Bristle configuration

Abstract

A bristle configuration providing enhanced cleaning of teeth. The bristle pattern includes large tufts having a greater cross-sectional area than standard toothbrush bristle tufts. The large tufts are contoured so that the top ends of the bristles comprising the large tufts are not all at the same height. More than one raised section is provided, the raised sections being spatially isolated from one another to function independently of one another. Preferably, at least one of the raised sections has a sufficient brushing surface area with bristles extending a sufficient height above surrounding bristles such that that raised section can reach into and clean interdental tooth surfaces, preferably while the remaining bristles in the large tuft clean other tooth surfaces. Another aspect of the invention relates to a zig-zag or sawtooth bristle profile, wherein each tuft making up the profile has its own unique substantially conical or frustoconical profile. In one embodiment, the height of conical or frustoconical bristle tufts increases from the sides of the head towards the midline of the head.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to toothbrush bristle profiles. More particularly, the present invention relates to unique bristle tuft profiles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Toothbrushes generally have a plurality of bristle tufts, each tuft having a plurality of bristles, for removing plaque and debris from tooth surfaces. Typically, bristle tufts are configured for brushing the outer surfaces of the teeth, i.e., the buccal (cheek-facing), lingual (tongue facing), and occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the teeth. Dental floss is effective in removing plaque and debris from interdental or interproximal surfaces. However, not all individuals floss on a regular basis, and some individuals hardly floss at all. Accordingly, it is desirable for toothbrush bristle profiles (the contour of the free cleaning / brushing / tooth-engaging ends of the bristles as seen from a side elevational view) to be designed to remove plaque and debris not only from the outer surfaces ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a toothbrush is formed with a bristle profile providing superior interdental cleaning. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, at least one bristle tuft is provided with a greater number of bristles than in typical bristle tufts and with a brushing surface area greater than typical bristle tufts, such large bristle tuft being contoured to provide superior interdental cleaning. In particular, the large bristle tuft has at least two raised sections of bristles separated from one another by shorter bristles. The large bristle tuft has a sufficient number of bristles to impart increased stiffness, rigidity, and cleaning power typical of larger-area bristle tufts. However, because the raised sections are isolated from one another, such sections have the flexibility and interdental reach of typical bristle tufts having fewer bristles than the larger-area bristle tuft. The raised sections of the large bristle tuft can sweep around teeth and reach interproximal areas, and the lower sections of the large bristle tuft polish the outer surfaces of the teeth.

[0007]In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a toothbrush may be formed with bristle tufts of standard brushing surface area, each bristle tuft being contoured to have a substantially conical or frustoconical profile. Moreover, the heights of the tallest or highest bristles in the conical bristle tufts vary along the brushing surface area of the toothbrush. Accordingly, such bristle tufts are contoured for ready interdental cleaning yet are at different heights and spaced from one another for even better opportunities to reach interdental surfaces of the user's teeth.

Problems solved by technology

However, not all individuals floss on a regular basis, and some individuals hardly floss at all.

Commercially available toothbrushes with flat bristle profiles (i.e., all free ends of the bristles are on substantially the same level or, in other words, are coplanar) clean the outer surfaces of teeth adequately, but are not as adept at cleaning interdental surfaces and providing interdental stimulation as are toothbrushes with contoured bristle profiles (having free ends at differing heights).

However, such increases generally negatively affect the interdental cleaning of the brush, as well as the wear on the gums because the bristles are not as readily moved or bent to fit in the interdental spaces.

Images