Oral treatment device

Abstract

An oral treatment device for use in treating an oral cavity of a user is described. The oral treatment device comprises: a head portion having a front side that extends in a first direction from a heel end of the head portion to a toe end of the head portion, and in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, from a first lateral side of the head portion to a second lateral side of the head portion; and cleaning elements projecting from the front side of the head portion. The cleaning elements comprise central bristle tufts extending from a central region of the front side, first lateral cleaning elements extending from a first side region of the front side, and second lateral cleaning elements extending from a second side region of the front side. The device has a length parallel to the first direction and a width orthogonal to the length, and each of the first and second lateral cleaning elements projects further than most or each of the central bristle tufts from a plane defined by the length and the width.

Description

[0001] ORAL TREATMENT DEVICE

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Oral treatment devices, such as toothbrushes, for use in treating oral cavities of users are known. Some oral treatment devices have a support comprising a head portion, and cleaning elements, such as tufts of bristles, projecting from a front side of the head portion. Some oral treatment devices have a handle integrally formed with the support. Others are configured to be removably attachable to a handle, for instance so that the handle is usable with several different oral treatment devices.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides an oral treatment device for use in treating an oral cavity of a user, the oral treatment device comprising: a head portion having a front side that extends in a first direction from a heel end of the head portion to a toe end of the head portion, and in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, from a first lateral side of the head portion to a second lateral side of the head portion; and cleaning elements projecting from the front side of the head portion, wherein the cleaning elements comprise: a collection of central bristle tufts extending from a central region of the front side of the head portion, each of the bristle tufts being spaced apart from each other of the bristle tufts by respective gaps, and the bristle tufts having respective ends distal from the front side that collectively define a convex topography, a first collection of first lateral cleaning elements extending from a first side region of the front side of the head portion, the first side region extending from the first lateral side to the central region, and a second collection of second lateral cleaning elements extending from a second side region of the front side of the head portion, the second side region extending from the second lateral side to the central region; wherein the oral treatment device has a length parallel to the first direction and a width orthogonal to the length, and wherein each of the first lateral cleaning elements and each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects further than most or each of the central bristle tufts from a plane defined by the length and the width. The first and second lateral cleaning elements projecting further than most or each of the central bristle tufts from the plane may help to improve the efficacy of the oral treatment device as compared to an oral treatment device in which central bristle tufts project equally as far from a plane as lateral cleaning elements of the oral treatment device. This is because, when the oral treatment device is held against the user’s teeth in an orientation in which the length of the oral treatment device is generally aligned with one of the user’s gum lines, the central bristle tufts may rest on and brush facial surfaces of the teeth while one of the first and second collections of lateral cleaning elements reach further into, and more effectively clean, the gum line. Equally, when the oral treatment device is held against the user’s teeth in an orientation in which the width of the oral treatment device is generally aligned with one of the user’s gum lines, the central bristle tufts may rest on and brush facial surfaces of the teeth while the lateral cleaning elements reach further into, and more effectively clean, spaces between the teeth (known as interdental spaces or interproximal areas). Moreover, it has been found that the further-projecting lateral cleaning elements may act as guidance elements that help users to tactilely identify the position and orientation of the oral treatment device relative to their gums.

[0006] The first and second lateral cleaning elements projecting further than most or each of the central bristle tufts from the plane may also provide the first and second lateral cleaning elements with a greater range of motion than the central bristle tufts, which may increase the extent to which first and second lateral cleaning elements can sweep oral surfaces. The first and second lateral cleaning elements projecting further than most or each of the central bristle tufts from the plane may also help, in use, to retain dentifrice on the cleaning elements, and more specifically on the distal ends of the central bristle tufts.

[0007] Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects further from the plane than a respective one of the central bristle tufts that is nearest to the respective lateral cleaning element.

[0008] The convex topography of the central bristle tufts may provide a central pivot point which the user can rest on their teeth while rocking the oral treatment device about the pivot point. This may increase the ability of the lateral cleaning elements to reach into gum lines and / or interdental spaces.

[0009] Optionally, the convex topography of the central bristle tufts is convex when viewed longitudinally from one of the heel and toe ends. This may enable the oral treatment device to be pivoted about a longitudinal axis when the pivot point is resting on their teeth, to increase the reach of the lateral cleaning elements.

[0010] Optionally, the convex topography of the central bristle tufts is convex when viewed laterally from one of the first and second lateral edges. This may enable the oral treatment device to be pivoted about a lateral axis when the pivot point is resting on their teeth.

[0011] Optionally, the convex topography is a domed topography. Optionally, the convex topography is non-undulating.

[0012] Optionally, a centre of the convex topography is defined by a central one of the central bristle tufts. Optionally, the first and second lateral cleaning elements project further from the plane than all of the central bristle tufts other than the central one of the central bristle tufts. The central one of the central bristle tufts may therefore act as a relatively small, defined central pivot point which the user can rest on their teeth while rocking the oral treatment device about the central pivot point.

[0013] Optionally, the front side of the head portion is flat. Optionally, the front side of the head portion is parallel to the plane. Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and / or each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects further, such as at least 1mm further, than most or each of the central bristle tufts from the front side of the head portion. Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and / or each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects further, such as at least 1mm further, from the front side of the head portion than a respective one of the central bristle tufts that is nearest to the respective lateral cleaning element. Optionally, the first lateral cleaning elements are first lateral bristle tufts and / or the second lateral cleaning elements are second lateral bristle tufts.

[0014] Optionally, the first lateral cleaning elements are three in number. Optionally, the second lateral cleaning elements are three in number.

[0015] Optionally, the central bristle tufts are nine in number.

[0016] Optionally, each of the central bristle tufts comprises or consists of filaments of a first filament width, each of the first lateral bristle tufts and / or each of the second lateral bristle tufts comprises or consists of filaments of a second filament width, and the second filament width is different from the first filament width. This may provide the first lateral bristle tufts and / or the second lateral bristle tufts with one or more different properties to the central bristle tufts, such as different flexibility and different abilities to reach into narrow spaces.

[0017] Optionally, the first filament width is a diameter. Optionally, the second filament width is a diameter.

[0018] Optionally, the second filament width is less than the first filament width. This may enable the first lateral bristle tufts and / or the second lateral bristle tufts to be more flexible, and thus more effective at cleaning gum lines and interdental spaces.

[0019] Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and / or each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects at least 10% further from the plane than most or each of the central bristle tufts.

[0020] Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and / or each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects at least 10% further from the plane than a respective one of the central bristle tufts that is nearest to the respective lateral cleaning element. Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and / or each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects at least 10% further than most or each of the central bristle tufts from the front side of the head portion.

[0021] Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and / or each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects at least 10% further from the front side of the head portion than a respective one of the central bristle tufts that is nearest to the respective lateral cleaning element.

[0022] Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and / or each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects more than 8mm and less than 10mm from the front side of the head portion.

[0023] Optionally, each of the central bristle tufts projects between 8mm and 9.5mm from the front side of the head portion.

[0024] Optionally, the cleaning elements comprise a cleaning feature that is a closest one of the cleaning elements to the toe end of the head, and the cleaning feature projects further from the plane than each of the central bristle tufts.

[0025] The cleaning feature projecting further from the plane than each of the central bristle tufts may provide the cleaning feature with greater reach and / or a greater range of motion or swept width. Thus, when the oral treatment device is used to clean the lingual surfaces of the user’s teeth, the cleaning feature may be more effective at following and sweeping the lingual gum line than if the cleaning feature were to project to the same degree as the central bristle tufts. When the oral treatment device is used to clean the facial surface of the user’s teeth, the cleaning feature may be better able to reach into interdental spaces than if the cleaning feature were to project to the same degree as the central bristle tufts.

[0026] The central bristle tufts projecting to a lesser degree than the cleaning feature and the lateral cleaning elements may allow the cleaning feature and / or the lateral cleaning elements to have more freedom of movement. They also provide a recess in which dentifrice is better retained on the cleaning elements than if the cleaning elements all projected to the same extent from the plane.

[0027] Optionally, the cleaning feature projects further from the plane than each of the first lateral cleaning elements and / or each of the second lateral cleaning elements. Optionally, the cleaning feature projects further, such as at least 1mm further, from the front side of the head portion than each of the first lateral cleaning elements and / or each of the second lateral cleaning elements.

[0028] Optionally, the cleaning feature projects further from the plane than each of the other cleaning elements. The cleaning feature may thus be usable to clean small holes and spaces on and between teeth without being impeded by the other cleaning elements.

[0029] Optionally, the cleaning feature projects further, such as at least 1mm further, from the front side of the head portion than each of the other cleaning elements.

[0030] Optionally, the cleaning feature projects between 9mm and 12mm from the front side of the head portion, such as between 10mm and 11mm.

[0031] Optionally, the cleaning feature is a bristle tuft. This may improve an ability of the cleaning feature to be used for sweeping surfaces, and an ability of the cleaning feature to reach into tight spaces.

[0032] Optionally, each of the cleaning elements projects between 7mm and 12mm from the front side of the head portion, such as between 8mm and 11mm.

[0033] Optionally, the cleaning feature lies in a second plane that is orthogonal to the width of the oral treatment device. Optionally, the cleaning feature lies in a central longitudinal plane of the oral treatment device. This may improve the ability of the cleaning feature to clean the oral cavity when the oral treatment device is moved back and forth in a direction parallel to the first direction. Optionally, the cleaning elements comprise one or more heel-end cleaning elements that are the closest of the cleaning elements to the heel end of the head, and the cleaning feature projects further from the plane than the heel-end cleaning element or each of the heel-end cleaning elements.

[0034] Optionally, the cleaning feature projects further, such as at least 1mm further, from the front side of the head portion than the heel-end cleaning element or each of the heel-end cleaning elements.

[0035] Optionally, the heel-end cleaning element or each of the heel-end cleaning elements projects more than 8mm and less than 10mm from the front side of the head portion.

[0036] Optionally, the heel-end cleaning elements comprise one of the central bristle tufts, one of the first lateral cleaning elements, and one of the second lateral cleaning elements.

[0037] Optionally, the heel-end cleaning elements are three in number.

[0038] Optionally, each of the cleaning elements is a bristle tuft comprising one or more middle filaments and a plurality of perimetric filaments surrounding the one or more middle filaments, and the middle filament or each of middle filaments projects further from the plane than each of the perimetric filaments. This may provide each of the bristle tufts with a natural tendency to buckle relatively promptly when pressed against tooth surfaces, which may provide the bristle tufts with an improved sweeping or scraping action for a given pressing force compared to comparative bristle tufts with flat ends that are orthogonal to their lengths. Such comparative bristle tufts may need to be pressed against tooth surfaces with a greater force in order to buckle.

[0039] Optionally, the middle filament or each of the middle filaments projects further from the front side of the head portion than each of the perimetric filaments. Optionally, the middle filament, or each of middle filaments, and the perimetric filaments collectively define a convex topography. Optionally, the cleaning elements comprise a cleaning feature that is a closest of the cleaning elements to the toe end of the head, the cleaning feature having a root closest to the front side of the head and a tip furthest from the front side of the head, the cleaning feature projects from the front side of the head in a direction that is at a first angle of 45 degrees to 85 degrees to the plane, and the cleaning feature is oriented relative to the head so that the tip of the cleaning feature is further from the heel end of the head than the root of the cleaning feature. This may provide the oral treatment device with a greater overall effective brushing area for a given size of head portion, which may therefore increase the efficacy of the oral treatment device while keeping it sufficiently compact to be easily manipulated within the user’s oral cavity. It can also improve a reach of the cleaning feature.

[0040] Optionally, the first angle is between 70 and 80 degrees to the plane, such as about 75 degrees to the plane. A first angle within this specific range may provide a cleaning feature that materially increases the overall effective brushing area of the oral treatment device while retaining effective performance at cleaning surfaces and reaching into interdental spaces when the cleaning elements are pressed against the surfaces in a direction orthogonal to the plane. An angle of 75 degrees has been found to be excellent in this regard.

[0041] Optionally, the cleaning feature has any or all of the optional features of the cleaning feature discussed above.

[0042] Optionally, the cleaning elements are, together, symmetrical about a central longitudinal plane of the oral treatment device. Optionally, the oral treatment device is symmetrical about the central longitudinal plane of the oral treatment device.

[0043] Optionally, the oral treatment device is configured to be removably attachable to a handle.

[0044] Optionally, the oral treatment device is a brush head or a toothbrush. A second aspect of the present invention provides an oral treatment system, comprising: the oral treatment device according to the first aspect, wherein the oral treatment device is configured to be removably attachable to a handle; and the handle.

[0045] Optionally, the oral treatment system is a toothbrush, such as an electrically powered toothbrush.

[0046] A third aspect of the present invention provides an oral treatment device for use in treating an oral cavity of a user, the oral treatment device comprising: a head portion having a front side that extends in a first direction from a heel end of the head portion to a toe end of the head portion; and cleaning elements projecting from the front side of the head portion, wherein the cleaning elements comprise a cleaning feature that is a closest of the cleaning elements to the toe end of the head portion, the cleaning feature having a root closest to the front side of the head portion and a tip furthest from the front side of the head portion; wherein the oral treatment device has a length parallel to the first direction and a width orthogonal to the length, wherein the cleaning feature projects from the front side of the head portion in a direction that is at a first angle of between 45 degrees and 85 degrees to a plane defined by the length and the width, and wherein the cleaning feature is oriented relative to the head portion so that the tip of the cleaning feature is further from the heel end of the head portion than the root of the cleaning feature.

[0047] The projecting of the cleaning feature at the first angle to the plane may provide the oral treatment device with a greater overall effective brushing area for a given size of head portion, which may therefore improve the efficacy of the oral treatment device while keeping it sufficiently compact to be easily manipulated within the user’s oral cavity. It can also improve a reach of the cleaning feature.

[0048] Optionally, the front side of the head portion is flat. Optionally, the front side of the head portion is parallel to the plane.

[0049] Optionally, the first angle is between 70 and 80 degrees to the plane. A first angle within this specific range may provide a cleaning feature that materially increases the overall effective brushing area of the oral treatment device while retaining effective performance at cleaning surfaces and reaching into interdental spaces when the cleaning elements are pressed against the surfaces in a direction orthogonal to the plane.

[0050] Optionally, the first angle is about 75 degrees to the plane. This angle has been found to be excellent at providing a cleaning feature that materially increases the overall effective brushing area of the oral treatment device while retaining the effective cleaning performance discussed above.

[0051] Optionally, the cleaning feature lies in a second plane that is orthogonal to the width of the oral treatment device. Optionally, the cleaning feature lies in a central longitudinal plane of the oral treatment device. This may improve an ability of the cleaning feature to clean the oral cavity when the oral treatment device is moved back and forth in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0052] Optionally, the cleaning elements comprise a toe-end central bristle tuft that lies in the central longitudinal plane of the oral treatment device and is immediately adjacent to the cleaning feature, and the toe-end central bristle tuft projects from the front side of the head portion in a direction that is at a second angle of between 80 degrees and 85 degrees to the plane and is oriented relative to the head portion so that a tip of the toe-end central bristle tuft is further from the heel end of the head portion than a root of the toe-end central bristle tuft. This may further increase the ability of a toe end region of the oral treatment device to be used to sweep gum lines, in particular. Optionally, the second angle is about 82.5 degrees to the plane.

[0053] Optionally, the cleaning elements comprise: a collection of central bristle tufts extending from a central region of the front side of the head portion, a first collection of first lateral cleaning elements extending from a first side region of the front side of the head portion, the first side region extending from the first lateral side to the central region, a second collection of second lateral cleaning elements extending from a second side region of the front side of the head portion, the second side region extending from the second lateral side to the central region; and the cleaning feature. Optionally, each of the central bristle tufts is spaced apart from each other of the central bristle tufts by respective gaps, and the central bristle tufts have respective ends distal from the front side that collectively define a convex topography. The convex topography of the central bristle tufts may provide a central pivot point which the user can rest on their teeth while rocking the oral treatment device about the pivot point. This may increase the ability of the lateral cleaning elements to reach into gum lines and / or interdental spaces.

[0054] Optionally, the convex topography of the central bristle tufts is convex when viewed longitudinally from one of the heel and toe ends. This may enable the oral treatment device to be pivoted about a longitudinal axis when the pivot point is resting on their teeth, to increase the reach of the lateral cleaning elements.

[0055] Optionally, the convex topography of the central bristle tufts is convex when viewed laterally from one of the first and second lateral edges. This may enable the oral treatment device to be pivoted about a lateral axis when the pivot point is resting on their teeth.

[0056] Optionally, the convex topography is a domed topography. Optionally, the convex topography is non-undulating.

[0057] Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects further than most or each of the central bristle tufts from the plane. This may help to improve the efficacy of the oral treatment device as compared to an oral treatment device in which central bristle tufts project equally as far from a plane as lateral cleaning elements of the oral treatment device. This is because, when the oral treatment device is held against the user’s teeth in an orientation in which the length of the oral treatment device is generally aligned with one of the user’s gum lines, the central bristle tufts may rest on and brush facial surfaces of the teeth while one of the first and second collections of lateral cleaning elements reach further into, and more effectively clean, the gum line. Equally, when the oral treatment device is held against the user’s teeth in an orientation in which the width of the oral treatment device is generally aligned with one of the user’s gum lines, the central bristle tufts may rest on and brush the facial surfaces of the teeth while the lateral cleaning elements reach further into, and more effectively clean, spaces between the teeth (known as interdental spaces or interproximal areas). Moreover, it has been found that the further-projecting lateral cleaning elements may act as guidance elements that help users to tactilely identify the position and orientation of the oral treatment device relative to their gums.

[0058] The first and second lateral cleaning elements projecting further than most or each of the central bristle tufts from the plane may also provide the first and second lateral cleaning elements with a greater range of motion than the central bristle tufts, which may increase the extent to which first and second lateral cleaning elements can sweep oral surfaces. The first and second lateral cleaning elements projecting further than most or each of the central bristle tufts from the plane may also help, in use, to retain dentifrice on the cleaning elements, and more specifically on the distal ends of the central bristle tufts.

[0059] Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects further from the plane than a respective one of the central bristle tufts that is nearest to the respective lateral cleaning element.

[0060] Optionally, a centre of the convex topography is defined by a central one of the central bristle tufts. Optionally, the first and second lateral cleaning elements project further from the plane than all of the central bristle tufts other than the central one of the central bristle tufts. The central one of the central bristle tufts may therefore act as a relatively small, defined central pivot point which the user can rest on their teeth while rocking the oral treatment device about the central pivot point.

[0061] Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects further, such as at least 1mm further, from the front side of the head portion than most or each of the central bristle tufts.

[0062] Optionally, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects further, such as at least 1mm further, from the front side of the head portion than a respective one of the central bristle tufts that is nearest to the respective lateral cleaning element.

[0063] Optionally, the first collection comprises a first toe end bristle tuft that is a closest of the first lateral cleaning elements to the toe end of the head portion, the second collection comprises a second toe end bristle tuft that is a closest of the second lateral cleaning elements to the toe end of the head portion, and each of the first toe end bristle tuft and the second toe end bristle tuft projects from the front side of the head portion in a direction that is at a third angle of between 45 degrees and 85 degrees to the plane and is oriented relative to the head portion so that a tip of the respective toe end bristle tuft is further from the heel end of the head portion than a root of the respective toe end bristle tuft. This may further increase the ability of a toe end region of the oral treatment device to be used to sweep gum lines, in particular. Optionally, the third angle is between 70 and 80 degrees to the plane, such as about 75 degrees to the plane.

[0064] Optionally, the cleaning feature is elongate in a cleaning feature length direction, and the tip of the cleaning feature defines a topography that is at a fourth angle of between 30 degrees and 50 degrees to the cleaning feature length direction and is oriented relative to the head portion so that a portion of the tip that is furthest from the heel end of the head portion is also the portion of the tip that is furthest from the plane. This may provide the cleaning feature with improved reachability. Optionally, the fourth angle is about 40 degrees.

[0065] Optionally, the tip of the cleaning feature tapers to a point or an edge. This may improve a ploughing action that the cleaning feature is able to perform.

[0066] Optionally, the topography defined by the tip of the cleaning feature is at a fifth angle of between 25 degrees and 45 degrees to the plane. Optionally, the fifth angle is about 35 degrees to the plane.

[0067] Optionally, the cleaning elements comprise one or more heel-end cleaning elements that are the closest of the cleaning elements to the heel end of the head, and the cleaning feature projects further from the plane than the heel-end cleaning element or each of the heel-end cleaning elements.

[0068] Optionally, the cleaning feature projects further, such as at least 1mm further, from the front side of the head portion than the heel-end cleaning element or each of the heel-end cleaning elements.

[0069] Optionally, the heel-end cleaning element or each of the heel-end cleaning elements projects more than 8mm and less than 10mm from the front side of the head portion.

[0070] Optionally, the oral treatment device comprises the collection of central bristle tufts, the first collection of first lateral cleaning elements, and the second collection of second lateral cleaning elements discussed above, and the heel-end cleaning elements comprise one of the central bristle tufts, one of the first lateral cleaning elements, and one of the second lateral cleaning elements.

[0071] Optionally, the heel-end cleaning elements are three in number.

[0072] Optionally, the cleaning feature projects further from the plane than each of the other cleaning elements. The cleaning feature may thus be usable to clean small holes and spaces on and between teeth without being impeded by the other cleaning elements.

[0073] Optionally, the cleaning feature projects further, such as at least 1mm further, from the front side of the head portion than each of the other cleaning elements.

[0074] Optionally, the cleaning feature projects between 9mm and 12mm from the front side of the head portion, such as between 10mm and 11mm.

[0075] Optionally, the cleaning feature is a bristle tuft. This may improve an ability of the cleaning feature to be used for sweeping surfaces, and an ability of the cleaning feature to reach into tight spaces. Optionally, each of the cleaning elements projects between 7mm and 12mm from the front side of the head portion, such as between 8mm and 11mm.

[0076] Optionally, each of the cleaning elements is a bristle tuft comprising one or more middle filaments and a plurality of perimetric filaments surrounding the one or more middle filaments, and the middle filament or each of middle filaments projects further from the plane than each of the perimetric filaments. This may provide each of the bristle tufts with a natural tendency to buckle relatively promptly when pressed against tooth surfaces, which may provide the bristle tufts with an improved sweeping or scraping action for a given pressing force compared to comparative bristle tufts with flat ends that are orthogonal to their lengths. Such comparative bristle tufts may need to be pressed against tooth surfaces with a greater force in order to buckle.

[0077] Optionally, the middle filament or each of the middle filaments projects further from the front side of the head portion than each of the perimetric filaments. Optionally, the middle filament, or each of middle filaments, and the perimetric filaments collectively define a convex topography.

[0078] Optionally, the cleaning elements are, together, symmetrical about a central longitudinal plane of the oral treatment device. Optionally, the oral treatment device is symmetrical about the central longitudinal plane of the oral treatment device.

[0079] Optionally, the oral treatment device is configured to be removably attachable to a handle.

[0080] Optionally, the oral treatment device is a brush head or a toothbrush.

[0081] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides an oral treatment system, comprising: the oral treatment device according to the third aspect, wherein the oral treatment device is configured to be removably attachable to a handle; and the handle.

[0082] Optionally, the oral treatment system is a toothbrush, such as an electrically powered toothbrush. Optional features of aspects of the present invention may be equally applied to other aspects of the present invention, where appropriate.

[0083] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electrically powered toothbrush with a brush head of the electrically powered toothbrush removably attached to a handle of the electrically powered toothbrush.

[0085] Figure 2 shows a partial perspective exploded view of the toothbrush of Figure 1, in which the brush head has been detached from the handle.

[0086] Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the brush head of the toothbrush of Figure 1.

[0087] Figure 4 shows a front view of the brush head of the toothbrush of Figure 1.

[0088] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of bristle tufts of the brush head of Figure 4, with the cross-section being in a plane defined by a length and a width of the brush head.

[0089] Figure 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the brush head and spigot of the toothbrush of Figure 1, with the cross-section being on a central longitudinal plane orthogonal to the width of the brush head.

[0090] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] The Figures show an oral treatment system 1 in the form of an electrically powered toothbrush. The toothbrush 1 comprises a handle 10 and an oral treatment device 20, in the form of a brush head, that is shaped and sized to be attachable to, and thereafter detachable from, the handle 10. The brush head 20 is for use in brushing an oral cavity of a user of the toothbrush 1. The brush head 20 is replaceable by, or interchangeable with, another brush head (not shown), so that the handle 10 may be used with several brush heads 20 successively.

[0092] The brush head 20 comprises an elongate support 30 having a head portion 40 and a neck portion 50. The support 30 has a length SL and a width SW perpendicular to the length SL. The head portion 40 has a heel end 41 that is proximal to the neck portion 50, an opposite toe end 42 that is distal from the neck portion 50 and that defines a first end 21 of the brush head 20, and first and second lateral sides 43, 44 that connect the heel and toe ends 41, 42. The neck portion 50 extends from the heel end 41 of the head portion 40 in a longitudinal direction of the support 30 and is narrower than the head portion 40 in a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction over a majority of a length of the neck portion 50. The neck portion 50 has a first end 51 that is proximal to the head portion 40 and an opposite second end 52 that is distal from the head portion 40 and flared. The flared second end 52 of the neck portion 50 defines a second end 22 of the brush head 20 opposite to the first end 21 of the brush head 20, and also defines a first interface 23 by which the brush head 20 engages with the handle 10. The first interface 23 comprises a cavity 23 for receipt of a second interface 13 of the handle 10.

[0093] The handle 10 is an elongate structure comprising a grip portion 110 and a spigot 120. The grip portion 110 has a first end 111 that is proximal to the spigot 120 and an opposite second end 112 that is distal from the spigot 120 and that defines a first end 11 of the handle 10. The spigot 120 extends from the first end 111 of the grip portion 110 in a longitudinal direction of the handle 10 and is narrower than the grip portion 110 in a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the handle 10. The spigot 120 has a first end 121 that is proximal to the grip portion 110 and an opposite second end 122 that is distal from the grip portion 110. The second end 122 of the spigot 120 defines a second end 12 of the handle 10 opposite to the first end 11 of the handle 10, and the spigot 120 is the second interface 13 for engaging with the first interface 23 of the brush head 20. More specifically, the spigot 120 is insertable into the cavity of the first interface 23 of the brush head 20, to engage the spigot 120 with the brush head 20 and thereby releasably connect the brush head 20 to the handle 10. Turning back to the brush head 20, the support 30 comprises a first component 31 and a second component 32 that have been manufactured separately and then fixed together, as described below. A first portion of the first component 31 is a head plate 311 having a flat front side 310 that forms a flat front side 410 of the head portion 40. The head plate 311 is made of ABS and does not extend into, or define any part of, the neck portion 50 of the support 30. The second component 32 is a main structure on which the head plate 311 is mounted and which defines the neck portion 50 of the support 30 and a rear side 412 of the head portion 40, opposite from the front side 410. The second component 32 is also made from ABS. The front side 410 of the head portion 40 extends in a first direction from the heel end 41 to the toe end 42 of the head portion 40, and in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, from the first lateral side 43 to the second lateral side 44 of the head portion 40. The first and second directions are respectively parallel to the length SL and the width SW of the support 30.

[0094] The brush head 20 has cleaning elements 60, in the form of bristle tufts, that project from the front side 410 of the head portion 40. The front side 410 may therefore be considered a bristle bearing surface, and the head plate 311 may be considered a bristle bed. The area of the front side 410 occupied by the bristle tufts 60 and the spaces between the bristle tufts 60 is sometimes known as the bristled area. The rear side 412 of the head portion 40 is devoid of any cleaning elements. Each of the bristle tufts 60 comprises a bundle of filaments that are held together and held in position in the brush head 20 by way of an anchor-free tufting (AFT) technique. More specifically, the bristle bed has plural holes 314 extending therethrough from the front side 310 of the bristle bed 311 to an opposite rear side 312 of the bristle bed 31. Each of the holes 314 corresponds to one of the bristle tufts 60. Each of the bristle tufts 60 is a first portion of a bundle of filaments that protrudes through one of the holes 314. Respective second portions of each of the bundles are fused together into a block 61 at the rear side 312 of the bristle bed 31, so as to prevent the bundles from being pulled through the holes 314. The associated method of manufacture of these features is described below.

[0095] The bristle tufts 60 comprise a collection of nine central bristle tufts 602, a first collection of three first lateral bristle tufts 604, a second collection of three second lateral bristle tufts 606, and a toe-end bristle tuft 608. All of the bristle tufts 60 are flexible so as to be able to bend during use and each of the bristle tufts has a length in the range of from 8mm to 11mm, as measured from the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31. All the filaments that make up all the bristle tufts 60 have circular cross-sectional shapes and are made from Nylon. Each of the bristle tufts 60 has relatively long middle filament(s) and relatively short perimetric filaments surrounding the middle filament(s). Therefore, none of the bristle tufts 60 have a flat end that is parallel to the front side 410 of the head portion 40 or parallel to a plane P defined by the length SL and the width SW of the support 30, the plane P being parallel to the flat front side 410 of the head portion 40.

[0096] The toe-end bristle tuft 608 lies in the central longitudinal plane CLP of the brush head 20, is a closest one of all the bristle tufts 60 to the toe end 42 of the head portion 40 and extends from a dedicated one of the holes 314 through the bristle bed 31. The toe-end bristle tuft 608 has a root 608a closest to the front side 310 of the bristle bed 311 and a tip 608b furthest from the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31. The toe-end bristle tuft 608 extends at an angle of approximately fifteen degrees from orthogonal to the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31 (or a first angle a of approximately 75 degrees to the plane P), so that a tip of the toe-end bristle tuft 608 is further from the heel end 41 of the head portion 40 than a root of the toe-end bristle tuft 608. At a length of between 10mm and 11mm from the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31, the filaments of the toe-end bristle tuft 608 are the longest of all the bristle tufts 60 of the brush head 20. That is, the toe-end bristle tuft 608 projects at least 1mm further than any of the other bristle tufts 60 from the plane P defined by the length SL and the width SW of the support 30. More specifically, the toe-end bristle tuft 608 projects from the plane P and from the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31 about 1mm further than any one of the first and second lateral bristle tufts 604, 606 and a central one 602a of the nine central bristle tufts 602, and between about 1mm and 3mm further than any others of the nine central bristle tufts 602.

[0097] The nine central bristle tufts 602 are each circular in cross section and extend from respective spaced-apart holes in a central region 411 of the front side 410 of the head portion 40, so that the nine central bristle tufts 602 are spaced apart from each other by respective gaps. Each of the central bristle tufts 602 projects between about 8mm and about 9.5mm from the front side 410 of the head portion 40. The central one 602a of the nine central bristle tufts 602 lies in a central longitudinal plane CLP of the brush head 20, is longer (as measured from the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31) than the other eight of the nine central bristle tufts 602 that surround it, and the nine central bristle tufts 602 have respective ends distal from the bristle bed 311 that collectively define a convex or domeshaped topography. More specifically, the central one 602a of the nine central bristle tufts 602 projects about 9.3mm from the front side 410 of the head portion 40, while each of the other eight of the nine central bristle tufts 602 projects about 8mm to 9.1mm from the front side 410 of the head portion 40. The convex topography of the central bristle tufts 602 is convex when viewed laterally from one of the first and second lateral sides 43, 44 and when viewed longitudinally from one of the heel and toe ends 41, 42 and is non-undulating when viewed in either of these directions. In other words, the central one 602a of the nine central bristle tufts 602 projects further than the other eight of the nine central bristle tufts 602 from the plane P. A toe-end central bristle tuft 602b lies in the central longitudinal plane CLP of the brush head 20 and is a closest one of nine central bristle tufts 602 to the toe-end bristle tuft 608. The toe-end central bristle tuft 602b extends from its hole in the front side 410 of the head portion 40 at an angle of approximately 7.5 degrees from orthogonal to the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31 (or a second angle P of approximately 82.5 degrees to the plane P), so that a tip of the toe-end central bristle tuft 602b is further from the heel end 41 of the head portion 40 than a root of the toe-end central bristle tuft 602b. The other eight of the nine central bristle tufts 602 extend orthogonally from their respective holes in the front side 410 of the head portion 40, so as to be orthogonal to the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31.

[0098] The three lateral bristle tufts 604 of the first collection extend from respective spaced-apart holes in a first side region 412 of the front side 410 of the head portion 40 so as to be spaced apart from each other by respective gaps, and the three lateral bristle tufts 606 of the second collection extend from respective spaced-apart holes in a second side region 413 of the front side 410 of the head portion 40 so as to be spaced apart from each other by respective gaps. The first side region 412 extends from the first lateral side 43 of the head portion 40 to the central region 411 of the front side 410 of the head portion 40. The three lateral bristle tufts 604 of the first collection are arranged in series along a first curved path that runs from a heel end of the first side region 412 to a toe end of the first side region 412, the heel end and the toe end being ends of the first side region 412 closest to the heel and toe ends 41, 42, respectively, of the head portion 40. Similarly, the second side region 413 extends from the second lateral side 44 of the head portion 40 to the central region 411. The three lateral bristle tufts 606 of the second collection are arranged in series along a second curved path that runs from a heel end of the second side region 413 to a toe end of the second side region 413, the heel end and the toe end being ends of the second side region 413 closest to the heel and toe ends 41, 42, respectively, of the head portion 40. A diameter of each of the filaments that make up the lateral bristle tufts 604, 606 is less than a diameter of each of the filaments that make up the central bristle tufts 602.

[0099] In each of the first and second collections, the two bristle tufts 604, 606 closest to the heel end 41 of the head portion 40 extend orthogonally from their respective holes through the bristle bed 311 so as to be orthogonal to the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31. In contrast, in each of the first and second collections, the bristle tuft 604, 606 closest to the toe end 42 of the head portion 40 extends at an angle of approximately fifteen degrees from orthogonal to the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31 (or a third angle of approximately 75 degrees to the plane P), so that a tip of the bristle tuft 604, 606 closest to the toe end 42 of the head portion 40 is further from the heel end 41 of the head portion 40 than a root of the bristle tuft 604, 606. These third angles are not indicated in the Figures, but they are parallel to and equal to the first angle a shown in Figure 6. In other words, the toe end bristle tuft 608 and the bristle tuft 604, 606 closest to the toe end 42 in each of the first and second collections are all at the same angle to the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31 and are all at the same angle to the plane P.

[0100] Each of the bristle tufts 604, 606 of the first and second collections is longer (as measured from the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31) than each of the nine central bristle tufts 602 other than the central one 602a of the nine central bristle tufts 602. In other words, each of the bristle tufts 604, 606 of the first and second collections projects further (about 10% further), from the plane P defined by the length SL and the width SW of the support 30, than the eight central bristle tufts 602 that surround the central one 602a of the nine central bristle tufts 602 and are the nearest of the central bristle tufts 602 to the bristle tufts 604, 606 of the first and second collections. More specifically, each of the bristle tufts 604, 606 of the first and second collections projects between 8.5mm and 9.8mm from the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31 or from the front side 410 of the head portion 40.

[0101] Turning back to the brush head 20, one 602c of the nine central bristle tufts 602 and one 604c, 606c of each of the first and second collections of lateral bristle tufts 604, 606 are the closest three of all the bristle tufts 60 to the heel end 41 of the head portion 40. For brevity, these three bristle tufts 602c, 604c, 606c will be referred to as the heel-end bristle tufts. The three heel-end bristle tufts 602c, 604c, 606c are arranged along a path that connects the two lateral sides 43, 44 of the head portion 40. The one 602c of the nine central bristle tufts 602 lies in the central longitudinal plane CLP of the brush head 20 and is aligned with a longitudinal axis LA of the head portion 40, and the other two 604c, 606c of the heel-end bristle tufts are laterally offset from the one 602c of the nine central bristle tufts 602 on respective sides of the one 602c of the nine central bristle tufts 602. Each of the heel-end bristle tufts projects between 8.6mm and 9.5mm from the front side 410 of the head portion 40, which is less than the toe-end cleaning tuft 608.

[0102] The toe-end bristle tuft 608 is elongate in a cleaning feature length direction and tapers to a point. A tip of the toe-end bristle tuft 608 has or defines a topography that is at a fourth angle 6 of about 40 degrees to the cleaning feature length direction (and a fifth angle a of about 35 degrees to the plane P) and is oriented relative to the head portion 40 so that a portion of the tip that is furthest from the heel end 41 of the head portion 40 is also the portion of the tip that is furthest from the plane P. This portion of the tip is the furthest portion of any of the bristle tufts 60 from the heel end 41 and from the front side 410 of the head portion 40.

[0103] Manufacture of the brush head 20 will now be briefly described.

[0104] The first and second components 31, 32 are manufactured separately from ABS by respective injection moulding processes. The moulding of the first component 31 results in the formation of the holes 314 through the head plate or bristle bed 311. The moulding of the second component 32 results in the formation of the neck portion 50 of the support 30 and the rear side 412 of the head portion 40.

[0105] Filaments are gathered to form respective bundles, and then the bundles are located in the holes 314 in the bristle bed 311 so that a first portion of each of the bundles protrudes from the front side 310 of the bristle bed 311 and a second portion of each of the bundles protrudes from the rear side 312 of the bristle bed 31. The second portions of the bundles are then heated so that the filaments melt and fuse together. The bundles are then allowed to cool to form the solid block 61 against the rear side 312 of the bristle bed 311. The first portions of the bundles therefore project from the front side 310 of the bristle bed 311 to form the bristle tufts 60, and the block 61 prevents the bristle tufts 60 from being pulled through the holes 314 in the bristle bed 311. This AFT technique will be readily known to the skilled reader, so no further details will be provided, in the interest of brevity. In some cases, the first portions of the bundles may be trimmed after this process, to give the bristle tufts 60 their final intended lengths.

[0106] The first and second components 31, 32 are then joined by ultrasonic welding to form the completed brush head 20.

[0107] During use of the toothbrush 1, the brush head 20 is attached to the handle 10 by way of the user inserting the spigot 120 of the handle 10 into the cavity 23 of the brush head 20. The user then applies dentifrice to the bristle tufts 60 and brushes their teeth and gums with the bristle tufts 60 and dentifrice. The first lateral bristle tufts 604, second lateral bristle tufts 606, and toe-end bristle tuft 608 reach beyond the central bristle tufts 602 to retain the dentifrice.

[0108] When the user oscillates the toothbrush 1 in the length direction of the brush head 20 while holding the bristle tufts 60 against the facial surfaces of their teeth with the length of the brush head 20 generally aligned with their gum lines, the central bristle tufts 602 may rest on and rock, about longitudinal and / or lateral axes, on the facial surfaces. The central bristle tufts 602 may also brush the facial surfaces while the first lateral bristle tufts 604 and the second lateral bristle tufts 606 reach beyond the central bristle tufts 602 into in the gum lines, to clean the gum lines well.

[0109] When the user rotates the toothbrush 1 to an orientation in which the length of the brush head 20 is generally orthogonal to their gum lines and then oscillates the toothbrush 1 in the length direction of the brush head 20 while holding the bristle tufts 60 against the facial surfaces, the central bristle tufts 602 may rock on and brush the facial surfaces while the first and second lateral bristle tufts 604, 606 reach beyond the central bristle tufts 602 into interdental spaces, to clean out the interdental spaces. That the first and second lateral bristle tufts 604, 606 have filaments of a smaller diameter than the filaments of the central bristle tufts 602 helps the first and second lateral bristle tufts 604, 606 fit into and flex within the interdental spaces, while ensuring that the central bristle tufts 602 are robust enough to provide a platform against which the facial surfaces rest.

[0110] When the user uses the brush head 20 to clean lingual surfaces of their teeth, the brush head 20 is orientated with the length of the brush head 20 generally orthogonal to their gum lines. When the user subsequently oscillates the toothbrush 1 in the length direction of the brush head 20 while holding the bristle tufts 60 against the lingual surfaces in this orientation, the central bristle tufts 602 may rock on and brush the lingual surfaces while the first lateral bristle tufts 604 and the second lateral bristle tufts 606 reach beyond the central bristle tufts 602 into the interdental spaces and the toe-end bristle tuft 608 sweeps and cleans the lingual gum lines.

[0111] The user can also use the length of the toe-end bristle tuft 608 to their advantage to reach into and clean out tight spaces between and around their teeth.

[0112] Moreover, the toe-end bristle tuft 608 extending at the angle of approximately fifteen degrees from orthogonal to the front side 310 of the bristle bed 31 increases the effective brushing area of the brush head 20, or an overall footprint of the bristle tufts 60, which can increase the efficacy of the toothbrush 1 for a given size of brush head 20. As each of the bristle tufts 60 of the brush head 20 have relatively long middle filament(s) and relatively short perimetric filaments surrounding the middle filament(s), the bristle tufts have a natural tendency to buckle relatively promptly when pressed against tooth surfaces, which can improve their sweeping or scraping ability for a given pressing force compared to comparative bristle tufts with flat ends that are orthogonal to their lengths. The tapered end to the toe-end bristle tuft 608 increases its scraping or ploughing ability.

[0113] Whilst particular examples have been described, it should be understood that these are illustrative examples only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, in some other examples, the oral treatment device, such as a toothbrush, comprises a handle, such as a handle that is integrally formed with the support. In some examples, the oral treatment device has one or more cleaning elements, in the form of bristle tufts, projecting from the front side of the support, which are retained in place by a mechanism other than the AFT technique, such as in-mould tufting (IMT) or the pressure-temperature-time (PTt) technique, which will be readily known to the skilled reader. In some examples, the oral treatment device has one or more cleaning elements, in the form of bristle tufts, projecting from the front side of the support, wherein the arrangement and / or lengths of the bristle tufts are different to those shown in the attached Figures. In some examples, the oral treatment device has one or more cleaning elements, such as bristle tufts, projecting from the front side of the support, wherein the angles at which the cleaning elements project from the front side are different to those shown in the attached Figures. In some examples, each of the first lateral cleaning elements and each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects further than each of the central bristle tufts from the plane defined by the length and the width of the support. In some examples, the support of the oral treatment device has a neck portion that extends from a head portion of the support in a first direction and is not narrower than (e.g., is of equal width to) the head portion in a lateral direction orthogonal to a first direction.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An oral treatment device for use in treating an oral cavity of a user, the oral treatment device comprising: a head portion having a front side that extends in a first direction from a heel end of the head portion to a toe end of the head portion, and in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, from a first lateral side of the head portion to a second lateral side of the head portion; and cleaning elements projecting from the front side of the head portion, wherein the cleaning elements comprise: a collection of central bristle tufts extending from a central region of the front side of the head portion, each of the bristle tufts being spaced apart from each other of the bristle tufts by respective gaps, and the bristle tufts having respective ends distal from the front side that collectively define a convex topography, a first collection of first lateral cleaning elements extending from a first side region of the front side of the head portion, the first side region extending from the first lateral side to the central region, and a second collection of second lateral cleaning elements extending from a second side region of the front side of the head portion, the second side region extending from the second lateral side to the central region; wherein the oral treatment device has a length parallel to the first direction and a width orthogonal to the length, and wherein each of the first lateral cleaning elements and each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects further than most or each of the central bristle tufts from a plane defined by the length and the width.

2. The oral treatment device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first lateral cleaning elements and each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects further from the plane than a respective one of the central bristle tufts that is nearest to the respective lateral cleaning element.

3. The oral treatment device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first lateral cleaning elements are first lateral bristle tufts and / or the second lateral cleaning elements are second lateral bristle tufts.

4. The oral treatment device according to claim 3, wherein each of the central bristle tufts comprises or consists of filaments of a first filament width, wherein each of the first lateral bristle tufts and / or each of the second lateral bristle tufts comprises or consists of filaments of a second filament width, and wherein the second filament width is different from the first filament width.

5. The oral treatment device according to claim 4, wherein the second filament width is less than the first filament width.

6. The oral treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first lateral cleaning elements and / or each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects at least 10% further from the plane than most or each of the central bristle tufts.

7. The oral treatment device according to claim 6, wherein each of the first lateral cleaning elements and / or each of the second lateral cleaning elements projects at least 10% further from the plane than a respective one of the central bristle tufts that is nearest to the respective lateral cleaning element.

8. The oral treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning elements comprise a cleaning feature that is a closest one of the cleaning elements to the toe end of the head, and wherein the cleaning feature projects further from the plane than each of the central bristle tufts.

9. The oral treatment device according to claim 8, wherein the cleaning elements comprise one or more heel-end cleaning elements that are the closest of the cleaning elements to the heel end of the head, and wherein the cleaning feature projects further from the plane than the heel-end cleaning element or each of the heel-end cleaning elements.

10. The oral treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the cleaning elements is a bristle tuft comprising one or more middle filaments and a plurality of perimetric filaments surrounding the one or more middle filaments, and wherein the middle filament or each of middle filaments projects further from the plane than each of the perimetric filaments.

11. The oral treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning elements comprise a cleaning feature that is a closest of the cleaning elements to the toe end of the head, the cleaning feature having a root closest to the front side of the head and a tip furthest from the front side of the head; and wherein the cleaning feature projects from the front side of the head in a direction that is at a first angle of 45 degrees to 85 degrees to the plane, and wherein the cleaning feature is oriented relative to the head so that the tip of the cleaning feature is further from the heel end of the head than the root of the cleaning feature.

12. The oral treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oral treatment device is configured to be removably attachable to a handle.

13. An oral treatment system, comprising: the oral treatment device according to claim 12; and the handle.

14. An oral treatment device for use in treating an oral cavity of a user, the oral treatment device comprising: a head portion having a front side that extends in a first direction from a heel end of the head portion to a toe end of the head portion; and cleaning elements projecting from the front side of the head portion, wherein the cleaning elements comprise a cleaning feature that is a closest of the cleaning elements to the toe end of the head portion, the cleaning feature having a root closest to the front side of the head portion and a tip furthest from the front side of the head portion;wherein the oral treatment device has a length parallel to the first direction and a width orthogonal to the length, wherein the cleaning feature projects from the front side of the head portion in a direction that is at a first angle of between 45 degrees and 85 degrees to a plane defined by the length and the width, and wherein the cleaning feature is oriented relative to the head portion so that the tip of the cleaning feature is further from the heel end of the head portion than the root of the cleaning feature.

15. The oral treatment device according to claim 14, wherein the cleaning feature lies in a second plane that is orthogonal to the width of the oral treatment device.

16. The oral treatment device according to claim 15, wherein the cleaning feature lies in a central longitudinal plane of the oral treatment device.

17. The oral treatment device according to claim 16, wherein the cleaning elements comprise a toe-end central bristle tuft that lies in the central longitudinal plane of the oral treatment device and is immediately adjacent to the cleaning feature, and wherein the toeend central bristle tuft projects from the front side of the head portion in a direction that is at a second angle of between 80 degrees and 85 degrees to the plane and is oriented relative to the head portion so that a tip of the toe-end central bristle tuft is further from the heel end of the head portion than a root of the toe-end central bristle tuft.

18. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the cleaning elements comprise: a collection of central bristle tufts extending from a central region of the front side of the head portion, a first collection of first lateral cleaning elements extending from a first side region of the front side of the head portion, the first side region extending from the first lateral side to the central region, a second collection of second lateral cleaning elements extending from a second side region of the front side of the head portion, the second side region extending from the second lateral side to the central region; and the cleaning feature.

19. The oral treatment device according to claim 18, wherein the first collection comprises a first toe end bristle tuft that is a closest of the first lateral cleaning elements to the toe end of the head portion, wherein the second collection comprises a second toe end bristle tuft that is a closest of the second lateral cleaning elements to the toe end of the head portion, and wherein each of the first toe end bristle tuft and the second toe end bristle tuft projects from the front side of the head portion in a direction that is at a third angle of between 45 degrees and 85 degrees to the plane and is oriented relative to the head portion so that a tip of the respective toe end bristle tuft is further from the heel end of the head portion than a root of the respective toe end bristle tuft.

20. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the cleaning feature is elongate in a cleaning feature length direction, and wherein the tip of the cleaning feature defines a topography that is at a fourth angle of between 30 degrees and 50 degrees to the cleaning feature length direction and is oriented relative to the head portion so that a portion of the tip that is furthest from the heel end of the head portion is also the portion of the tip that is furthest from the plane.

21. The oral treatment device according to claim 20, wherein the topography defined by the tip of the cleaning feature is at a fifth angle of between 25 degrees and 45 degrees to the plane.

22. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the cleaning elements comprise one or more heel-end cleaning elements that are the closest of the cleaning elements to the heel end of the head, and wherein the cleaning feature projects further from the plane than the heel-end cleaning element or each of the heel-end cleaning elements.

23. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the cleaning feature projects further from the plane than each of the other cleaning elements.

24. The oral treatment device according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the oral treatment device is configured to be removably attachable to a handle.

25. An oral treatment system, comprising: the oral treatment device according to claim 24; and the handle.

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