urface~.
United States patent no. 4,524,478, issued to Ros~, disclo~es a toothbrush consisting of two brush heads extending outwardly from a common elongated handle.
The bru~h h-ad~ are connected to the handle by m~an~ of curved neck~ extending in parallel but opposlng dir-ctiono ~nd at oppo~ite and equal angles of ~orty-~ive degr-e~. ~ach brush head i5 de~igned to clean one-half o~ the teeth.
Europsan Patent Application no. 86107868.1, to ~ , discloses a toothbrush with two brush heads, one concave and one convex. The bru~h head~ arQ either int0gral or slideable and are perpendicular at the opposite ends o~ their common handle. The brush head with a concave-shaped bris~le sur~ace is longer while the % ~
brush head with a convex-shaped bristle surface i5 shorter.
United Kingdom patent applicatlon no. 8609437, to ~iag, discloses a toothbrush having a brushing sur~ace which is set at an angle to th~ plane of the handle and is inclined or curved in a convex shape, a~ viewed in transverse cross-section. The angle of the brushing surface conforms to the tooth-gum ~unction.
While the above toothbrushe~ provide brush heads wlth some degree of curvature, none of the above toothbrushes is entirely satisfactory. Fixed configur~tion toothbrushe~ have limited effectiveness and ad~ustable curvature toothbru~hea are generally dif~ic~lt to manlpulate and are unreliable. Accordingly, it would be advantageou~ to provide an ad~ustable curvature toothbrush which can efficiently clean teeth and which is not awkward to use. The present invention provides such an improv~d adjustable curvature toothbrush.
8uMKaRy 0~ T~B I~Y~NTIO~
Tho present invention pQrtains to an ad~ustable curv~ture toothbru~h which comprise~ ~a) an ~longated handlo having an aperture, (b) a cam attached to th~
handlo within th~ aperture by means of a ca~ ~haft, (c) a cam follow~r which i~ engaged with, and follows, the cam, ~d) a flexible brush head, ~e) bristle~ ~upported by the brush head, (~) a rigid neck attached to a first end o~
the brush hQad and to an end of the handle~ and ~g~ a flexible neck atta~hed to æ second end o~ th~ brush head and to the cam follower, wh~re~y the curvatur~ of the brush head can b~ adjusted by rotation of ths chm. In another embodiment, the inven~ion pertains to an adjustable curvatur~ toothbrush wherein the cam and cam follower are replaced by a slideable button. In yet another embodiment, the invention p~rtains to a~
adju~table curvature toothbrush in the form of a compres~ible closed loop.
BRI~ D~C~IP~ION 0~ T~æ DRa~IN~8 FIGURES 1 through 4 show a fir~t embodiment of an ad~ustable curvature toothbrush which has a flexible bru~h head, and bristles supported by the brush head, which i8 ad~usted by mean~ of a cam wheel and cam follower.
FIGURE 1 show~ a profile of the toothbrush with the bristle surfaca in a concave configuration for brushing the labial surfaces of teQth.
FIGURE 2 shows a profil~ of the toothbrush with the bristls surface in a co~vex configuration for br~ahing the lingual surfac~s of teeth.
FIGURE 3 shows a partial front vi~w of the toothbru~h with the bri~tle sur~ace in a concaYe con~iguration.
FIGURE 4 show3 a partial ~ront view of`the toothbru~h w~th the bri~tlo surface in a convex con~iguration~
E'IGURES 5 and 6 show a ~econd embodiment of an ad~ustable curvaturo toothbrush which has a flexible brush head, and bristle~ supported by tha brush head, which is ad~ustQ~ by means o~ a cam wheel and cam ~ollower.
FIGURE 5 show~ a partial front view of the toothbruch with the bristle surfaca in a concave configuration.
- 6 - 2~4~2~
FIGURE 6 shows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a convex configuration.
FIGURES 7 and 8 show a variation of the first embodiment of an adjustable curvature toothbrush which has a hinged bru~h head, and bristles supported by the brush head, which is adju~ted by means of a cam wheel and cam follower.
FIGURE 7 shows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a concave con~iguration.
FIGURE 8 chows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a convex configuration.
FIGURES 9 and 10 show a ~ariation of tho ~econd embodiment o~ an ad~ustable curvature toothbrush which has a hinged brush head, and bristles supported by the brush head, which i8 ad~usted by msan~ of a cam wheel and cam ~ollow~r.
FIGURE 9 show~ a partial front view of the toothbru~h with the bristle surface in a concave con~lgurat$on.
FIGUR~ 10 ~how~ a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a convex configuration.
FIGURES 11 and 12 show a third embodiment of an ad~uRtable curvature toothbru~h which has a hinged brush head, and bristle~ ~upported by the brush head, which is ad~u~ted by mean~ of a slideable button.
_ 7 _ FIGURE 11 shows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a concave configu~ation.
FIGURE 12 shows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a convex configuration.
FIGURES 13 and 14 ~how a fourth embodiment of an adjustable curvature toothbrush which has a hinged brush head, and bristles ~upported by the brush head, which is adjusted by means of a slideabls button.
FIGURE 13 shows a partial front view of the toothbru~h with the bristle surfaca in a concave configuration~
FIGURE 14 shows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristlQ surface in a convex configuration.
FIGURES 15 and 16 show a ~ifth embodiment of an ad~uAtable curvatur~ toothbrush in the form of a compressible clo~ed loop.
l?IGURE 15 show~ a partial front view o~ the toothbru~h with the bri~tle surface in a concave configuration.
FIGURE 16 ~hows a partial front view of the too~hbrush with the bristle sur~ace in a convex configurat~on.
DJT~ILED D~C~IPTIO~ OY Ta~ PR~RR~D ~BODI~E~T8 To provide a better understanding of the preferr~d embodiments, ^applicant will describe the - 8 ~ 2 ~ ~
invention by reference to the above described figures in which like numerals refer to like parts of the invention through~ut the several figure The details shown are for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments s of the present invention and no attempt is made to show every structural detail of the invention. The description taken with the drawings will make apparent to those skilled in the art how the several for~s of the invention may be embodied in practice.
FIGURES 1 through 4 show a first embodiment of an adjustable curYature toothbru~h which comprises an elongated handle 1 having an aperture 2; a cam 3 attached to the handle within the aperture by means of a cam shaft
The curved portions of the handle bend the flexible block and bristles into a concave or convex configuration which corresp~nds to the curved confiquration of the handle.
United States patent no. 4,694,844, issued to Berl et al., di~closes a toothbrush comprising a handle and a hollow head supporting a plurality of tufts. The hollow head further compriseA an elastically de~ormable element which urges the tufts toward a generally straight position. When pressure i8 applied to a tuft during the uss of the toothbrush, the pressure causes the tips of the tufts to conform to the contours of a given group of teeth because the tufts are pushed into the hollow head to varying degrees against the restoring force of the elastically de~ormable element.
United States patent no. 4,691,405, issued to BÇ~, di~closes a toothbrush comprising a handle and a base at the end of the handl~ consisting of two tabs containing bristle The tabs pivot relative to the base ~o that th~ bristles mounted on the tabs deflect in order to aon~orm to the varying tooth ~urface~.
United States patent no. 4,524,478, issued to Ros~, disclo~es a toothbrush consisting of two brush heads extending outwardly from a common elongated handle.
The bru~h h-ad~ are connected to the handle by m~an~ of curved neck~ extending in parallel but opposlng dir-ctiono ~nd at oppo~ite and equal angles of ~orty-~ive degr-e~. ~ach brush head i5 de~igned to clean one-half o~ the teeth.
Europsan Patent Application no. 86107868.1, to ~ , discloses a toothbrush with two brush heads, one concave and one convex. The bru~h head~ arQ either int0gral or slideable and are perpendicular at the opposite ends o~ their common handle. The brush head with a concave-shaped bris~le sur~ace is longer while the % ~
brush head with a convex-shaped bristle surface i5 shorter.
United Kingdom patent applicatlon no. 8609437, to ~iag, discloses a toothbrush having a brushing sur~ace which is set at an angle to th~ plane of the handle and is inclined or curved in a convex shape, a~ viewed in transverse cross-section. The angle of the brushing surface conforms to the tooth-gum ~unction.
While the above toothbrushe~ provide brush heads wlth some degree of curvature, none of the above toothbrushes is entirely satisfactory. Fixed configur~tion toothbrushe~ have limited effectiveness and ad~ustable curvature toothbru~hea are generally dif~ic~lt to manlpulate and are unreliable. Accordingly, it would be advantageou~ to provide an ad~ustable curvature toothbrush which can efficiently clean teeth and which is not awkward to use. The present invention provides such an improv~d adjustable curvature toothbrush.
8uMKaRy 0~ T~B I~Y~NTIO~
Tho present invention pQrtains to an ad~ustable curv~ture toothbru~h which comprise~ ~a) an ~longated handlo having an aperture, (b) a cam attached to th~
handlo within th~ aperture by means of a ca~ ~haft, (c) a cam follow~r which i~ engaged with, and follows, the cam, ~d) a flexible brush head, ~e) bristle~ ~upported by the brush head, (~) a rigid neck attached to a first end o~
the brush hQad and to an end of the handle~ and ~g~ a flexible neck atta~hed to æ second end o~ th~ brush head and to the cam follower, wh~re~y the curvatur~ of the brush head can b~ adjusted by rotation of ths chm. In another embodiment, the inven~ion pertains to an adjustable curvatur~ toothbrush wherein the cam and cam follower are replaced by a slideable button. In yet another embodiment, the invention p~rtains to a~
adju~table curvature toothbrush in the form of a compres~ible closed loop.
BRI~ D~C~IP~ION 0~ T~æ DRa~IN~8 FIGURES 1 through 4 show a fir~t embodiment of an ad~ustable curvature toothbrush which has a flexible bru~h head, and bristles supported by the brush head, which i8 ad~usted by mean~ of a cam wheel and cam follower.
FIGURE 1 show~ a profile of the toothbrush with the bristle surfaca in a concave configuration for brushing the labial surfaces of teQth.
FIGURE 2 shows a profil~ of the toothbrush with the bristls surface in a co~vex configuration for br~ahing the lingual surfac~s of teeth.
FIGURE 3 shows a partial front vi~w of the toothbru~h with the bri~tle sur~ace in a concaYe con~iguration.
FIGURE 4 show3 a partial ~ront view of`the toothbru~h w~th the bri~tlo surface in a convex con~iguration~
E'IGURES 5 and 6 show a ~econd embodiment of an ad~ustable curvaturo toothbrush which has a flexible brush head, and bristle~ supported by tha brush head, which is ad~ustQ~ by means o~ a cam wheel and cam ~ollower.
FIGURE 5 show~ a partial front view of the toothbruch with the bristle surfaca in a concave configuration.
- 6 - 2~4~2~
FIGURE 6 shows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a convex configuration.
FIGURES 7 and 8 show a variation of the first embodiment of an adjustable curvature toothbrush which has a hinged bru~h head, and bristles supported by the brush head, which is adju~ted by means of a cam wheel and cam follower.
FIGURE 7 shows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a concave con~iguration.
FIGURE 8 chows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a convex configuration.
FIGURES 9 and 10 show a ~ariation of tho ~econd embodiment o~ an ad~ustable curvature toothbrush which has a hinged brush head, and bristles supported by the brush head, which i8 ad~usted by msan~ of a cam wheel and cam ~ollow~r.
FIGURE 9 show~ a partial front view of the toothbru~h with the bristle surface in a concave con~lgurat$on.
FIGUR~ 10 ~how~ a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a convex configuration.
FIGURES 11 and 12 show a third embodiment of an ad~uRtable curvature toothbru~h which has a hinged brush head, and bristle~ ~upported by the brush head, which is ad~u~ted by mean~ of a slideable button.
_ 7 _ FIGURE 11 shows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a concave configu~ation.
FIGURE 12 shows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristle surface in a convex configuration.
FIGURES 13 and 14 ~how a fourth embodiment of an adjustable curvature toothbrush which has a hinged brush head, and bristles ~upported by the brush head, which is adjusted by means of a slideabls button.
FIGURE 13 shows a partial front view of the toothbru~h with the bristle surfaca in a concave configuration~
FIGURE 14 shows a partial front view of the toothbrush with the bristlQ surface in a convex configuration.
FIGURES 15 and 16 show a ~ifth embodiment of an ad~uAtable curvatur~ toothbrush in the form of a compressible clo~ed loop.
l?IGURE 15 show~ a partial front view o~ the toothbru~h with the bri~tle surface in a concave configuration.
FIGURE 16 ~hows a partial front view of the too~hbrush with the bristle sur~ace in a convex configurat~on.
DJT~ILED D~C~IPTIO~ OY Ta~ PR~RR~D ~BODI~E~T8 To provide a better understanding of the preferr~d embodiments, ^applicant will describe the - 8 ~ 2 ~ ~
invention by reference to the above described figures in which like numerals refer to like parts of the invention through~ut the several figure The details shown are for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments s of the present invention and no attempt is made to show every structural detail of the invention. The description taken with the drawings will make apparent to those skilled in the art how the several for~s of the invention may be embodied in practice.
FIGURES 1 through 4 show a first embodiment of an adjustable curYature toothbru~h which comprises an elongated handle 1 having an aperture 2; a cam 3 attached to the handle within the aperture by means of a cam shaft
4; a cam follower 5 which is engaged with, and follows, the cam; a flexible brush head 6; bri~tles 7 supported by the brush head; a rigid neck 8 attached to a Pirst end of the bru~h head and to an end of the handle; and a flexible neck 9 attached to a second end o~ the brush head and to the cam follower 5. The curvatur~ of the brush head can be adjusted by rotation of the cam.
In this first embodiment, the first end of the brush hQad attached to rigid neck 8 is an end re~ote to cam 3 and the second end of the brush head attached to flexibl~ neck 9, which is attached to cam follower ~, is an ond adjac~nt to ths cam. When the ca~ rollower is urg~d toward the cam by rotation of tho cam, the cam ~ollower drivs~ the flexible neck to adju~t the brush head 6 into a concave conriguration. When the cam follower i~ urged away from the cam, the ca~ follower drive~ the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a convex configuration.
3S FIGURES 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of an adju~table curvature toothbrush. In this second embodiment, the first end of the brush head attached to rigid neck 10 is an end adjacent to ca~ 3 and the second end of the brush head attached to flexible neck 11, which -9- 2~2~
is attached to cam follower 12, is an end remote to the ca~. When the cam ~ollower is urged toward the cam by rotation of the cam, the cam followsr drives the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a convex configuration. When the cam follower i8 urged away from the cam, the cam follower drives the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a concave configuration.
In the first and second embodiments, the flexible brush head 6 is made of a flexible material. In variations of the fir~t and second embodiments set out below, the flexible brush head 13 comprises a centrally located hinge 14, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the brush head, which supplie~ flexibility to the brush head. The brush head with a centrally located hinge may be made o~ a flexible or inflexible material.
FIGURES 7 and 8 show a variation of the first embodiment o~ an adju~table curvature toothbrush. In thi~ embodiment, brush head 13 has a centrally located hinge 14, perpendicular to the longitudinal axi~ of the brush head. Rigid n~ck 8 is remote to the cam and the flexible neck 9, which is attached to cam follower 5, is ad~acent to thc cam. Whon the ca~ follower is urged toward th~ cam by rotation of the cam, the cam follower drive~ the flexible neck to ad~u~t the brush head into a conc~vo configuration~ When the cam ~ollow~r 1~ ùrged away from the cam, th~ cam follower drives the flexible neck to ad~u~t the bru~h he~d into a convex configur~tion.
FIGURES 9 and 10 ~how a variation o~ the second embodiment of an ad~ustable curvatura toothbrush. In thi~ embodiment, brush head 13 has a centrally located hinge 14, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bru~h head. Rigid neck 10 is ad~acent to the cam and flexible neck 11, which is attached to cam follower 12, i8 remot~ to the cam. When the cam follower is urged toward the cam by rotation of the cam, the cam follower - lo ~ 21~
drives the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a convex configuration. When the cam follower is urged away f~om the cam, the cam follower drives the flexible neck to adiust the brush head into a concave configuration.
In the variation~ of the ~ir~t and second embodiments, the centrally located hinge in the brush head may be any conventional hinge made of a material such as metal or plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge is made of a pla~tic material thinner than the material used in the remainder of the brush head.
In the first and second embodiments, cam followers 5 and 12 may optionally contain one or more detents, whereby the cam can be engaged with the detent in the cam follower to lock the brush head into a desired position.
FIGURES 11 and 12 show a third embodiment of an ad~ustable curvature toothbruch which comprises an elongated handle 15 having an elongated aperture 16; a button 17 slideably engaged within the elongated aperture of the handle; a brush head 18 having a centrally located hinge 19 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the brush head; bristles 20 supported by the brush head; a rigid neck 21 attached to a ~irst end of th~ brush `head and to an end o~ the handle; and a ~lexibl~ neck 22 attach-d to a ~eçond end o~ the brush head and to the ~lideable button. Th~ curvature of the brush head can be ad~u~ted by sliding movement o~ the button.
In this third embod$ment, rigid neck 21 is ad~acent to slideable button 17 and ~lexible neck 22 is remote to the slideable button. Flexible neck 22 i~
attached to the slideable button, which i8 inserted through, and is slideably engaged within, the aperture of the handle. When the button is saideably moved within the aperture of the handle toward brush head 18, the button drives the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a concave configuration~ When the button is slideab~y moved away from the brush head, the button drive~ the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a convex configuration.
FIGURES 13 and 14 show a fouxth embodiment of an adjustable curvature toothbrush. In thi fourth embodiment, rigid neck 23 is remote to slideable button 25 and flexible neck 24 i~ adjacent to the slideable button. Fl~xible neck 24 i~ attached to the slideable button, which is inserted through, and is slideably engaged within, the aperture of the handle. When the button i8 slideably moved within tha aperture of the handle toward the brush head, the button drives the ~lexible neck to adjust the brush head into a concave conPiguration. When the button is ~lideably moved away from the brush head, the button driv~s the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a convex configNration.
In a variation of the third and fourth embodiment~ of an adjustable curvature toothbrush (not shown), the flexible bru~h head doe~ not contain a hinge but rather i8 made of a ~lexibl~ material.
FIGURES 15 and 16 show a fifth embodiment of an adjustable curvatur~ toothbrush in the ~orm o~ a compressibll~ clo~ed loop which comprises a compres~ible handle 26 in the ~orm of a clo6ed loop: a flexible brush head 27 integral with the ~losed loop: bristles 28 supported by tho brush head; a rigid neck 29 attached to a first end of the brush head and to a first end of the handle; and a fl~xible neck 30 ~ttached to a ~econd end of the brush head and to a ~cond end of the handle.
The curvature of the brush head can be adjusted by compression o~ the closed loop handle. When handle 26 i9 in a rest or nor~al position (the handle is not compressed), brush head 27 is in a concave configurAtion.
- 12 - ~ ~ 4~
When the handle is compressed, th~ handle drives flexible neck 30 to adjust the brush head into a convex configuration.
In a variation of the fifth embodiment of an adjustable curvature toothbrush (not shown), the flexible brush head comprises a centrally located hinge, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis o f the brush head.
The handle, brush heads, and necks of the adjustable curvature toothbrushes of the present invention can be made o~ any flexible or soft shape rstaining material known to be usQful in the art or conceived to be useful by one skilled in the art, such as pla~tic. The material comprising the handles, brush heads, and necks preferably should be the same material and when possible, the material should bo integrally molded to ~orm one piece, such as with conventional toothbrush handle~, brush heads, and necks. All edges and corners should be round and smooth.
The flexible bruqh head in the present invention may be made of a flexible material such as pla~tic or may comprise a centrally located hinge, perpendicular to a longitudinal axi~ o~ the brush head.
The hinged brush head may be made of a flexible or in~lexiblo material such a~ a metal or a pla~tic. In a pr-rerred e~bodi~ent, the hinge i~ made of ~ plastic mat~rial th~nner than the material used in the remainder o~ tho bru~h head.
The bri~tles can be mounted on the brush head in a plurality o~ tuft~ sat in row~ on the brush head or in any other manner known in the art or conceived by one ~killed in the art. The bristles should pre~erably be nylon and have rounded ends.
The apparatus and matsrials use~ul in accordance with the manu~acture o~ the present invention - 13 ~
comprises apparatus well known in the toothbrush manufacturing arts, and therefore the selection of the specific apparatus will be apparent to the artisan~
In this first embodiment, the first end of the brush hQad attached to rigid neck 8 is an end re~ote to cam 3 and the second end of the brush head attached to flexibl~ neck 9, which is attached to cam follower ~, is an ond adjac~nt to ths cam. When the ca~ rollower is urg~d toward the cam by rotation of tho cam, the cam ~ollower drivs~ the flexible neck to adju~t the brush head 6 into a concave conriguration. When the cam follower i~ urged away from the cam, the ca~ follower drive~ the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a convex configuration.
3S FIGURES 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of an adju~table curvature toothbrush. In this second embodiment, the first end of the brush head attached to rigid neck 10 is an end adjacent to ca~ 3 and the second end of the brush head attached to flexible neck 11, which -9- 2~2~
is attached to cam follower 12, is an end remote to the ca~. When the cam ~ollower is urged toward the cam by rotation of the cam, the cam followsr drives the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a convex configuration. When the cam follower i8 urged away from the cam, the cam follower drives the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a concave configuration.
In the first and second embodiments, the flexible brush head 6 is made of a flexible material. In variations of the fir~t and second embodiments set out below, the flexible brush head 13 comprises a centrally located hinge 14, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the brush head, which supplie~ flexibility to the brush head. The brush head with a centrally located hinge may be made o~ a flexible or inflexible material.
FIGURES 7 and 8 show a variation of the first embodiment o~ an adju~table curvature toothbrush. In thi~ embodiment, brush head 13 has a centrally located hinge 14, perpendicular to the longitudinal axi~ of the brush head. Rigid n~ck 8 is remote to the cam and the flexible neck 9, which is attached to cam follower 5, is ad~acent to thc cam. Whon the ca~ follower is urged toward th~ cam by rotation of the cam, the cam follower drive~ the flexible neck to ad~u~t the brush head into a conc~vo configuration~ When the cam ~ollow~r 1~ ùrged away from the cam, th~ cam follower drives the flexible neck to ad~u~t the bru~h he~d into a convex configur~tion.
FIGURES 9 and 10 ~how a variation o~ the second embodiment of an ad~ustable curvatura toothbrush. In thi~ embodiment, brush head 13 has a centrally located hinge 14, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bru~h head. Rigid neck 10 is ad~acent to the cam and flexible neck 11, which is attached to cam follower 12, i8 remot~ to the cam. When the cam follower is urged toward the cam by rotation of the cam, the cam follower - lo ~ 21~
drives the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a convex configuration. When the cam follower is urged away f~om the cam, the cam follower drives the flexible neck to adiust the brush head into a concave configuration.
In the variation~ of the ~ir~t and second embodiments, the centrally located hinge in the brush head may be any conventional hinge made of a material such as metal or plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge is made of a pla~tic material thinner than the material used in the remainder of the brush head.
In the first and second embodiments, cam followers 5 and 12 may optionally contain one or more detents, whereby the cam can be engaged with the detent in the cam follower to lock the brush head into a desired position.
FIGURES 11 and 12 show a third embodiment of an ad~ustable curvature toothbruch which comprises an elongated handle 15 having an elongated aperture 16; a button 17 slideably engaged within the elongated aperture of the handle; a brush head 18 having a centrally located hinge 19 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the brush head; bristles 20 supported by the brush head; a rigid neck 21 attached to a ~irst end of th~ brush `head and to an end o~ the handle; and a ~lexibl~ neck 22 attach-d to a ~eçond end o~ the brush head and to the ~lideable button. Th~ curvature of the brush head can be ad~u~ted by sliding movement o~ the button.
In this third embod$ment, rigid neck 21 is ad~acent to slideable button 17 and ~lexible neck 22 is remote to the slideable button. Flexible neck 22 i~
attached to the slideable button, which i8 inserted through, and is slideably engaged within, the aperture of the handle. When the button is saideably moved within the aperture of the handle toward brush head 18, the button drives the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a concave configuration~ When the button is slideab~y moved away from the brush head, the button drive~ the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a convex configuration.
FIGURES 13 and 14 show a fouxth embodiment of an adjustable curvature toothbrush. In thi fourth embodiment, rigid neck 23 is remote to slideable button 25 and flexible neck 24 i~ adjacent to the slideable button. Fl~xible neck 24 i~ attached to the slideable button, which is inserted through, and is slideably engaged within, the aperture of the handle. When the button i8 slideably moved within tha aperture of the handle toward the brush head, the button drives the ~lexible neck to adjust the brush head into a concave conPiguration. When the button is ~lideably moved away from the brush head, the button driv~s the flexible neck to adjust the brush head into a convex configNration.
In a variation of the third and fourth embodiment~ of an adjustable curvature toothbrush (not shown), the flexible bru~h head doe~ not contain a hinge but rather i8 made of a ~lexibl~ material.
FIGURES 15 and 16 show a fifth embodiment of an adjustable curvatur~ toothbrush in the ~orm o~ a compressibll~ clo~ed loop which comprises a compres~ible handle 26 in the ~orm of a clo6ed loop: a flexible brush head 27 integral with the ~losed loop: bristles 28 supported by tho brush head; a rigid neck 29 attached to a first end of the brush head and to a first end of the handle; and a fl~xible neck 30 ~ttached to a ~econd end of the brush head and to a ~cond end of the handle.
The curvature of the brush head can be adjusted by compression o~ the closed loop handle. When handle 26 i9 in a rest or nor~al position (the handle is not compressed), brush head 27 is in a concave configurAtion.
- 12 - ~ ~ 4~
When the handle is compressed, th~ handle drives flexible neck 30 to adjust the brush head into a convex configuration.
In a variation of the fifth embodiment of an adjustable curvature toothbrush (not shown), the flexible brush head comprises a centrally located hinge, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis o f the brush head.
The handle, brush heads, and necks of the adjustable curvature toothbrushes of the present invention can be made o~ any flexible or soft shape rstaining material known to be usQful in the art or conceived to be useful by one skilled in the art, such as pla~tic. The material comprising the handles, brush heads, and necks preferably should be the same material and when possible, the material should bo integrally molded to ~orm one piece, such as with conventional toothbrush handle~, brush heads, and necks. All edges and corners should be round and smooth.
The flexible bruqh head in the present invention may be made of a flexible material such as pla~tic or may comprise a centrally located hinge, perpendicular to a longitudinal axi~ o~ the brush head.
The hinged brush head may be made of a flexible or in~lexiblo material such a~ a metal or a pla~tic. In a pr-rerred e~bodi~ent, the hinge i~ made of ~ plastic mat~rial th~nner than the material used in the remainder o~ tho bru~h head.
The bri~tles can be mounted on the brush head in a plurality o~ tuft~ sat in row~ on the brush head or in any other manner known in the art or conceived by one ~killed in the art. The bristles should pre~erably be nylon and have rounded ends.
The apparatus and matsrials use~ul in accordance with the manu~acture o~ the present invention - 13 ~
comprises apparatus well known in the toothbrush manufacturing arts, and therefore the selection of the specific apparatus will be apparent to the artisan~
Claims (14)
1. An adjustable curvature toothbrush which comprises:
(a) an elongated handle having an aperture:
(b) a cam attached to the handle within the aperture by means of a cam shaft;
(c) a cam follower which is engaged with, and follows, the cam;
(d) a flexible brush head;
(e) bristles supported by the brush head;
(f) a rigid neck attached to a first end of the brush head and to an end of the handle; and (g) a flexible neck attached to a second end of the brush head and to the cam follower;
whereby the curvature of the brush head can be adjusted by rotation of the cam.
(a) an elongated handle having an aperture:
(b) a cam attached to the handle within the aperture by means of a cam shaft;
(c) a cam follower which is engaged with, and follows, the cam;
(d) a flexible brush head;
(e) bristles supported by the brush head;
(f) a rigid neck attached to a first end of the brush head and to an end of the handle; and (g) a flexible neck attached to a second end of the brush head and to the cam follower;
whereby the curvature of the brush head can be adjusted by rotation of the cam.
2. The adjustable curvature toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the brush head attached to the rigid neck is an end remote to the cam and the second end of the brush head attached to the flexible neck is an end adjacent to the cam, whereby the curvature of the brush head is concave when the cam follower is urged toward the cam and the curvature of the brush head is convex when the cam follower is urged away from the cam.
. The adjustable curvature toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the brush head attached to the rigid neck is an end adjacent to the cam and the second end of the brush head attached to the flexible neck is an end remote to the cam, whereby the curvature of the brush head is concave when the cam follower is urged away from the cam and the curvature of the brush head is convex when the cam follower is urged toward the cam.
4. The adjustable curvature toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the cam follower further comprises a detent, whereby the cam can be engaged with the detent in the cam follower to lock the brush head in a desired position.
5. The adjustable curvature toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the flexible brush head is made of a flexible material.
6. The adjustable curvature toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the flexible brush head comprises a centrally located hinge perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the brush head.
7. An adjustable curvature toothbrush which comprises:
(a) an elongated handle having an elongated aperture;
(b) a button slideably engaged within the elongated aperture of the handle:
(c) a flexible brush head:
(d) bristles supported by the brush head:
(e) a rigid neck attached to a first end of the brush head and to an end of the handle; and (f) a flexible neck attached to a second end of the brush head and to the slideable button;
whereby the curvature of the brush head can be adjusted by sliding movement of the button.
(a) an elongated handle having an elongated aperture;
(b) a button slideably engaged within the elongated aperture of the handle:
(c) a flexible brush head:
(d) bristles supported by the brush head:
(e) a rigid neck attached to a first end of the brush head and to an end of the handle; and (f) a flexible neck attached to a second end of the brush head and to the slideable button;
whereby the curvature of the brush head can be adjusted by sliding movement of the button.
8. The adjustable curvature toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein the first end of the brush head attached to the rigid neck is an end adjacent to the slideable button and the second end of the brush head attached to the flexible neck is an end remote to the slideable button, whereby the curvature of the brush head is concave when the button is slideably moved toward the brush head and the curvature of the brush head is convex when the button is slideably moved away from the brush head.
9. The adjustable curvature toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein the first end of the brush head attached to the rigid neck is an end remote to the button and the second end of the brush head attached to the flexible neck is an end adjacent to the button, whereby the curvature of the brush head is concave when the button is slideably moved toward the brush head and the curvature of the brush head is convex when the button is slideably moved away from the brush head.
10. The adjustable curvature toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein the flexible brush head is made of a flexible material.
11. The adjustable curvature toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein the flexible brush head comprises a centrally located hinge perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the brush head.
12. An adjustable curvature toothbrush in the form of a compressible closed loop which comprises:
(a) a compressible handle in the form of a closed loop;
(b) a flexible brush head integral with the closed loop;
(c) bristles supported by the brush head:
(d) a rigid neck attached to a first end of the brush head and to a first end of the handle; and (e) a flexible neck attached to a second end of the brush head and to a second end of the handle;
whereby the curvature of the brush head can be adjusted by compression of the closed loop handle.
(a) a compressible handle in the form of a closed loop;
(b) a flexible brush head integral with the closed loop;
(c) bristles supported by the brush head:
(d) a rigid neck attached to a first end of the brush head and to a first end of the handle; and (e) a flexible neck attached to a second end of the brush head and to a second end of the handle;
whereby the curvature of the brush head can be adjusted by compression of the closed loop handle.
13. The adjustable curvature toothbrush according to claim 12, wherein the flexible brush head is made of a flexible material.
14. The adjustable curvature toothbrush according to claim 12, wherein the flexible brush head comprises a centrally located hinge perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the brush head.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US51580790A | 1990-04-27 | 1990-04-27 | |
| US515,807 | 1990-04-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2041216A1 true CA2041216A1 (en) | 1991-10-28 |
Family
ID=24052824
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002041216A Abandoned CA2041216A1 (en) | 1990-04-27 | 1991-04-25 | Adjustable curvature toothbrush |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0454625A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH04269905A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU634056B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9101718A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2041216A1 (en) |
| IE (1) | IE911421A1 (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ237951A (en) |
| PE (1) | PE24391A1 (en) |
| PT (1) | PT97496A (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA913180B (en) |
Families Citing this family (32)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU625280B2 (en) * | 1988-11-04 | 1992-07-09 | Robert Martin McCusker | Deformable toothbrush |
| JPH05501221A (en) * | 1990-06-15 | 1993-03-11 | ハンプリーズ、ヴィクター アルフレッド | toothbrush |
| DE4202312A1 (en) * | 1992-01-29 | 1993-08-05 | Helmut Piller | BRUSH |
| EP0726721A1 (en) * | 1993-11-05 | 1996-08-21 | James A. Simonds | Toothbrush |
| GB9414140D0 (en) | 1994-07-13 | 1994-08-31 | Procter & Gamble | Toothbrush |
| WO1996016571A1 (en) * | 1994-12-01 | 1996-06-06 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Toothbrush having extended bristles |
| US6996870B2 (en) | 1995-12-29 | 2006-02-14 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Contouring toothbrush head |
| TW384214B (en) | 1995-12-29 | 2000-03-11 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Contouring toothbrush head |
| GB9601013D0 (en) | 1996-01-18 | 1996-03-20 | Procter & Gamble | Brush invention |
| GB9616309D0 (en) | 1996-08-02 | 1996-09-11 | Procter & Gamble | A toothbrush |
| DE29613634U1 (en) * | 1996-08-07 | 1996-10-10 | Günther, Stefan, Dipl.-Ing., 46284 Dorsten | Toothbrush with adjustable head |
| US5706545A (en) * | 1996-10-04 | 1998-01-13 | Yamada; Todd H. | Multi-positionable toothbrush |
| US6292973B1 (en) * | 1999-04-29 | 2001-09-25 | Robert Moskovich | Toothbrush having controlled head movement |
| MXPA01011022A (en) * | 1999-04-29 | 2002-05-06 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Toothbrush having controlled head movement. |
| US6301814B1 (en) | 1999-08-11 | 2001-10-16 | Smithkline Beecham Corporation | Display for a flexible head toothbrush |
| JP2001211936A (en) * | 1999-11-25 | 2001-08-07 | Johnson & Johnson Kk | Handle of tooth cleaning member |
| US6357073B1 (en) * | 2000-04-10 | 2002-03-19 | Choy Heung Yue | Toothbrush |
| US7908699B2 (en) | 2001-07-03 | 2011-03-22 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
| US20060026784A1 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2006-02-09 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
| US8990996B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2015-03-31 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
| US7614111B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2009-11-10 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
| US8806695B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2014-08-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having flexibly supported cleaning elements extending in opposite directions |
| US7841041B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2010-11-30 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
| US8876221B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2014-11-04 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
| US7360270B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2008-04-22 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
| US7721376B2 (en) | 2002-09-20 | 2010-05-25 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
| DE102005008199A1 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2006-08-31 | Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare Gmbh & Co. Kg | Toothbrush includes moulding element with flexible cheeks forming wedge set inside brush to adapt to tooth surface when cleaning pressure is applied |
| DE102006033412A1 (en) * | 2006-07-19 | 2008-01-24 | Wilden Handels Ag | Toothbrush comprises a support part connected as one piece to a head part via a hinge section |
| TW200819085A (en) | 2006-08-11 | 2008-05-01 | Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healt | Toothbrush |
| EP2959797A1 (en) * | 2014-06-27 | 2015-12-30 | Trisa Holding AG | Toothbrush with moved elements |
| CN108135349B (en) | 2015-10-22 | 2020-11-10 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | Oral care implement and method of forming an oral care implement |
| JP7242031B2 (en) * | 2018-11-02 | 2023-03-20 | ヤマトエスロン株式会社 | variable angle toothbrush |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE283892C (en) * | ||||
| US1927365A (en) * | 1933-03-15 | 1933-09-19 | Frolio Natal | Toothbrush |
| US2111880A (en) * | 1937-03-02 | 1938-03-22 | William E Waters | Tooth brush |
| US2429437A (en) * | 1945-05-25 | 1947-10-21 | Maurice J Walker | Toothbrush |
| DE8705474U1 (en) * | 1987-04-13 | 1987-07-16 | Harnischmacher, Gerd, 4400 Münster | Toothbrush with variably adjustable partial bristle swivel head |
| DE3814143C1 (en) * | 1988-04-27 | 1989-07-20 | Blendax Gmbh, 6500 Mainz, De |
-
1991
- 1991-04-19 EP EP91810293A patent/EP0454625A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1991-04-23 PE PE1991184798A patent/PE24391A1/en unknown
- 1991-04-24 AU AU75961/91A patent/AU634056B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1991-04-25 CA CA002041216A patent/CA2041216A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-04-26 JP JP3122969A patent/JPH04269905A/en active Pending
- 1991-04-26 PT PT97496A patent/PT97496A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-04-26 ZA ZA913180A patent/ZA913180B/en unknown
- 1991-04-26 IE IE142191A patent/IE911421A1/en unknown
- 1991-04-26 NZ NZ237951A patent/NZ237951A/en unknown
- 1991-04-29 BR BR919101718A patent/BR9101718A/en active Search and Examination
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| PT97496A (en) | 1992-02-28 |
| PE24391A1 (en) | 1991-08-17 |
| JPH04269905A (en) | 1992-09-25 |
| AU7596191A (en) | 1991-11-07 |
| NZ237951A (en) | 1994-04-27 |
| BR9101718A (en) | 1991-12-10 |
| EP0454625A1 (en) | 1991-10-30 |
| AU634056B2 (en) | 1993-02-11 |
| ZA913180B (en) | 1992-01-29 |
| IE911421A1 (en) | 1991-11-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |