Device for cleaning the mesial and distal surfaces of teeth and fixed dentures

Abstract

A toothbrush product for cleaning the exposed mesial or distal surface of a tooth or denture, comprising: an elongated member (22) comprising a front end and a rear end, wherein the elongated member comprises a handle (20) and the elongated member extends in a longitudinal direction from the front end to the rear end; a head (50), wherein the head (50) comprises a plurality of tufts of bristles provided at a front surface and / or a rear surface of the head (50); and at least one support member (40) for the head (50) provided at the front end of the elongated member (22), wherein the at least one support member (40) has a shape for supporting the head (50) at a lateral distance from the elongated member (22), wherein the at least one support member (40) comprises a laterally extending proximal portion and a laterally extending distal portion to provide a gap across the lateral distance between the front end of the elongated member (22) and the head (50), at least a portion of the support member (40) extending in the lateral direction away from the front end of the elongated member (22) such that the gap is substantially within a lateral plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a toothbrush product or device, and more particularly to a toothbrush product for cleaning the exposed mesial or distal surfaces of teeth or dentures. Background Technology

[0002] Unless otherwise stated, the terms "distal," "towards the distal," "mesial," and "towards the mesial" are dental terms indicating relative positions within the upper or lower dental arch. Specifically, "distal" and "towards the distal" refer to the posterior end of the dental arch, while "mesial" and "towards the mesial" refer to the midline of the anterior part of the dental arch. "Towards the crown" refers to the direction towards the crown, while "towards the apex" refers to the direction towards the apex of the tooth root.

[0003] Dental plaque accumulates on the surface of teeth or fixed prostheses along one or more complex curves at the gingival margin. Contrary to popular belief, when gaps exist near the mesial or distal surfaces of teeth or prostheses, such as due to the loss or congenital absence of adjacent teeth, these surfaces become difficult to clean. It is precisely this unexpected situation that has led dental professionals to believe that patients should be able to clean this area themselves, without the need to create additional cleaning aids with the appropriate structure.

[0004] When effectively cleaning such surfaces, patients often cannot see the teeth or surfaces that need cleaning and must rely on their spatial awareness, hand dexterity, and tactile feedback from the cleaning action. In patients with at least one of the aforementioned surface conditions, up to 90% still have plaque residue on these surfaces after brushing and dental cleaning. Because plaque subsequently remains in these areas for a long time, gum disease and cavities often occur.

[0005] Because patients tend to keep their wrists and fingers stiff during dental cleaning, the arm is often used for swinging or reciprocating cleaning motions. Due to the limited arm length, this motion translates into an almost linear movement within the mouth.28 Figure 3 This can cause problems when cleaning any single tooth along a small, complex curve, either along the upper or lower jaw.

[0006] Existing toothbrushes cannot fully translate the instinctive cleaning movements of the arms, hands, and fingers into repeatable and effective movements in which the brush head and bristles are precisely positioned on the tooth surface and plaque while overcoming the complex curves and positions of individual teeth and gums.

[0007] Many existing toothbrushes are shaped and have bristle arrangements that require excessively deliberate and skillful manipulation of the fingertips and wrists to achieve effective cleaning. Furthermore, the relative position or shape of the handle and shaft that support the brush head and allow it to reach the teeth is not ideal for the bristle tips to reach the plaque areas mentioned above, and is instead obstructed by adjacent teeth, opposing teeth, currently being cleaned teeth, and surrounding soft tissues such as the tongue or cheeks. For example, prior art DE202018006110U1 (February 2, 2018) aims to address the challenges of cleaning such areas. However, because the structure of this prior art connects the brush head directly to the end of its handle, it is severely limited. Ultimately, this problem significantly reduces the quality of bristle tip positioning during use.

[0008] Many other toothbrushes also tend to be held at unfavorable angles, making it difficult to achieve effective cleaning in the areas requiring attention. Furthermore, to achieve gentle handling in these delicate areas and minimize excessive stress on the brush head and bristles, the handle should be designed for gripping by the fingers and fingertips, rather than the entire hand. Gentle handling also improves tactile feedback for the user.

[0009] Many patients and dentists advocate the use of the numerous types of flexible interdental brushes currently available (such as EP1862090B1 (May 30, 2006)) to treat the aforementioned surfaces. However, these brushes are inconvenient to use because patients must skillfully bend them to the required angle. Furthermore, the brush parts cannot maintain their shape and must be repeatedly bent, causing further inconvenience. This repeated bending can also lead to fatigue and softening of the brush parts, or even breakage.

[0010] Even though interdental brushes are inherently resistant to deformation, their flexible nature and the fact that they are only attached to the handle at one end result in poor tactile feedback. Therefore, patients quickly lose confidence in the recommended toothbrush because they cannot feel control over it.

[0011] Furthermore, some existing toothbrushes (such as US8918946B2 (February 13, 2012)) result in inefficient angles between the bristle tips and the aforementioned surfaces, and require an unattainable level of hand dexterity. Moreover, this existing technology is designed specifically for use on the distal surface of the molars, while the aforementioned problems are more widespread.

[0012] Some existing technologies pose risks to oral tissues due to continuous use or wear of the brush bristles during use. For example, prior art DE202010016567U1 (December 12, 2010) includes a wire brush component as a basic part. Even without wear, this device can exert excessive force on the gums during normal use.

[0013] Teeth missing adjacent teeth on the mesial or distal sides tend to migrate into the edentulous space or have their tips shift into that space. This makes the corresponding surface more unsuitable for cleaning. The bristle arrangement, brush head shape, and overall structure of cleaning aids must facilitate the reach of the bristle tips to this surface.

[0014] During the cleaning process, patients do not want hard materials such as metal and plastic to collide with their teeth and gums. Ideally, the shape and materials of cleaning aids should produce a pleasant and reassuring sensation when they come into contact with the teeth, without causing trauma to these tissues.

[0015] In summary, the general public needs an oral hygiene aid that can consistently and effectively clean the mesial and / or distal surfaces of teeth, along one or more complex curves along the gingival margin of teeth or fixed dentures that are spatially adjacent to any location within the dental arch. Currently, very few toothbrushes are designed for this purpose, and none of them overcome all obstacles or meet all the aforementioned requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0016] According to a first aspect, a toothbrush product is provided for cleaning the exposed mesial or distal surfaces of teeth or dentures, comprising:

[0017] An elongated component including a front end and a rear end, wherein the elongated component includes a handle and the elongated component has a longitudinal length from the front end to the rear end;

[0018] A brush head, wherein the brush head comprises multiple clusters of bristles disposed on the front and / or rear surfaces of the brush head; and

[0019] At least one support member for the brush head, the at least one support member being disposed at the front end of the elongated member, wherein the at least one support member has a shape for supporting the brush head at a lateral distance from the elongated member, and wherein the at least one support member includes a laterally extending proximal portion and a laterally extending distal portion, thereby providing a gap across the lateral distance between the front end of the elongated member and the brush head, wherein at least a portion of the support member extends laterally away from the front end of the elongated member, such that the gap is substantially in the lateral plane.

[0020] The at least one support member, which positions the brush head at a lateral distance from the handle and provides the gap in the lateral plane between the front end of the elongated member and the brush head, allows the user to easily place the multi-brush bristles on the exposed mesial or distal surface of the teeth or dentures in the oral cavity by operating the toothbrush product, and allows the user to move the multi-brush bristles of the brush head along the exposed mesial or distal surface while minimizing contact between the toothbrush product and other parts of the oral cavity.

[0021] During use, the toothbrush product can be at least partially placed in the oral cavity, and the multi-bristle arrangement is positioned on the exposed mesial or distal surface of the tooth or denture. During use, the toothbrush product can be placed in a cleaning position within the oral cavity such that the bristles of the brush head contact the mesial or distal surface of the tooth or denture. In the cleaning position, the lateral distance is the distance along the vertical axis. In the cleaning position, the lateral distance is substantially parallel to the crown-apex axis, for example, parallel to the long axis of the tooth or denture being cleaned. In the cleaning position, the tooth or denture being cleaned can be at least partially within the space.

[0022] The brush head, the at least one support member, and the multiple clusters of bristles can be referred to as a brush head assembly.

[0023] The at least one support member and the brush head may include a hook-shaped or ring-shaped profile. During use, the hook-shaped or ring-shaped profile of the at least one support member allows the support member to be positioned around the teeth, thereby enabling the user to place the brush head in the space adjacent to the teeth or dentures to be cleaned.

[0024] The at least one support member may hang down from the elongated member and includes a cantilevered profile. This cantilevered profile allows the support member to position the brush head at the root of the tooth or denture.

[0025] The toothbrush product may include a shoulder connector located between the elongated component and the at least one support component.

[0026] The shoulder connector allows the handle to remain substantially horizontal during use, while simultaneously placing the brush head on the exposed surface of the teeth or dentures.

[0027] The shoulder connector may include at least one of the following: a hinge connector; a dovetail connector; a pivot / latch connector.

[0028] The shoulder connector may include a rotatable connector that allows the at least one support member to rotate relative to the elongated member. The user can rotate or swing the at least one support member relative to the elongated member to various angles, thereby achieving the purpose of cleaning the proximal and distal surfaces.

[0029] The shoulder connector connects the elongated member and the at least one support member such that the at least one support member extends laterally from the elongated member at an angle between 15 degrees and 250 degrees. The angle is preferably between 80 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0030] By providing a shoulder connector that allows the at least one support member to extend at an angle within the aforementioned range, unhelpful contact between the teeth and the toothbrush product can be minimized. In the cleaning position, the elongated member is at a first distance from the upper surface of the teeth, and the shoulder connector extends laterally and laterally from the at least one support member, thereby allowing the at least one support member to be at a minimum distance from the tooth surface during cleaning.

[0031] The at least one support member may include a lateral bending profile and / or a transverse bending profile.

[0032] By providing a curved profile that is simultaneously lateral and transverse, or at least one of the two, the shape of the support member can substantially conform to, or be a mirror image of, the shape of a typical tooth or denture to be cleaned, thereby minimizing the distance between the tooth and the toothbrush product during use.

[0033] The curved profiles along the transverse and lateral directions can be selected to correspond to the curved profiles of teeth or dentures.

[0034] The at least one support member may include a compound curve along the lateral and / or transverse directions. The at least one support member includes one or more curved portions, wherein each curved portion has a variable radius of curvature along its length.

[0035] The at least one support member may include an intermediate portion located between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the proximal portion is characterized by a first curve, the intermediate portion by a second curve, and the distal portion by a third curve. The first, second, and third curves may constitute a continuous curve.

[0036] The distal portion of the at least one support member can be bent either toward the handle or away from the handle. During use, the distal portion can be bent either toward the handle or away from the handle, thereby bringing the bristles closer to the distal or mesial surface of the exposed teeth or dentures, respectively.

[0037] The at least one support member may include a first support member and a second support member disposed at opposite ends of the elongated member, wherein the brush head spans the distance between the distal portions of the first and second support members such that at least a portion of the elongated member, the brush head, and the first and second support members form a closed loop.

[0038] The shape of the support component allows the opening to form a closed loop with a tooth-shaped profile.

[0039] The first and second support components can be arranged in a bifurcated manner.

[0040] The first and second support members may include proximal portions that are substantially parallel in the lateral direction. The first support member may have a proximal portion extending substantially laterally at its proximal end, and the second support member may have a proximal portion extending laterally in the opposite direction to the first proximal portion. The first support member may have a laterally extending distal portion at its distal end, and the second support member may have a laterally extending distal portion at its distal end. The distal portions of the first support member and the second support member may be substantially parallel. The brush head may span the distance between the distal ends of the first and second support members. A portion of the distal portion of the first support member (e.g., an end portion) and a portion of the second support member may extend toward the brush head.

[0041] The first and second support members, the brush head, and at least a portion of the front of the elongated member may form an opening. The size of the opening allows at least a portion of the tooth or denture to pass through during use, thereby allowing at least a portion of the multi-cluster bristles to be positioned at the root of an exposed tooth or along the exposed surface of the tooth or denture.

[0042] The at least one support member may be substantially flat, or may have a square or circular cross-section. The at least one support member may have a length ranging from 5 to 80 mm. The at least one support member may have a lateral length ranging from 2.5 mm to 25 mm. The at least one support member may have a transverse length ranging from 5 mm to 80 mm. The at least one support member may have a transverse extension ranging from 8 mm to 40 mm.

[0043] When the toothbrush product has only one support component, the single support component can support the brush head in a cantilever manner.

[0044] The elongated component may include a front portion located between the handle and the support component, wherein the front portion is inclined and / or bent relative to the handle.

[0045] By providing an elongated member with a front portion and / or a curvature relative to the handle portion, the support member can be positioned closer to the upper surface of the exposed teeth during use, thereby enabling more precise placement of the brush head.

[0046] The front portion may also be unbent. The front portion may be bent toward the brush head. The elongated component may include a front portion located in front of the handle, connecting the handle to the support component. The front portion of the elongated component may include a curved shape extending from the handle axis toward the support component. The front portion may be bent away from the brush head.

[0047] The at least one support component can be directly connected to the front end of the handle.

[0048] The brush head may extend laterally from the distal end of the support member and may have a profile of at least one of the following:

[0049] Curved profile; concave profile; convex profile; teardrop profile; arched profile; flat profile; straight profile.

[0050] The toothbrush may have a profile that includes gaps at the lower or upper edge.

[0051] The multiple bristles can be configured such that the free ends of each bristle include curved and / or inclined and / or vertical side profiles.

[0052] Bristles can be of the same length. Bristles can also have different lengths forming a distribution.

[0053] By giving the free ends of each cluster of bristles a curved and / or slanted and / or vertical lateral profile, the free ends of these bristles can be mirrored in shape with the exposed surface shape of the exposed teeth.

[0054] The multiple bristles can be configured such that each bristle cluster near the center of the brush head is shorter than each bristle cluster located at any end of the brush head.

[0055] The multiple bristles are configured such that each bristle cluster located in the largest lateral portion of the brush head extends further than each bristle cluster located in the smallest lateral portion of the brush head.

[0056] The aforementioned bristle arrangement of the brush head allows for the advantage of oriented bristles towards exposed surfaces. For example, the bristle arrangement can mirror the shape of the tooth surface. During use, the bristles extending furthest from the brush head can be positioned at the root of the tooth or denture.

[0057] The bristles may be replaceable. The bristles may include elastomeric bristles. The bristles may include materials with antibacterial or anti-plaque properties.

[0058] The brush head may include a longest dimension in the range of 5 to 50 mm, referred to as the width. The multi-cluster bristles may include bristles with a length in the range of 1 to 15 mm. The multi-cluster bristles may include bristles arranged in rows, which may be substantially the same length. The rows of bristles may be arranged in order of length.

[0059] The toothbrush product may include a first multi-cluster bristle on the front surface of the brush head and a second multi-cluster bristle on the rear surface of the brush head.

[0060] The first cluster of bristles can extend along the first bristle axis, and the second cluster of bristles can extend along the second bristle axis. The angle between the first bristle axis and the second bristle axis can be in the range of 30 degrees to 280 degrees, preferably in the range of 90 degrees to 180 degrees.

[0061] The handle may include one or more gripping components.

[0062] The one or more gripping components include at least one of the following:

[0063] a) A recess used to accommodate the fingertip;

[0064] b) Non-circular cross sections, such as flat, flat elliptical, or triangular curved cross sections;

[0065] c) A variable cross-section along the length of the handle;

[0066] d) Height and width, wherein, for at least a portion of the handle, the height is greater than the width, wherein the height is substantially perpendicular to the length of the handle and / or the brush head;

[0067] e) Circular cross section.

[0068] The brush head may be a first brush head, and the toothbrush product may further include a second brush head disposed at the rear end of the elongated component, wherein the first brush head includes a first cluster of bristles substantially facing one of forward and / or backward directions, and the second brush head includes a cluster of bristles substantially facing the other of the forward and backward directions. A handle may be provided between the first brush head and the second brush head.

[0069] The elongated component may include a front portion that bends toward the first brush head and a rear portion that bends toward the second brush head, wherein the handle is disposed between the front portion and the rear portion.

[0070] The elongated component may include a front portion that is bent toward or away from the first brush head, and the elongated component may include a front portion that is bent toward or away from the second brush head, wherein the handle is disposed between the front portion and the rear portion.

[0071] By having the toothbrush product have two brush heads and / or more than one set of multiple bristles, both near-to-the-middle and far-to-the-middle cleaning can be performed without removing the toothbrush product from the mouth.

[0072] The handle of the elongated component may be positioned along the handle axis. The front portion of the elongated component may be positioned substantially along a forward axis. The support component axis may be defined as a straight line between a first connector connecting the support component to the elongated component and a second connector between the support component and the brush head. The multi-bristle clusters may extend along the bristle axis. The brush head may include a length substantially along the brush head axis.

[0073] The angle between the handle axis and the forward axis can be in the range of 70 to 270 degrees, preferably in the range of 160 to 200 degrees.

[0074] The angle between the handle axis and the support component axis can be in the range of 30 to 150 degrees, preferably in the range of 70 to 110 degrees.

[0075] The angle between the forward axis and the axis of the supporting component can be in the range of 15 to 250 degrees, preferably in the range of 80 to 120 degrees.

[0076] The angle between the axis of the support component and the axis of the bristles can be in the range of 40 to 320 degrees, preferably in the range of 90 to 130 degrees.

[0077] The angle between the handle axis and the brush head axis can be in the range of 0 to 90 degrees.

[0078] The brush head and / or multiple bristles can be reversibly removed and / or detached from the toothbrush product. The brush head and / or multiple bristles can be attached to the toothbrush product via a brush head and / or bristle connection mechanism. The brush head connector may include at least a portion of the at least one support member. The brush head connector may include at least one mating member for engaging with a corresponding component of the at least one support member.

[0079] The elongated component and / or the brush head and / or the at least one support component may be made of at least one of the following: a biodegradable material; plastic; bamboo; an elastomer; or a coated elastomer.

[0080] The bristles in the multi-bristle brush may comprise any suitable material, such as elastomers and / or nylon.

[0081] According to a second aspect, a brush head assembly is provided configured to be connected to an elongated member including a handle, wherein the brush head assembly includes:

[0082] A brush head having multiple clusters of bristles on its front and / or rear surfaces;

[0083] The brush head includes at least one support member and a brush head assembly connector for connecting the at least one support member to an elongated member including a handle, wherein the at least one support member has a shape that allows the brush head to be positioned at a distance from the brush head assembly connector, and wherein the at least one support member includes a proximal portion extending laterally from the brush head assembly connector and a distal portion extending laterally, thereby forming a gap across the distance between the brush head assembly connector and the brush head.

[0084] The brush head assembly connector enables the connection between the support member and the elongated member, such that at least a portion of the support member extends laterally away from the front end of the elongated member, thereby placing the gap substantially within the lateral plane.

[0085] The brush head assembly can be used in an electric toothbrush. The brush head assembly may have a configuration for connecting to an electric toothbrush.

[0086] The brush head assembly can be directly connected to the body of the electric toothbrush. The brush head assembly connector may include a groove for mating with a corresponding connection portion of the electric toothbrush body. The brush head assembly may be located at the distal end of an elongated component, which can be used to connect to the electric toothbrush body at the proximal end of the elongated component.

[0087] The brush head assembly can be indirectly connected to the electric toothbrush body via other components. These other components may include grooves for mating with corresponding connection portions of the electric toothbrush body.

[0088] The connecting component can be a rod extending from the electric toothbrush body. The connecting component can be a movable component. The connecting component can be a vibrating component. The connecting component allows the brush head assembly to vibrate or oscillate during use.

[0089] The brush head assembly can be connected to an elongated component, such as an elongated component including a handle.

[0090] According to the third aspect, a kit of components is provided, including:

[0091] According to the brush head assembly and the elongated component of the second aspect.

[0092] The brush head assembly may include a first mating member at the brush head assembly connector, and the elongated component may include a corresponding second mating member configured to mate with the first mating member.

[0093] The corresponding second mating member is disposed at the front end of the elongated component.

[0094] The brush head assembly connector between the brush head assembly and the elongated component may include an adjustable connector that allows adjustment of the lateral and / or longitudinal distance of the brush head relative to the handle.

[0095] The adjustable connector may be composed of the elongated member having a curved front portion that bends away from the handle portion, wherein the at least one support member is configured to connect to several connection points along the curved portion, such that the longitudinal and lateral distances between the elongated member and the brush head can be adjusted by changing the connection points of the at least one support member to the curved front portion.

[0096] The connector between the brush head assembly and the elongated component may include a connecting mechanism, wherein the connecting mechanism may be a reversibly detachable connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism may include a latch. The connecting mechanism can be used to engage a connection position. The connector between the brush head assembly and the elongated component may be a permanent connector.

[0097] According to a fourth aspect, a brush head assembly for a toothbrush device is provided, wherein the brush head assembly is configured to be connected to a front end of an elongated member including a handle, and wherein the brush head assembly includes:

[0098] A brush head component including a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the front surface faces forward and the rear surface faces rearward;

[0099] Multiple clusters of bristles are provided on at least one of the front surface and the rear surface;

[0100] A support member for supporting the brush head, wherein the support member includes: a connector at a first end for connecting to the front portion of the elongated member; and a portion extending laterally from the connector such that the brush head is supported at a lateral distance from the connector.

[0101] Wherein, at least a portion of the support member extends in at least one of forward or rearward directions in at least one of the following a) and b):

[0102] a) The front surface of the supported brush head is positioned in front of the connector;

[0103] b) The rear surface of the supported brush head is located behind the connector.

[0104] The support member may define a support member plane. The support member plane may be substantially parallel to the transverse plane. The front surface of the supported brush head may be positioned forward relative to the connector. The rear surface may be positioned rearward relative to the connector.

[0105] The brush head component may have a longest dimension in the lateral direction relative to the lateral distance. The longest dimension of the brush head component may be located in the normal direction to the plane of the support component. The forward / reverse directions are substantially parallel and may define a front-rear axis. This front-rear axis may lie within the plane of the support component.

[0106] The multiple bristles may extend along one or more bristle axes. For example, the multiple bristles on the front surface may extend along the front bristle axis, while the multiple bristles on the rear surface may extend along the rear bristle axis. The front and rear bristle axes may form an angle or be substantially parallel.

[0107] The multiple bristles can be at a certain angle relative to the front / back area.

[0108] The forward / backward direction may define at least one bristle axis. The brush head may span along the lateral axis. The support member may extend along the transverse axis.

[0109] The support member can be connected to the brush head substantially at the middle region of the longest dimension of the brush head.

[0110] The support member may be bent or tilted along the forward direction. The support member may be bent or tilted along the rearward direction.

[0111] During use, and when assembled with the elongated component to form a toothbrush device, the brush head assembly can be placed in the oral cavity, and the multi-column bristles can be positioned on the exposed mesial or distal surfaces of the teeth or dentures. During use, the toothbrush device can be positioned in a cleaning position within the oral cavity such that the bristles of the brush head contact the mesial or distal surfaces of the teeth or dentures. In the cleaning position, the lateral distance is the distance along the vertical axis. In the cleaning position, the lateral distance is substantially parallel to the crown-apex axis, for example, parallel to the long axis of the tooth or denture being cleaned.

[0112] The multiple bristles are arranged substantially in the manner described in the first aspect above. The multiple bristles may be configured such that the free ends of each bristle include curved and / or inclined and / or vertical side profiles. The front surface and / or rear surface may include curved and / or inclined and / or vertical side profiles. The multiple bristles may be configured such that the free ends of each bristle include curved and / or inclined and / or vertical side profiles.

[0113] By giving the free ends of each cluster of bristles a curved and / or slanted and / or vertical lateral profile, the free ends of these bristles can be mirrored in shape with the exposed surface shape of the exposed teeth.

[0114] The multiple bristles can be configured such that each bristle cluster near the center of the brush head is shorter than each bristle cluster located at any end of the brush head.

[0115] The multiple bristles are configured such that each bristle cluster located in the largest lateral portion of the brush head extends further than each bristle cluster located in the smallest lateral portion of the brush head.

[0116] The aforementioned bristle arrangement of the brush head allows for the advantage of oriented bristles towards exposed surfaces. For example, the bristle arrangement can mirror the shape of the tooth surface. During use, the bristles extending furthest from the brush head can be positioned at the root of the tooth or denture.

[0117] The bristles may be replaceable. The bristles may include elastomeric bristles. The bristles may include materials with antibacterial or anti-plaque properties.

[0118] The brush head may include a longest dimension in the range of 5 to 50 mm, referred to as the width. The multi-cluster bristles may include bristles with a length in the range of 1 to 15 mm. The multi-cluster bristles may include bristles arranged in rows, which may be substantially the same length. The rows of bristles may be arranged in order of length.

[0119] The toothbrush product may include a first multi-cluster bristle on the front surface of the brush head and a second multi-cluster bristle on the rear surface of the brush head.

[0120] The brush head assembly can be used in an electric toothbrush. The brush head assembly may have a configuration for connecting to an electric toothbrush.

[0121] The brush head assembly can be directly connected to the body of the electric toothbrush. The brush head assembly connector may include a groove for mating with a corresponding connection portion of the electric toothbrush body. The brush head assembly may be located at the distal end of an elongated component, which can be used to connect to the electric toothbrush body at the proximal end of the elongated component.

[0122] The brush head assembly can be indirectly connected to the electric toothbrush body via other components. These other components may include grooves for mating with corresponding connection portions of the electric toothbrush body.

[0123] The connecting component can be a rod extending from the electric toothbrush body. The connecting component can be a movable component. The connecting component can be a vibrating component. The connecting component allows the brush head assembly to vibrate or oscillate during use.

[0124] The brush head assembly can be connected to an elongated component, such as an elongated component including a handle.

[0125] According to a fifth aspect, a toothbrush device for cleaning the exposed mesial or distal surfaces of teeth or dentures is provided, comprising:

[0126] An elongated component including a front end and a rear end, wherein the elongated component includes a handle, and the elongated component includes a length in the longitudinal direction from the front end to the rear end;

[0127] A brush head component including a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the front surface and the rear surface face forward and backward, respectively;

[0128] Multiple clusters of bristles are provided on at least one of the front surface and the rear surface;

[0129] A support member for supporting the brush head, wherein the support member is connected at its first end to the front portion of the elongated member, and includes a portion extending laterally from the front end of the elongated member such that the brush head is supported at a lateral distance from the front end of the elongated member.

[0130] Wherein, at least a portion of the support member extends in at least one of forward or rearward directions in at least one of the following a) and b):

[0131] a) The front surface of the supported brush head is located in front of the front end of the elongated member;

[0132] b) The rear surface of the supported brush head is located behind the front end of the elongated member.

[0133] According to the sixth aspect, a component kit is provided, including the brush head assembly according to the fourth aspect above and the elongated component including the handle.

[0134] Any feature of one aspect can be applied to other aspects in any suitable combination. For example, a feature of the toothbrush product described in the first or fifth aspect can be a feature of the brush head assembly described in the second and fourth aspects, and vice versa. For example, a feature of the toothbrush product described in the first aspect can be a feature of the toothbrush product described in the fifth aspect, and vice versa. For example, a feature of the brush head assembly described in the second aspect can be a feature of the brush head assembly described in the fourth aspect, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0135] The various aspects of the invention are described below by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0136] Figures 1A to 1EFront, left, and right elevation views, as well as top and bottom plan views, of one embodiment of a device that enables users to clean the mesial surface of teeth;

[0137] Figure 1F The image shown is a cross-section of one embodiment of a brush head;

[0138] Figure 1G A top view of one embodiment of the device when used for cleaning the mesial surface of teeth;

[0139] Figure 1H The right elevation view of one embodiment of the device when used for cleaning the mesial surface of teeth;

[0140] Figure 1I The right elevation view of one embodiment of the device when used to clean the mesial surface of an oblique tooth that has undergone periodontal atrophy;

[0141] Figure 2 The image shows the typical direction of force applied when a user presses the cleaning device on the mesial or distal side of the teeth.

[0142] Figure 3 The image shows a typical cleaning motion made when using a device for cleaning the mesial or distal sides of teeth, swinging between the buccal and lingual sides.

[0143] Figures 4A to 4E Front, left, and right elevation views, as well as top and bottom plan views, of one embodiment of a device that enables a user to clean the distal surface of teeth;

[0144] Figure 4F A top view of one embodiment of the device when used for cleaning the distal surface of teeth;

[0145] Figure 4G The right elevation view of one embodiment of the device when used for cleaning the distal surface of a tooth;

[0146] Figure 5A A perspective view of one embodiment of the device that enables a user to clean both the mesial and distal surfaces of teeth;

[0147] Figure 5B A top plan view of one embodiment of the device that enables a user to clean both the mesial and distal surfaces of teeth;

[0148] Figure 5C A right elevation view of one embodiment of the device that enables a user to clean both the mesial and distal surfaces of teeth;

[0149] Figure 6AA right elevation view of one embodiment of the device that enables a user to clean both the mesial and distal surfaces of teeth;

[0150] Figure 6B A top plan view of one embodiment of the device that enables a user to clean both the mesial and distal surfaces of teeth;

[0151] Figure 6C A cross-sectional view of the brush head of one embodiment of the device that enables a user to clean both the mesial and distal surfaces of teeth;

[0152] Figure 6D A front elevation view of one embodiment of the device that enables a user to clean both the mesial and distal surfaces of teeth and employs a brush head with a single curved shape.

[0153] Figure 6E A front elevation view of one embodiment of the device, which enables users to clean both the mesial and distal surfaces of teeth and employs a brush head with the following shape: two flat areas at the ends and a central area with a compound curve shape.

[0154] Figure 7 A front elevation view of one embodiment of the device that enables a user to clean the mesial surface of teeth and employs a brush head with a single curved shape.

[0155] Figure 8 A front elevation view of one embodiment of the device, which enables users to clean the mesial surfaces of teeth and employs a brush head with the following shape: two flat areas at the ends and a central area with a compound curve shape.

[0156] Figure 9 A front elevation view of one embodiment of the device that enables a user to clean the mesial surface of teeth and employs a straight-edged brush head with bristles arranged along a straight edge.

[0157] Figure 10 A front elevation view of one embodiment of the device that enables a user to clean the mesial surface of teeth and has a straight-edge brush head with bristle tips arranged along a compound curve in the central region and straight edges arranged at the ends.

[0158] Figure 11 The diagram shows the relative angles of the components in one embodiment of the device that enables a user to clean the mesial surface of teeth.

[0159] Figure 12 The figure shown is a functional curve in the shape of the secondary component;

[0160] Figures 13A to 13DFront and right elevation views of the device, which enables users to clean the mesial or distal surfaces of teeth and employs a brush head with the following shape, showing a handle and brush head assembly separated from each other: two flat areas at the ends and a central area with a compound curve shape.

[0161] Figure 13E Figures 13A to 13A show embodiments of the device, when connected, that enable a user to clean the mesial surface of teeth. Figure 13D The components shown;

[0162] Figure 13F Figures 13A to 13A show embodiments of the device, when connected, that enable a user to clean the distal surface of teeth. Figure 13D The components shown;

[0163] Figures 14A to 14C The image shows a toothbrush device according to another embodiment, having a single support member and multiple bristles disposed on the front surface of the brush head member.

[0164] Figures 15A to 15C The image shows a toothbrush device according to another embodiment, having a single support member and multiple clusters of bristles disposed on the rear surface of the brush head member.

[0165] Figure 16 The image shows a toothbrush device according to another embodiment, having a single support member, a first multi-brush bristle on the front surface of the brush head member, and a second multi-brush bristle on the rear surface of the brush head member. Detailed Implementation

[0166] The device described below enables users to overcome common difficulties encountered when removing plaque from teeth adjacent to the arch space or the mesial or distal surfaces of fixed dentures. This device avoids requiring a high degree of hand dexterity and overcomes other limitations encountered when using prior art devices for the aforementioned purposes.

[0167] Because patients tend to keep their wrists and fingers stiff during dental cleaning, the arm is often used for swinging or reciprocating cleaning motions. Due to the limited arm length, this motion translates into an almost linear movement within the mouth.28 Figure 3 This can cause problems when cleaning any single tooth along a small, complex curve, either along the upper or lower jaw.

[0168] Figure 3The linear motion of the user, moving between the buccal and lingual sides of the teeth, is highly repeatable and, thanks to the toothbrush's structure, should ideally translate into an effective cleaning action. Of the forces applied to position the toothbrush at the location 27 needed to address the aforementioned issues, the most repeatable force is the force directed towards the mesial or distal junction of the teeth and gums, and the toothbrush structure should allow the user to effectively utilize this force to hold the brush head in the correct position. The toothbrush should also provide tactile feedback to the user throughout the cleaning motion to confirm and reinforce the correctness of their technique. In this way, a repeatable and effective technique can be achieved.

[0169] The following describes various implementations of the toothbrush product. The shape of the handle 20 allows the fingers to resist the reverse torque along its longitudinal axis generated by friction during use of the device, thereby, for example, but not limited to, Figures 1A to 13F As shown, maintain its optimal orientation. In some implementations, the handle size helps prevent the user from applying excessive grip force and strength.

[0170] In a preferred embodiment, the handle 20 is connected at its distal end to the main component 22, which may be straight or curved. The main component 22 and the handle 20 may also form a single elongated component with a front end and a rear end. The main component 22 may be referred to as the front portion of the elongated component, and the handle 20 may be referred to as the stem portion of the elongated component. The elongated component extends longitudinally from the front end to the rear end, thus having a longitudinal length. In a preferred embodiment, two additional forked secondary components 40 may be provided at the distal end of the main component 22. The secondary components 40 may also be referred to as support components. The secondary components 40 provide support for the brush head. The secondary components 40 are provided or disposed at the front end of the elongated component, that is, at the end of the main component 22.

[0171] In a preferred embodiment, the secondary component 40 supports the brush head 50 extending across its distal end. The secondary component 40 is located at the front end of the primary component 22 and is configured to support the brush head 50 at a laterally distance from the primary component 22. As shown in FIG1, the supported brush head 50 is located at a distance from the front end of the elongated component in the lateral direction, i.e., in a direction considered substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated component or a normal direction to that longitudinal direction. The secondary components 22 are located on opposite sides of the elongated component and are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0172] During use, when the toothbrush is in the cleaning position, the aforementioned lateral distance is the distance along the vertical axis of the oral cavity. In the cleaning position, the lateral distance is substantially parallel to the crown-root axis, for example, parallel to the long axis of the tooth or denture being cleaned. In the cleaning position, the tooth or denture being cleaned may be at least partially within the gap.

[0173] In some embodiments, the pair of secondary components 40 described above are mirror images of each other. The first secondary component of this pair of secondary components 40 is described below; it will be understood that the shape of the second secondary component of this pair of secondary components 40 is a mirror image of the shape of the first secondary component. The first secondary component of the pair of secondary components 40 has a proximal portion extending laterally from the main component 22. In this embodiment, this lateral direction is substantially the longitudinal direction of the elongated component and substantially the lateral distance between the main component 22 and the brush head 50. This lateral direction can also be considered as the lateral direction of the plane containing the elongated component. When viewing the toothbrush product from its front profile, for example, as... Figure 1C As shown, the proximal portion of the secondary component 40 extends outward to both sides of the central portion formed by the elongated component.

[0174] Each secondary component 40 also has a distal portion that extends across the lateral distance between the brush head 50 and the primary component 22. The distal portion of the secondary component 40 droops downwards from the proximal portion of the secondary component 40, that is, extends in a downward direction. The proximal portion ensures that the distal portion is laterally distanced from the primary component 22 and the center of the brush head 50. For example, from... Figure 4D As can be seen, the secondary component 40 hangs down from the primary component 22, forming a pendant profile. This pendant profile allows the support component to place the brush head at the root of the tooth or denture.

[0175] For example, such as Figure 1D As shown, in some embodiments, the distal portion of each component 40 is generally bent forward away from the handle 20. In other embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 4, the distal portion of each component 40 is generally bent backward toward the handle 20.

[0176] The brush head 50 spans the distance between the distal portions of the secondary components 40. The secondary components 40, the brush head 50, and at least a portion of the primary component 22 together form a closed loop. This closed loop is illustrated, for example, in... Figure 1C In different embodiments, the closing ring may have different profile shapes. For example, the ring may have a tooth-shaped profile. The closing ring provides an opening through which at least a portion of the tooth passes, thereby positioning the bristles in a cleaning position.

[0177] A shoulder connector is provided between the main component 22 and the secondary component 40. This shoulder connector is configured such that the secondary component 40 extends substantially laterally. According to various embodiments, the shoulder connector allows the secondary component 40 to extend at an angle. In some embodiments, the angle is between 15 degrees and 250 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is between 80 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0178] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the shoulder connector is non-removable, meaning that the secondary component 40 and the primary component 22 constitute a single component. In other embodiments, the secondary component 40 and the primary component 22 are permanently connected. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, these components can be detached from each other. In this case, the shoulder connector can be any suitable connector, such as a hinge connector, a dovetail connector, or a pivot / latch connector.

[0179] During use, the shoulder connector allows the brush head to be placed on the exposed surface of the teeth or dentures while keeping the handle essentially horizontal.

[0180] Thus, the secondary component 40 forms a gap that is substantially in a transverse plane. This transverse plane can be considered as the plane in which the secondary component 40 generally lies. Since the secondary component 40 has a curved profile, it should be understood that although the gap may be mostly in the plane, it may have a curved profile.

[0181] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the elongated component, particularly the handle 20, extends substantially along the normal direction of the transverse plane in which the aforementioned gap is located, or perpendicular to the transverse plane. It should be understood that "substantially along the normal direction" can be a direction within a suitable angular range of 90 degrees.

[0182] During use, the toothbrush is placed in the cleaning position within the mouth, allowing the brush bristles to contact the mesial or distal surfaces of the teeth or dentures. In the cleaning position, the aforementioned lateral distance is the distance along the vertical axis. In the cleaning position, this lateral distance is substantially parallel to the crown-root axis, for example, parallel to the long axis of the tooth or denture being cleaned. In the cleaning position, at least a portion of the tooth or denture being cleaned may be within the space.

[0183] The brush head 50 is fitted with bristles 51. The secondary component 40, the brush head 50, and the bristles 51 (in clusters) can be collectively referred to as the "brush head assembly". This brush head assembly, together with the elongated components (handle and main component), forms a detachable part of the toothbrush kit.

[0184] The bristles 51 are in the form of multiple clusters. The brush head has a first surface facing forward and a second surface facing backward; these two surfaces may be referred to as the front surface and the rear surface, respectively. In Figure 1, according to various embodiments, the multiple clusters of bristles are shown on the front surface, which generally extends forward. However, it should be understood that, for example, as shown in Figure 4, these bristles may also be provided on a surface extending backward (towards the rear end of the elongated member). In some embodiments, the first multiple clusters of bristles are provided on the front surface extending forward, while the second multiple clusters of bristles may be provided on the rear surface extending backward. An example of such an embodiment is shown in... Figure 6A .

[0185] By providing a toothbrush product with gaps in a transverse plane defined relative to the longitudinal direction of the handle, the toothbrush benefits from several advantages. Specifically, it is easier to position the bristles at the desired brushing position on the exposed mesial or distal surfaces by manipulating the toothbrush. The main component 22, relative to the handle 20, is configured to facilitate placing the brush head 50 on the aforementioned tooth surfaces and minimize collisions between the device and other teeth during use.

[0186] Figure 11 The angle (W) between the longitudinal axis 32 (also called the handle axis) of the middle handle 20 and the longitudinal axis 33 (also called the forward axis) of the main component 22 optimizes the ability of the brush head assembly to reach the area to be cleaned and can be in the range of 70 degrees to 290 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle W can be in the range of 160 to 200 degrees.

[0187] In other embodiments, the brush head assembly may be located at the distal end of the handle, and at the same time, the main components may be omitted.

[0188] In other implementations, such as Figures 1A to 1E , Figures 1G to 1I as well as Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the components of this device can be configured to be used for cleaning the mesial surface of teeth.

[0189] In other implementations, such as Figures 4A to 4G As shown, the components of this device can be configured to be used for cleaning the distal surface of teeth.

[0190] In other implementations, such as Figures 5A to 5C As shown, the components of this device can be configured to be used for cleaning both the mesial and distal surfaces of teeth. The device includes, at the proximal end of the handle, another set of all the aforementioned components, members, and assemblies, in addition to the handle, thereby giving the device a dual-head structure.

[0191] Although the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings have two secondary components 40, for example, Figure 1 shows two secondary components arranged in a bifurcated manner and forming an annular profile together with the brush head, it should be understood that in other embodiments, a single secondary component or support component may be provided, configured to position the brush head at a laterally distance from the elongated component. This single support component may form a hook-shaped profile with the brush head. Similar to the annular profile, the hook-shaped profile allows the support component to be positioned around the teeth, thereby allowing the brush head to be located in the gap adjacent to the teeth. The hook-shaped profile may be in a substantially lateral plane. In some embodiments, the single secondary component may cantilever the brush head.

[0192] The secondary component 40 may have curved profiles in both the lateral and transverse directions. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 13, the secondary component 40 may have a compound curve to minimize its impact with the teeth during use and to support the brush head 50 in the most effective position to achieve the following objectives. Figure 12 As shown, the shape of the first part 40A of each component is as follows: from its proximal to its distal side, it extends mostly laterally and is slightly curved towards the groove. The shape of the second part 40B of each component is as follows: from its proximal to its distal side, it extends mostly towards the groove and is slightly curved and extended laterally away from the tooth. Furthermore, when it is a component primarily used for the mesial surface 44 of the tooth, it is also slightly curved distally, and when it is a component primarily used for the distal surface 45 of the tooth, it is also slightly curved mesially. The shape of the third part 40C of each component is as follows: from its proximal to its distal side, it extends mostly towards the groove and is slightly curved and extended laterally towards the tooth. Furthermore, when it is a component primarily used for the mesial surface 44 of the tooth, it is also slightly curved distally, and when it is a component primarily used for the distal surface 45 of the tooth, it is also slightly curved mesially. In some embodiments, the secondary component 40 has more than one curved portion, each portion having a variable radius of curvature.

[0193] Figure 11 The angle (Y) between the longitudinal axis 34 (also referred to as the support component axis) of the second and third portions 40B, 40C of the secondary components and the longitudinal axis 33 of the primary component 22 optimizes the ability of the brush head 50 to reach the area to be cleaned, and can be in the range of 15 degrees to 250 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle Y can also be in the range of 80 degrees to 120 degrees. For the same purpose, Figure 11 The angle (X) between the longitudinal axis 34 (also called the support component axis) of the second and third parts 40B and 40C of the secondary components and the longitudinal axis 32 (also called the handle axis) of the handle 20 can be in the range of 30 degrees to 150 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle X is in the range of 70 to 110 degrees.

[0194] The longest dimension of the brush head is referred to in this article as the brush head assembly width 30, which can be 5 to 50 mm, and the length of the secondary components can be 5 to 80 mm.

[0195] The orientation of the brush head assembly in various embodiments can be determined based on its primary purpose: whether it is used for cleaning the mesial surface of the teeth or for cleaning the distal surface of the teeth.

[0196] The brush head assembly may have only one secondary component, and at its distal end, the brush head may be suspended in a cantilever manner via one end.

[0197] Secondary components may have any shape necessary to achieve the technical essence of this invention. Their shape may lie in one or more planes. The shape may be straight, or even straighter than that described in the embodiments showing the composite curves in Figures 1 and 5 through 13. The shape may also take the form of a simple curve.

[0198] The brush heads in Figures 1 and 5 through 13 are equipped with the bristles shown in Figures 1 and 5 through 13. The angle of the brush head relative to the secondary components allows the bristle tips to make extremely close contact with the tooth surface and gingival margin.

[0199] The brush head can have any shape required to realize the technical essence of this invention, such as Figures 7 to 10 The shape shown includes a curved portion 50E and / or a flat portion 50D. In various embodiments, the brush head may have the following profiles: curved profile; concave profile; convex profile; teardrop profile; arched profile; flat profile; straight profile. As described above, the brush head forms part of a closed loop. Therefore, the shape of the loop depends on the shape of the brush head.

[0200] The brush head shape may have a compound curve 50E, thereby enabling the bristles to exert their effect as effectively as possible during the entire linear reciprocating motion of the user 28, and to press the bristles and their tips against the teeth along the gum line. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, when the brush head assembly is used to clean the mesial surface 44 of the tooth, the middle portion 50E is curved towards the crown and in the mesial direction. When the brush head assembly is used to clean the distal surface 45, the middle portion 50E is curved towards the crown and in the distal direction. The flat end portion 50D helps to make the movement at the endpoint of the reciprocating motion smoother.

[0201] In other implementations, such as Figure 7 As shown, the brush head may have a single, constant curved shape and bristles of equal length, and bend towards the crown and mesial direction when the brush head assembly is used for mesial surface cleaning, and towards the crown and distal direction when the brush head assembly is used for distal surface cleaning.

[0202] Alternatively, the brush head can be straight, and the bristles can have any one or more lengths. For example, the tips of the bristles can be curved.

[0203] Alternatively, the brush head can be straight, and the bristles can be of the same length.

[0204] Or, such as Figure 10 As shown, the brush head can be straight, with the bristle tips arranged along a compound curve in the central area and along straight edges at both ends.

[0205] In a preferred embodiment, the brush head may have a teardrop-shaped cross-section 52. This arrangement is compact, allowing the brush head 50 and bristles 51 to be tucked under the overhang of the filling, fixed prosthesis, or incised tooth 26. Furthermore, it minimizes the brush head's volume in critical areas while providing greater strength.

[0206] like Figures 6A to 6E As shown, the brush head can be a double-sided brush head, enabling it to help the user clean the mesial or distal surfaces of teeth. The brush head may consist of one or two brush heads and two sets of bristles arranged back-to-back and attached to the ends of one or more secondary components. Any combination described with respect to any other embodiment herein is equally applicable to any aspect of embodiments having such a dual-purpose brush head.

[0207] The bristle cluster 51 may have one of any combination of characteristics, such as length, shape, stiffness, and various angle settings on the brush head 50.

[0208] In various implementations, the bristle length can be between 1 mm and 15 mm.

[0209] Figure 6C A first cluster of bristles is shown on a first (front) surface of the brush head, and a second cluster of bristles is shown on a second (rear) surface of the brush head. The first cluster of bristles extends along the first bristle axis, and the second cluster of bristles extends along the second bristle axis. The angle between the first bristle axis and the second bristle axis can be in the range of 30 degrees to 280 degrees, preferably in the range of 90 degrees to 180 degrees.

[0210] In a preferred embodiment, the bristles may be made of an elastomer that is overmolded into a plastic brush head. Compared to nylon bristle bundles embedded within a plastic brush head, this method... Figure 1F and Figure 6C The elastomer bristles, encapsulated and injection-molded onto the plastic brush head, offer significant advantages. This approach enables the manufacture of a brush head structure that achieves high precision in cleaning function at the aforementioned sites due to its shape, as well as in the placement of the bristles. The elastomer bristles provide extremely gentle and pleasant cleaning for inflamed gingival tissue. The structure of this innovative device is so effective in allowing the bristles to directly contact the delicate gingival margin of individual teeth that the possibility of abrasion of this tissue must be considered.

[0211] Compared to common nylon brush head structures, elastomeric coated plastics offer the following advantages: brush heads can be made smaller; given a fixed size of the brush head and with the bristles very close to each other, various properties can be imparted to the bristles, for example, through different bristle lengths, angles, or diameters; furthermore, the advantages of carefully designed plastic core properties can be utilized, such as ensuring flexibility and strength without causing permanent deformation during use, and optimizing the distribution of force applied by the user to the bristles.

[0212] In several embodiments described herein, in addition to the brush head, a significant portion of the secondary components is also coated with an elastomer. This provides a stronger cushioning effect and greater comfort when the secondary components collide with the teeth during use. Furthermore, the brush head can be circumferentially coated. This allows a softer material to contact and rub against the gums and gum line, minimizing trauma during use.

[0213] In other embodiments, the bristles can be replaced while the rest of the device remains unchanged. The elastomeric bristles and elastomeric brush head can be configured to allow the user to reversibly connect them as a single unit.

[0214] In addition to elastomeric bristles, the brush head of this device can also be made of nylon bristles. In other embodiments, the bristles can be made into fine filaments, such as rounded-end bristles, tapered bristles, spiral bristles, core-sheath type bristles, etc.

[0215] Teeth tend to tilt slightly more mesially than distally, especially when adjacent teeth on the mesial side are missing. Therefore, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 13, the bristle tips have a suitable profile that optimizes their contact with the target area on the mesial surface 44 or distal surface 45. The bristle cluster structure is not limited to the structure described herein; various other bristle angles, lengths, and tip profiles can also achieve the technical essence of this invention. Figure 11 The angle (Z) between the longitudinal axis of the middle bristles 35 and the longitudinal axis of the secondary components 40B and 40C can be in the range of 40 degrees to 320 degrees.

[0216] The bristles may have antibacterial properties.

[0217] The bristles can have anti-plaque properties.

[0218] The brush head assembly and main components may together have features that enable them to be compatible, connected and used with electric toothbrushes known in the art, such as the Philips Sonicare series.

[0219] In other implementations, such as Figures 13A to 13FAs shown, the brush head assembly 57 is provided to the user separately from the main components and has a connector 56 for combining the two. The connector may function to: enable reversible connection between the two; and allow the brush head assembly to be used for near-total cleaning. Figure 13E ) or remote cleaning ( Figure 13F ); and the permanent combination of the two.

[0220] The advantages of having a connector are: the entire device can be provided to the user as two separate parts, allowing for a flatter and more compact form; the entire device can be used to clean one or both of the mesial and distal surfaces; since only one size is needed for the mesial and distal cleaning versions, manufacturing costs are reduced; users can replace the brush head assembly without replacing the handle and main components. As for the permanent connector, it improves safety during use and allows for dedicated use of either the mesial or distal surface cleaning after assembly.

[0221] The connector can be constructed from one of many structures known in the art, such as a sliding dovetail connector. Alternatively, a simple latch 54 with a permanent or reversible latching function can be used. The orientation of the connector can be configured to position the brush head assembly in an optimal position for cleaning the mesial or distal surfaces of the teeth. The connector can be rotatable (e.g., in the case of a hinged or pivotal connector) and allows the user to swing the brush head assembly between different positions to achieve the purpose of cleaning the mesial and distal surfaces.

[0222] Any combination of forms described for any other embodiment herein is equally applicable to any embodiment that includes connecting members.

[0223] Any part of any embodiment may be made of plastic, elastomer, biodegradable material or any other material that is conducive to the manufacture of the device and adheres to the technical essence of the invention.

[0224] Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above-described device without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the above description of specific embodiments is merely illustrative and not intended to be limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that minor modifications can be made to the above operations without causing any meaningful change.

[0225] Figure Labels

[0226] 20. Handles or shanks of slender components

[0227] 21-finger grip

[0228] 22. The main component or front part of a slender component

[0229] 24 teeth

[0230] 25. Gum

[0231] 26. Teeth with periodontal disease that are tilted mesially.

[0232] 27. Typical direction of the force applied by the user when pressing the device.

[0233] 28. Typical back-and-forth brushing motions performed by the user when cleaning such areas.

[0234] 30 Total width of the brush head assembly

[0235] 32. The longitudinal axis of the handle or the handle axis

[0236] 33. The longitudinal or forward axis of the main components

[0237] 34. The longitudinal axis of the second and third parts of the secondary components or the axis of the supporting components.

[0238] 35. The longitudinal axis of the bristles or the axis of the bristles.

[0239] 40 Secondary components or support components

[0240] 40A Secondary Component First (Proximal) Section

[0241] 40B Secondary component, second (intermediate) section

[0242] 40C Secondary Component Third (Remote) Section

[0243] 41 Boundary between the elastomer coating and the uncoated plastic

[0244] 42 Elastomer Materials

[0245] 43 Plastic materials

[0246] 44. Brush head assembly embodiment for mesial surface

[0247] 45. Brush head assembly embodiment for distal surface

[0248] 46 Brush head assembly with a double-sided brush head having both mesial and distal surfaces for cleaning teeth.

[0249] 50 brush heads

[0250] The flat part of the 50D brush head

[0251] The composite curve section of the 50E brush head

[0252] 50F brush head with a constant radius curve shape

[0253] 50G Straight Brush Head

[0254] 51 bristles or multiple clusters of bristles

[0255] 52. Teardrop-shaped cross-section of the brush head

[0256] 53. The male connector located at the far end of the main component.

[0257] 54. Latch on the male connector portion

[0258] 55. The connector is located inside the brush head assembly, specifically in the female part.

[0259] 56. Connectors in assembled state

[0260] 57. One-piece brush head assembly with a connecting female head for cleaning the proximal or distal surfaces.

[0261] 58. Main components with a male connector at the far end.

[0262] 59. Bristles oriented for cleaning the mesial surfaces of teeth.

[0263] 60 bristles oriented for cleaning the distal surfaces of teeth

[0264] The angle between the longitudinal axis of the handle (also called the handle axis) and the longitudinal axis of the main components (also called the forward axis).

[0265] The angle between the longitudinal axis of the X handle (also called the handle axis) and the longitudinal axes of the second and third secondary components (also called the support component axes).

[0266] Y is the angle between the longitudinal axis (also called the forward axis) of the main component and the longitudinal axes (also called the axis of the supporting component) of the second and third secondary components.

[0267] The angle between the longitudinal axis of the Z-brush bristles (also called the bristle axis) and the longitudinal axes of the second and third secondary components (also called the support component axes).

Claims

1. A toothbrush product for cleaning the exposed mesial or distal surfaces of teeth or dentures, characterized in that, include: An elongated component, including a front end and a rear end, wherein the elongated component includes a handle and the elongated component extends longitudinally from the front end to the rear end; A brush head component includes a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface facing forward and the rear surface facing rearward. The brush head component includes a first cluster of bristles disposed on the front surface for contacting the exposed proximal surface, and / or a second cluster of bristles disposed on the rear surface for contacting the exposed distal surface; and At least one support member for the brush head component and disposed at the front end of the elongated component, wherein the at least one support member has a shape for supporting the brush head component at a lateral distance from the elongated component, wherein the at least one support member includes a laterally extending proximal portion and a laterally extending distal portion, thereby providing a gap across the lateral distance between the front end of the elongated component and the brush head component, wherein at least a portion of the support member extends laterally away from the front end of the elongated component, such that the gap is substantially in the lateral plane; The at least one support member includes a first support member and a second support member disposed on opposite sides of the elongated member, the brush head member spanning the distance between the distal portions of the first support member and the distal portions of the second support member, such that at least the brush head member and the first and second support members form a closed loop, wherein the brush head member has the longest dimension in the lateral direction.

2. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first multi-cluster bristles and / or the second multi-cluster bristles are configured such that the free ends of the first multi-cluster bristles and / or the second multi-cluster bristles include curved and / or inclined and / or vertical side profiles.

3. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one support component and the brush head component include an annular profile.

4. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a shoulder connector between the elongated member and the at least one support member.

5. The toothbrush product as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The shoulder connector connects the elongated member and the at least one support member such that the at least one support member extends laterally from the elongated member at an angle between 15 degrees and 250 degrees.

6. The toothbrush product as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The shoulder connector connects the elongated member and the at least one support member such that the at least one support member extends laterally from the elongated member at an angle between 80 degrees and 120 degrees.

7. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one support member includes a curved profile along the lateral direction and / or a curved profile along the transverse direction.

8. The toothbrush product as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The curved profiles along the transverse and lateral directions are selected to correspond to teeth or dentures.

9. The toothbrush product as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The curved profiles along the transverse and lateral directions are selected to correspond to the curved profiles of teeth or dentures.

10. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The distal portion of the at least one support member is bent toward the handle or in a direction away from the handle.

11. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a front portion located between the handle and the support member, the front portion being inclined and / or bent / or straight relative to the handle.

12. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The brush head component includes at least one of the following: a), b), and c): a) At least one of the following: curved profile, concave profile, convex profile, teardrop profile, arched profile, flat profile, and straight profile. b) The outline of the gap located at the lower or upper edge; c) Curved sections and / or flat sections.

13. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first and / or the second multi-cluster bristles are configured such that each cluster of bristles near the center of the brush head component is shorter than each cluster of bristles located at either end of the brush head component.

14. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple bristles are configured such that each bristle cluster located in the lateral maximum portion of the brush head component extends further than each bristle cluster located in the lateral minimum portion of the brush head component.

15. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a first multi-cluster bristle on the front surface of the brush head component and a second multi-cluster bristle on the rear surface of the brush head component.

16. The toothbrush product as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The first cluster of bristles extends along the first bristle axis, and the second cluster of bristles extends along the second bristle axis. The angle between the first bristle axis and the second bristle axis is in the range of 30 degrees to 280 degrees.

17. The toothbrush product as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The angle between the first bristle axis and the second bristle axis is in the range of 90 degrees to 180 degrees.

18. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The handle includes one or more gripping members, and the one or more gripping members include at least one of the following: a) A recess used to accommodate the fingertip; b) Non-circular cross sections, such as flat, flat elliptical, or triangular curved cross sections; c) A variable cross-section along the length of the handle; d) Height and width, wherein, for at least a portion of the handle, the height is greater than the width, and the height is substantially perpendicular to the length of the handle and / or the brush head component; e) Circular cross section.

19. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The brush head component is a first brush head, and the toothbrush product also includes a second brush head disposed at the rear end of the elongated component, wherein the first brush head includes a first multi-cluster bristles substantially facing one of the front and / or the rear, and the second brush head includes a multi-cluster bristles substantially facing the other of the front and the rear.

20. The toothbrush product as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The elongated component includes a front portion that bends or tilts toward the first brush head and a rear portion that bends or tilts toward the second brush head, wherein the handle is located between the front portion and the rear portion.

21. The toothbrush product as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elongated component and / or the brush head component and / or the at least one support component are made of at least one of the following: biodegradable materials, plastics, bamboo, elastomers, coated elastomers; and / or The bristles in the multi-cluster bristles comprise any suitable material, such as elastomers and / or nylon and / or antibacterial materials; and / or The bristles include an anti-plaque material; and / or The bristles are replaceable.

22. A brush head assembly configured to connect to an elongated member, the elongated member including a handle, characterized in that, The brush head assembly includes: A brush head component includes a first multi-cluster bristle disposed on the front surface of the brush head component and / or a second multi-cluster bristle disposed on the rear surface of the brush head component; At least one support member for the brush head member; and A brush head assembly connector for connecting the at least one support member to the elongated member including the handle; The at least one support member has a shape that allows the brush head member to be positioned at a distance from the brush head assembly connector. The at least one support member includes a proximal portion extending laterally from the brush head assembly connector and a distal portion extending laterally, thereby providing a gap across the distance between the brush head assembly connector and the brush head member. At least a portion of the support member extends laterally away from the front end of the elongated member, such that the gap is substantially in the lateral plane. The at least one support member includes a first support member and a second support member disposed on opposite sides of the elongated member, and the brush head member spans the distance between the distal portions of the first support member and the distal portions of the second support member, such that at least the brush head member and the first and second support members form a closed loop; The brush head component has the longest dimension spanning the lateral direction.

23. The brush head assembly as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that, The brush head assembly is configured to be connected to an electric toothbrush.

24. A component set, characterized in that, include: The brush head assembly and the elongated component according to claim 22.

25. The component assembly as described in claim 24, characterized in that, The brush head assembly includes a first mating member at the brush head assembly connector, and the elongated component includes a corresponding second mating member configured to mate with the first mating member.

26. The component assembly as described in claim 24, characterized in that, The connector between the brush head assembly and the elongated component includes an adjustable connector that allows adjustment of the lateral and / or longitudinal distance of the brush head assembly relative to the handle.

27. The component assembly as described in claim 26, characterized in that, The adjustable connector is composed of the elongated member having a curved front portion that bends away from the handle portion, wherein the at least one support member is configured to connect to a plurality of connection points along the curved front portion, such that the longitudinal and lateral distances between the elongated member and the brush head member can be adjusted by changing the connection points of the at least one support member to the curved front portion.

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