toothbrush

Abstract

The goal is to provide a toothbrush that is easy to use. [Solution] The toothbrush comprises a first handle portion, a head portion provided at the tip of the first handle portion, and a group of bristle bundles having multiple bristle bundles planted on the bristle surface of the head portion. The bristle surface includes a right region, a left region, a front region, a rear region, and a first central region. The front region is located further from the first handle portion towards the tip than the rear region. The first central region is located between the right region and the left region in the left-right direction, and between the front region and the rear region in the front-back direction. Bristle bundles are planted in the right region, the left region, the front region, and the rear region. The first central region is a region where bristle bundles are not planted, or the bristle bundles planted in the first central region are shorter than the bristle bundles planted in the right region, the left region, the front region, and the rear region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrush.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a toothbrush has been proposed as in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the operability is not sufficiently considered.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush with good operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The toothbrush according to the present invention includes a first handle portion, a head portion provided at the tip of the first handle portion, and a group of tufts having a plurality of tufts implanted on the tuft-implanted surface of the head portion. The tuft-implanted surface includes a right region, a left region, a front region, a rear region, and a first central region. The front region is located on the tip side farther from the first handle portion than the rear region. The first central region is located between the right region and the left region in the left-right direction and between the front region and the rear region in the front-rear direction. The tufts are implanted in the right region, the left region, the front region, and the rear region. The first central region is a region where hair bundles are not implanted, or the hair bundles implanted in the first central region are shorter than the hair bundles implanted in the right region, the left region, the front region, and the rear region.

[0007] Compared to a configuration where the first central area is a bristle area similar to that of a regular toothbrush, by pressing either the bristle bundle in the right area or the bristle bundle in the left area against the gum line, the multiple bristles constituting the bristle bundle are arranged in a nearly parallel line in the front-to-back direction, making it possible to easily penetrate the periodontal pocket. Either the tuft of hair from the right region or the tuft of hair from the left region is used to insert into the periodontal pocket in the other region.

[0008] If a short bundle of bristles is provided in the first central region, the toothbrush of the present invention can be constructed by cutting the tips of the bristles in the region corresponding to the first central region from a regular toothbrush to create a short bundle of bristles.

[0009] Preferably, the longitudinal length of the first handle portion is 1.5 times or less the longitudinal length of the head portion. A finger rest is formed on the side of the head portion opposite to the bristle-flocked surface.

[0010] By placing your fingers on the finger rests and pressing down on the pressure surface, you can hold the toothbrush without gripping the first handle and insert the desired area of ​​the bristle bundle into the desired periodontal pocket. Furthermore, since the length of the first handle in the x-direction is set to be 1.5 times or less the length of the head in the x-direction, the first handle is less likely to get in the way when your fingers are placed on the finger rest.

[0011] Preferably, the longitudinal length of the first handle portion is 1.5 times or less the longitudinal length of the head portion. A grip is provided on the side of a portion of the first handle portion.

[0012] This allows the user to grip the grip located in an area close to the head. Therefore, compared to a configuration that grasps the base of an area away from the head, it is easier to insert the desired area of ​​the bristle bundle into the desired periodontal pocket.

[0013] Preferably, a recess for pressing is provided on the surface of the head portion opposite to the bristle surface.

[0014] By pressing the user's fingers against the recessed area, either the bristle bundle on the right or the bristle bundle on the left can be pressed against the gum line, arranging the multiple bristles that make up the bundle in a nearly parallel, almost straight line in the front-to-back direction, making it even easier to insert into the periodontal pocket.

[0015] More preferably, the recess is provided with a member having a higher coefficient of friction than the area adjacent to the recess on the surface of the head opposite to the flocked surface, and / or a non-slip step is formed.

[0016] This makes it easier to prevent your finger from slipping when pressing it into the recess.

[0017] Preferably, the first central region is composed of a hole that penetrates vertically.

[0018] These holes make it easier to wash away toothpaste and other residues that have accumulated in the bristles.

[0019] Preferably, inclined surfaces are formed in the right region and the left region so that the hair bundles in the right region and the hair bundles in the left region spread out.

[0020] Compared to a configuration where the right and left regions are formed on a plane, this configuration allows one of the hair bundles from the right region or the left region to be pressed against the gum line, arranging the multiple hairs constituting the bundle in a roughly parallel, almost straight line in the front-to-back direction, making it even easier to insert them into the periodontal pocket.

[0021] Preferably, the right region is implanted with the hair bundles arranged in a 3x1 grid in the front-to-back direction. In the left region, the tufts of hair are planted in three rows and one column arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0022] When cleaning the periodontal pockets on the buccal and lingual side facial regions, either the tufts of hair in the right region or the left region are used. Therefore, compared with a form where only either the equivalent of the tufts of hair in the right region or the equivalent of the tufts of hair in the left region are provided, it is possible to prevent the tufts of hair from being consumed or deformed in a short period.

[0023] Also, preferably, the hair-planting surface includes a second central region. The second central region is located in the front-rear direction between the front region and the right region, between the front region and the first central region, and between the front region and the left region. The second central region is an area where the tufts of hair are not planted, or the tufts of hair planted in the second central region are shorter than the tufts of hair planted in the right region, the left region, the front region, and the rear region. In front of the front region, the tufts of hair arranged in one row and two columns in the left-right direction are planted. Behind the front region, the tufts of hair arranged in one row and two columns in the left-right direction are planted. The left-right interval between the two tufts of hair planted in front of the front region is narrower than the left-right interval between the two tufts of hair planted behind the front region.

[0024] With the four tufts of hair planted in the front region, it is possible to easily clean the periodontal pockets at the distal parts of the last molars on the buccal and lingual sides respectively. Also, it is possible to easily insert and clean the tufts of hair in front of the front region into the furcation of the maxillary molars.

[0025] Also, by making the second central region a non-hair-planting region or having short tufts of hair, the tufts of hair planted in the right region and the left region are less likely to interfere with the teeth, and the tufts of hair planted in the front region can be arranged at the rearmost part of the last molar.

[0026] Preferably, the hair bundles arranged in a 1x2 grid in the left-right direction are implanted on the front side of the rear region. One of the aforementioned hair bundles is implanted on the rear side of the rear region. The hair bundles at the rear of the aforementioned rear region are positioned to protrude further rearward than the other hair bundles. The rear hair bundle of the rear region is positioned between the two front hair bundles of the rear region when viewed from the front-to-back direction.

[0027] The central bristle bundle in the posterior region can be easily inserted into the root bifurcation of the mandibular molars for cleaning. The bristle bundle on the right side of the posterior region can be used to clean the buccal-lingual periodontal pockets of all teeth. The bristle bundle on the left side of the posterior region can be used to clean the buccal-lingual periodontal pockets of all teeth.

[0028] Preferably, the toothbrush further comprises a second handle portion including a vibration generating device. The first handle portion is detachably attached to the second handle portion as a neck portion. The first handle portion, the second handle portion, the head portion, and the bristle bundle group constitute an electric toothbrush. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] As described above, the present invention provides a toothbrush with good operability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the toothbrush in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view from above of the area of ​​the head portion of the toothbrush according to the first embodiment, before the bristle bundles are implanted. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view from above of the area containing the head and bristle bundles in the toothbrush of the first embodiment. [Figure 4]This is a front view of the toothbrush according to the first embodiment, showing the area containing the head and bristle bundles from the front. [Figure 5] This is a side view from the left side of the area containing the head and bristle bundles in the toothbrush of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view from below of the area of ​​the head portion of the toothbrush according to the first embodiment, after the bristle bundles have been implanted. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view from above of the area containing the head and bristle bundles in the toothbrush of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the toothbrush of the third embodiment, showing the area containing the head and bristle bundles as seen from the front. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view from above of the area containing the head and bristle bundles in the toothbrush of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the toothbrush in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of a toothbrush in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the toothbrush in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the toothbrush in the eighth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the figures. The embodiments are not limited to those described below. Furthermore, the content described in one embodiment generally applies to other embodiments as well. Also, each embodiment and each variation can be combined as appropriate.

[0032] To explain the directions, we will define the direction in which the axis of the first handle portion 10 extends as the x-direction (first direction), one of the directions perpendicular to the x-direction as the y-direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the x-direction and the y-direction as the z-direction. In Figures 1 to 5, and in Figure 6 of the second embodiment described later, the directions indicated by the x, y, and z axis arrows are defined as forward, left, and upward, respectively. In Figure 4 and Figure 8 of the third embodiment described later, the hair follicle 23 and recess 22a of the rear region 21d, which are located in front of the viewer, are shown by dotted lines, although they are not actually visible from the front in the x direction. In Figure 5, although not actually visible from the left side in the y-direction, the hair follicle pores 23 in the front region 21c, left region 21b, and rear region 21d, and the recess 22a are shown by dotted lines. In Figures 2, 3, 7, and 9, dotted lines indicate the divisions of each region that make up the hair implantation surface 21.

[0033] (Toothbrush 1) The toothbrush 1 in the first embodiment comprises a first handle portion 10, a head portion 20, and a group of bristles 30 (see Figure 1).

[0034] (First handle portion 10) The first handle portion 10 has a base portion 11 and a connecting portion 12. The base 11 is the part that the user grips and is composed of a rod shape. The connecting portion 12 connects the base portion 11 and the head portion 20. The connecting portion 12 is made up of a rod shape that is thinner than the base portion 11.

[0035] (Head section 20) The head portion 20 is provided at the front end of the first handle portion 10 in the x-direction. One surface of the head portion 20 (the upper surface in the z direction) is the hair implantation surface 21, and multiple hair bundles 31 constituting the hair bundle group 30 are implanted there (see Figure 2).

[0036] The bristled surface 21 of the first embodiment is composed of a plane perpendicular to the z-direction. The grafted area 21 includes the right region (first grafted area) 21a, the left region (second grafted area) 21b, the anterior region (third grafted area) 21c, the posterior region (fourth grafted area) 21d, the first central region (first non-grafted area) 21e, and the second central region (second non-grafted area) 21f.

[0037] The right region 21a is located to the right in the y-direction. The left region 21b is located to the left in the y-direction. The front region 21c is located further from the first handle portion 10 towards the tip side (forward in the x-direction) than the rear region 21d.

[0038] In the right region 21a, left region 21b, anterior region 21c, and posterior region 21d, hair implantation pores 23 are formed into which hair bundles 31 of the hair bundle group 30 are implanted. In the right region 21a, three rows and one column of hair implantation pores 23 are formed, arranged in the x direction. In the left region 21b, three rows and one column of hair implantation pores 23 are formed, arranged in the x direction.

[0039] On the front side of the front region 21c in the x-direction, a 1x2 arrangement of hair implantation pores 23 is formed in the y-direction, and on the rear side of the front region 21c in the x-direction, a 1x2 arrangement of hair implantation pores 23 is formed in the y-direction. The distance in the y direction between the two hair follicle pores 23 on the x-front side of the anterior region 21c is narrower than the distance in the y direction between the two hair follicle pores 23 on the x-rear side of the anterior region 21c. Therefore, the four hair implantation holes 23 in the front region 21c are arranged such that, when viewed from the z direction, the hair implantation holes 23 are formed only at the vertices of a roughly isosceles trapezoid.

[0040] On the front side of the rear region 21d in the x direction, one row and two columns of hair implantation holes 23 are formed, arranged in the y direction, and on the rear side of the rear region 21d in the x direction, one hair implantation hole 23 is formed. The rhomboid pores 23 on the posterior side in the x-direction of the posterior region 21d are positioned to protrude further posteriorly in the x-direction than the other rhomboid pores 23. The posterior hair follicle 23 on the posterior side in the x-direction of the posterior region 21d is positioned between the two posterior hair follicle 23 on the anterior side in the x-direction of the posterior region 21d, as viewed from the x-direction. Therefore, the three hair implantation holes 23 in the rear region 21d are arranged such that, when viewed from the z direction, the hair implantation holes 23 are formed only at the vertices of a roughly triangular shape. However, the three graft pores in the posterior region 21d may be arranged in a single row in the y direction.

[0041] The hair implantation holes 23 on the y-right side of the rear x-direction of the front region 21c, the three hair implantation holes 23 of the right region 21a, and the hair implantation holes 23 on the y-right side of the front x-direction of the rear region 21d are arranged in a single row in the x-direction. The hair implantation holes 23 on the y-left side of the rear x-direction side of the front region 21c, the three hair implantation holes 23 in the left region 21b, and the hair implantation holes 23 on the y-left side of the front x-direction side of the rear region 21d are arranged in a single row in the x-direction.

[0042] The first central region 23e is located between the right region 21a and the left region 21b in the y-direction, and between the front region 21c and the rear region 21d in the x-direction. The x-direction dimension (depth) of the first central region 23e is greater than the diameter of the hair follicle. The y-direction dimension (width) of the first central region 23e is greater than the diameter of the hair implantation hole 23. Around the first central region 23e, the graft pores 23 of the right region 21a, left region 21b, anterior region 21c, and posterior region 21d are arranged in a roughly elliptical shape.

[0043] The second central region 23f is located in the x-direction between the front region 21c and the right region 21a, between the front region 21c and the first central region 23e, and between the front region 21c and the left region 21b. The x-direction dimension (depth) of the second central region 23f is greater than the diameter of the hair follicle 23.

[0044] Hair follicles 31 are implanted into the hair follicles 23 of the right region 21a, left region 21b, anterior region 21c, and posterior region 21d (see Figure 3). Hair follicles 31 are not implanted in the first central region 23e and the second central region 23f.

[0045] The surface of the head portion 20 opposite to the bristle surface 21 (the lower surface in the z direction) is the pressing surface 22, and a recess 22a is formed therein for the user to press with their finger (see Figures 4 to 6). It is desirable that the recess 22a be provided with a material having a higher coefficient of friction than the area adjacent to the recess 22a on the pressing surface 22, and / or that a non-slip step be formed. Figure 6 shows an example in which a non-slip step extending in the y-direction is formed in the recess 22 of the pressing surface 22.

[0046] (Configuration of the first handle section 10 and the head section 20) The base 11, connecting portion 12, and head portion 20 of the first handle portion 10 are integrally constructed from synthetic resin or the like. However, the base 11 and head 20 of the first handle portion 10 may be constructed separately, for example, if part or all of the connecting portion 12 is made of rubber or the like.

[0047] (Hair bundle group 30) The hair bundle group 30 has multiple hair bundles 31 (see Figure 3). Each of the multiple hair bundles 31 is composed of a collection of multiple hairs. The hair bundles 31 are implanted into each of the multiple hair follicles 23 formed on the hair implantation surface 21.

[0048] The three hair bundles 31 implanted in the right region 21a are defined as the right region hair bundle group 30a. The three hair bundles 31 implanted in the left region 21b are defined as the left region hair bundle group 30b. The two hair bundles 31 implanted in the anterior region 21c are defined as the anterior region hair bundle group 30c. The three hair follicles 31 implanted in the posterior region 21d are defined as the posterior region hair follicle group 30d.

[0049] In the right region 21a, hair bundles 31 arranged in a 3x1 grid in the x direction are implanted as the right region hair bundle group 30a. In the left region 21b, hair bundles 31 arranged in a 3x1 grid in the x direction are implanted as the left region hair bundle group 30b.

[0050] On the anterior side of the anterior region 21c in the x-direction, hair bundles 31 arranged in a 1x2 grid in the y-direction are implanted as part of the anterior region hair bundle group 30c. On the posterior side of the anterior region 21c in the x-direction, hair bundles 31 arranged in a 1x2 grid in the y-direction are implanted as the remainder of the anterior region hair bundle group 30c. The distance in the y direction between two hair bundles 31 implanted on the anterior side of the anterior region 21c in the x direction is narrower than the distance in the y direction between two hair bundles 31 implanted on the posterior side of the anterior region 21c in the x direction.

[0051] On the anterior side in the x-direction of the posterior region 21d, hair bundles 31 arranged in a 1x2 grid in the y-direction are implanted as part of the posterior region hair bundle group 30d. One hair bundle 31 is implanted on the posterior side in the x-direction of the posterior region 21d, as the remainder of the posterior region hair bundle group 30d. The hair bundle 31 on the rear side in the x-direction of the rear region 21d is positioned to protrude further to the rear in the x-direction than the other hair bundles 31. The hair bundle 31 on the rear side in the x-direction of the rear region 21d is positioned between the two hair bundles 31 on the front side in the x-direction of the rear region 21d, as viewed from the x-direction. The hair bundles 31 of the right region 21a, left region 21b, front region 21c, and rear region 21d are arranged in a roughly elliptical shape surrounding the first central region 23e when viewed from the z direction.

[0052] (The effect of designating the right region 21a and the left region 21b as a single hair transplantation area, and the first central region 21e located between the right region 21a and the left region 21b as a non-hair transplantation area.) Compared to a configuration where the first central region 21e is a bristle-planting area similar to that of a normal toothbrush, by pressing either the right region bristle bundle 30a or the left region bristle bundle 30b against the gum line, the multiple bristles constituting the bristle bundle 31 are arranged in a nearly parallel line in the x-direction, making it possible to easily penetrate the periodontal pocket. Either the right region hair bundle 30a or the left region hair bundle 30b is used to insert into the periodontal pockets in other regions. For example, when cleaning the periodontal pocket of a tooth on the lower right buccal side, the right-region bristle bundle 30a is pressed against the gum line between the tooth and the lower right buccal side, so that the multiple bristles constituting the bristle bundle are arranged in approximately a single line in the x-direction. Furthermore, when cleaning the periodontal pocket of the tooth on the lower left buccal side, press the left region bristle bundle 30b against the gum line of the tooth on the lower left buccal side, so that the multiple bristles constituting the bristle bundle are arranged in approximately a single line in the x direction.

[0053] (The effect of providing a right-region hair bundle group 30a and a left-region hair bundle group 30b, each in a single row.) When cleaning the periodontal pockets on the buccal and lingual sides, either the right-region bristle group 30a or the left-region bristle group 30b is used. Compared to a configuration where only one of the two is provided, this prevents the bristle group 30 from wearing out or deforming in a short period of time.

[0054] (The effect of locating the hair follicles 23 only at the vertices of the approximately isosceles trapezoid in the front region 21c) The four bristle bundles 31 implanted in the anterior region 21c make it easy to clean the periodontal pockets of the distal portion of the last molars on both the buccal and lingual sides. Furthermore, the bristle bundle 31 on the anterior side of the anterior region 21c in the x-direction can be easily inserted into the root bifurcation of the maxillary molar for cleaning.

[0055] (Effects of designating the second central region 21f as a non-hair transplant area) The bristle bundles 31 implanted in the right region 21a and left region 21b are less likely to interfere with the teeth, and the bristle bundles 31 implanted in the anterior region 21c can be positioned at the posterior end of the posterior molar.

[0056] (Example of application where the second central region 21f is omitted) However, the second central region 21f may be omitted, and the front region 21c and the right region 21a may be adjacent, and the front region 21c and the left region 21b may be adjacent.

[0057] (Effect of providing the posterior region hair bundle group 30d) The bristle bundle 31 in the y-direction center of the posterior region bristle bundle group 30d can be easily inserted into the root bifurcation of the mandibular molar for cleaning. The bristle bundle 31 on the right side in the y-direction of the posterior region bristle bundle group 30d can be used for cleaning the buccal-lingual periodontal pockets of all teeth. The bristle bundle 31 on the left side in the y-direction of the posterior region bristle bundle group 30d can be used for cleaning the buccal-lingual periodontal pockets of all teeth.

[0058] (Effects of providing recess 22a) By pressing the user's finger against the recess 22a, either the right-region bristle bundle 30a or the left-region bristle bundle 30b can be pressed against the gum line, making it easier to insert the bristle bundle 31 into the periodontal pocket by arranging the multiple bristles that make up the bristle bundle 31 in a nearly parallel line in the x-direction.

[0059] (The effect of providing a member with a high coefficient of friction in the recess 22a, and / or forming an anti-slip step.) This makes it easier to prevent the finger pressing against the recess 22a from slipping.

[0060] (Second embodiment, application example 1 of the first central region 21e) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the first central region 21e is not provided with hair implantation holes 23, is composed of a plane perpendicular to the z direction, and is a non-hair implantation region. However, the entire first central region 21e may be composed of holes penetrating in the z direction (see Figure 7). Figure 7 shows a state in which a roughly rectangular through-hole is provided throughout almost the entire area of ​​the first central region 21e.

[0061] (Effect of the first central region 21e being composed of holes penetrating in the z direction) This allows for easier washing away of toothpaste and other substances accumulated near the bristle implantation holes 23 of the bristle bundle 31.

[0062] (Third embodiment, application example of the flocked surface 21) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the flocked surface 21 is composed of a plane perpendicular to the z-direction. However, a portion of the bristled surface 21 may be composed of an inclined surface (see Figure 8). In the third embodiment, inclined surfaces are formed in the right region 21a and the left region 21b such that, when viewed from the x-direction, the upper ends of the right region hair bundle group 30a and the upper ends of the left region hair bundle group 30b are separated in the y-direction, that is, the hair bundles 31 of the right region 21a and the hair bundles 31 of the left region 21b spread out.

[0063] (Effects of providing inclined surfaces in the right region 21a and the left region 21b) Compared to a configuration in which the right region 21a and the left region 21b are formed by a plane perpendicular to the z-direction, it is possible to press either the right region hair bundle 30a or the left region hair bundle 30b against the boundary between the tooth and the gum, thereby arranging the multiple hairs constituting the hair bundle 31 in a nearly straight line parallel to the x-direction, making it even easier to insert them into the periodontal pocket.

[0064] The inclined surface formed in the right region 21a may extend to the region where the hair bundle 31 on the right side in the y-direction of the rear region 21d is implanted. The inclined surface formed in the left region 21b may extend to the region where the hair bundle 31 on the left side in the y-direction of the rear region 21d is implanted. In this case, the hair bundle 31 in the y-direction center of the posterior region hair bundle group 30d can be easily inserted into the root bifurcation of the mandibular molar for cleaning.

[0065] (Fourth embodiment, application example 2 of the first central region 21e) In the first to third embodiments, examples were described in which the first central region 21e and the second central region 21f were not provided with hair implantation holes 23, and were instead designated as non-hair implantation regions. However, a hair bundle 32 shorter than the other hair bundles 31 may be provided in at least one of the first central region 21e and the second central region 21f (see Figure 9).

[0066] (Effects of providing short hair bundles 32 in the first central region 21e and the second central region 21f) In this case, a toothbrush 1 such as the first embodiment can be constructed by cutting the tips of the bristle bundles 31 in the areas corresponding to the first central region 21e and the second central region 21f from a regular toothbrush to create shorter bristle bundles 32.

[0067] (Examples of applications of the first handle portion 10 in the fifth to seventh embodiments) In the first to fourth embodiments, examples were described in which the length of the first handle portion 10 in the x-direction is 1.5 times or longer than the length of the head portion 20 in the x-direction, similar to a normal toothbrush. However, the length of the first handle portion 10 in the x-direction may be 1.5 times or less the length of the head portion 20 in the x-direction (see Figures 10 to 12). In this case, a ring-shaped finger rest 24 is formed on the pressing surface 22 for inserting a finger such as a thumb. The finger rest 24 may be composed of a closed ring of approximately O-shape (see Figure 10, fifth embodiment) or an open ring of approximately C-shape (see Figure 11, sixth embodiment).

[0068] (Effects of providing the finger rest 24) By placing your fingers on the finger rest 24 and pressing down on the pressing surface 22, you can hold the toothbrush 1 without gripping the first handle 10, and insert the desired area of ​​the bristle bundle 30 into the desired periodontal pocket. Furthermore, since the length of the first handle portion 10 in the x-direction is set to be 1.5 times or less the length of the head portion 20 in the x-direction, the first handle portion 10 is less likely to get in the way when fingers are placed on the finger rest portion 24.

[0069] Furthermore, a grip 13, which is a separate component from the first handle portion 10, may be attached to the side of a portion of the short first handle portion 10, in place of, or in addition to, the finger rest portion 24 of the pressing surface 22 (see Figure 12, seventh embodiment).

[0070] (Effects of providing a grip 13 on the short first handle section 10) This makes it possible to grip the grip 13 located in an area close to the head portion 20. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the base 11 in a region away from the head portion 20 is grasped, it is possible to easily insert the desired region of the bristle bundle 30 into the desired periodontal pocket.

[0071] (Examples of application to electric toothbrushes) Furthermore, the first handle portion 10 (in particular the short first handle portion 10 shown in the fifth to seventh embodiments) may function as a neck portion, and the end of the first handle portion 10 opposite to the head portion 20 may be detachably attached to the second handle portion 40 which includes a vibration generating device (see Figure 13, eighth embodiment). The vibration generating device of the second handle section 40 generates either normal vibrations, sonic vibrations, or ultrasonic vibrations. In this case, the first handle portion 10, the head portion 20, the bristle bundle 30, and the second handle portion 40 constitute an electric toothbrush.

[0072] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1. Toothbrush 10. First handle section 11 Base 12 Connecting part 13 Grips 20 Head section 30 hair bundles 31 strands of hair 21 Hair transplant surface 21a Right area (first hair transplant area) 21b Left region (second hair transplant area) 21c Anterior region (third hair transplant area) 21d Post-transplant area (4th hair transplant area) 21e First central region (first non-hair transplant region) 21f Second central region (second non-hair transplant region) 22 Pressing surface 22a Recess 23 Hair transplant hole 24 Finger rest 30 hair bundles 30a Right area hair bundle group 30b Left area hair bundle group 30c Anterior region hair bundle group 30d Posterior area hair bundle group 31 strands of hair 32 short strands of hair 40 Second handle section

Claims

1. First handle section, The head portion provided at the tip of the first handle portion, The head portion comprises a group of hair bundles having multiple hair bundles implanted on the hair-planted surface, The aforementioned hair implantation surface includes a right region, a left region, an anterior region, a posterior region, and a first central region. The aforementioned front region is located further from the first handle portion towards the tip than the aforementioned rear region. The first central region is located between the right region and the left region in the left-right direction, and between the front region and the rear region in the front-back direction. The hair bundles are implanted in the right region, the left region, the front region, and the rear region. A toothbrush in which the first central region is a region in which no bristles are implanted, or in which the bristles implanted in the first central region are shorter than the bristles implanted in the right region, the left region, the front region, and the rear region.

2. The longitudinal length of the first handle portion is 1.5 times or less the longitudinal length of the head portion. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein a finger rest is formed on the surface of the head portion opposite to the bristle-planted surface.

3. The longitudinal length of the first handle portion is 1.5 times or less the longitudinal length of the head portion. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein a grip is provided on the side surface of a portion of the first handle portion.

4. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein a recess for pressing is provided on the surface of the head portion opposite to the bristle-planted surface.

5. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein the recess is provided with a member having a higher coefficient of friction than the area adjacent to the recess on the surface of the head opposite to the bristle surface, and / or a non-slip step is formed.

6. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the first central region is composed of holes that penetrate in the vertical direction.

7. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein inclined surfaces are formed in the right region and the left region such that the bristle bundles in the right region and the bristle bundles in the left region spread out.

8. In the aforementioned right region, the hair bundles arranged in three rows and one column in the front-to-back direction are implanted. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the left region is implanted with the three rows and one column of bristles arranged in the front-to-back direction.

9. The aforementioned hair-planted surface includes a second central region, The second central region is located in the front-to-back direction between the front region and the right region, between the front region and the first central region, and between the front region and the left region. The second central region is a region where hair bundles are not implanted, or the hair bundles implanted in the second central region are shorter than the hair bundles implanted in the right region, the left region, the front region, and the rear region. On the front side of the aforementioned front region, the hair bundles arranged in a 1x2 grid in the left-right direction are implanted. On the rear side of the aforementioned front region, the hair bundles arranged in a 1x2 grid in the left-right direction are implanted. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the lateral spacing between the two bristle bundles planted on the front side of the front region is narrower than the lateral spacing between the two bristle bundles planted on the rear side of the front region.

10. On the front side of the aforementioned rear region, the hair bundles are implanted in a 1x2 arrangement in the left-right direction. One of the aforementioned hair bundles is implanted on the rear side of the aforementioned rear region. The hair bundle at the rear of the aforementioned rear region is positioned to protrude further rearward than the other hair bundles. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the rear bristle bundle of the rear region is positioned between the two bristle bundles of the front region when viewed from the front-to-back direction.

11. It further includes a second handle section which includes a vibration generating device, The first handle portion is detachably attached to the second handle portion. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the first handle portion, the second handle portion, the head portion, and the bristle bundle group constitute an electric toothbrush.

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