Toothbrush

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toothbrush of the type that has a head configured such that the shape thereof is adapted to the morphology of the dentition of the user for efficient cleaning. The toothbrush comprises at its proximal end corresponding to the handle, opposite the positioning of the main head, a second head with a transverse arrangement of its bristle area. The brush also has a main head with two or more sections covered with bristles of different curvatures, more pronounced in the distal section thereof.

Description

[0001] TOOTHBRUSH

[0002] The present invention relates to a toothbrush with a head configured in a shape adapted to the morphology of a user's teeth for efficient cleaning.

[0003] Background of the invention

[0004] They are well-known and, therefore, part of the state of the art, toothbrushes that have a curved head with a concave shape in the part where the bristles are located to adapt to the shape of the user's teeth.

[0005] These brushes known in the state of the art have several drawbacks, such as the correct brushing of the area or inner surface of the teeth, closest to the tongue, due to their shape not complementing the concave shape of the inside of the mouth.

[0006] There are also various toothbrushes with heads that have ridges on the opposite side of the bristles designed to clean the surface of the tongue. Many of these tongue-cleaning devices located on the front of the head are so large that they can cause discomfort and repulsion when used.

[0007] Similarly, the conventional width of toothbrushes, typically greater than 10 mm, causes difficulties in use associated with ergonomics and the space occupied in the mouth in the different positions used for oral hygiene.

[0008] Also known in the state of the art are toothbrushes with removable auxiliary brushes added to the head area. These auxiliary brushes have a transverse positioning configuration for brushing specific parts of the teeth. These auxiliary brushes, when placed on the head's attachment means, can become dislodged, with the associated inconveniences and dangers. Furthermore, there is the disadvantage of having to assemble and disassemble this auxiliary brush each time the user wants to change the area to be brushed, since with it installed, the head is awkward to use for brushing molars, for example.

[0009] Therefore, a toothbrush with a configuration that improves its functionality and overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art is necessary.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] The objective of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush which solves the aforementioned drawbacks, while presenting other advantages which will be described below.

[0012] In accordance with this objective, and with respect to a first aspect, the present invention is based on a toothbrush, which comprises a toothbrush grip handle at its proximal end and a main head with bristles or other brushing means that is located at a distal end of this toothbrush and, where the main head is configured by a concave geometry, at least along part of its length.

[0013] Advantageously for the present invention, the toothbrush comprises at its proximal end corresponding to the handle, opposite the positioning of the main head at the distal end, a second head comprised at said proximal end with an arrangement of its bristle area or other brushing means, transverse to the longitudinal arrangement of the handle and main head.

[0014] Also advantageously for the invention, the main head comprises two or more sections with different degrees of concavity, with at least one distal section at its end having a curvature greater than a preceding middle section.

[0015] This configuration is also advantageously distinguished by the fact that the middle section of the main head is substantially flat or has a radius such that it forms an arc that describes a concave depth of less than 2 cm between the two ends of the middle section.

[0016] For clarification purposes, brushing means should be understood, in addition to conventional bristles, as any set of filaments, protuberances or similar configured to be attached to the head structure at one end and to come into contact, like a brush, with the teeth and the rest of the parts of the mouth to achieve hygiene.

[0017] Also for clarification, the proximal end of a toothbrush is understood to be the end that is conventionally held by the handle. The distal end is understood to be the end that conventionally contains the main brushing head. The axis between the proximal end and the distal end is considered the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.

[0018] This configuration allows for a toothbrush with a main head incorporating at least one concave end curve, which rotates toward the inside of the mouth when brushing the outside of the teeth laterally. This achieves efficient cleaning of the back of the molars in any position in which the brush is used, whether for internal brushing with a concave tooth configuration or external brushing with a convex tooth configuration, since the curvature of the middle section is low and the radius of curvature of the distal section allows cleaning of the back of the teeth.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the middle section of the main head has a radius such that it forms an arc describing a concave depth of less than 1 cm between the two ends of the middle section. In an even more preferred embodiment, the concave depth described in the middle section is less than 0.5 cm and, optimally according to another preferred embodiment, the concave depth described in the middle section is less than 0.2 cm.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the end portion of the main head has a radius of between 0.5 cm and 5 cm. Preferably, the end portion of the main head has a radius of between 0.5 cm and 1.5 cm.

[0021] According to this configuration, effective cleaning of the posterior part of the denture is achieved by this distal section of the main head, minimizing its impact during brushing of the premolars and / or molars.

[0022] According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the main head has an initial section of curvature greater than the middle section, leaving a head composed of three sections, with an overall concave shape from its initial section.

[0023] Preferably, and as a complementary feature to any of the previous embodiments, the second head comprises, in addition to the transverse brushing area, an area configured for cleaning the tongue. The bristle area can be used for cleaning the tongue, but the area configured for cleaning the tongue, independently of the brushing bristles, allows for two distinct elements specifically adapted for the different uses of the surfaces to be cleaned.

[0024] With regard to the above, and also preferably, the area configured for cleaning the tongue is positioned opposite the bristles or brushing means of said second head. This configuration allows for a second head with a dual function: brushing the inside of the incisors on one side and scraping the tongue on the other.

[0025] Preferably, the tongue is cleaned using means composed of a low-height, flexible, soft scraper-like blade, multiple smaller bristles or scrapers, or similar means that allow the tongue to be cleaned according to its particular constitution, with taste buds in different areas of said tongue.

[0026] In an optional, but preferred, embodiment, the width of the main head is less than 10 mm. This width should be understood as the width of the bristle area transverse to its longitudinal axis. Alternatively, other, wider configurations are possible, although less preferred due to their poorer ergonomics.

[0027] Similarly, the width of the second head is less than 10 mm. The length of the bristle-covered area of ​​said second head is preferably less than 2.5 cm, preferably between 1.2 and 2 cm.

[0028] These configurations allow for an ergonomic configuration of the main and second heads, making access to the different sides of the teeth easier and less uncomfortable for the user, in addition to covering the greatest number of teeth when brushing, as is the case with the second head, which has a length that allows preferentially brushing the set of incisors at a time.

[0029] Optionally, the cleaning bristles of the main head and / or second head are formed by silicone protuberances with a pyramidal longitudinal section geometry, thinner at their free ends than at the base of the attachment to the head structure.

[0030] As a possible embodiment of the invention, in addition to the previous embodiments, the toothbrush comprises a motorized system for moving the bristles or brushing means. This system introduces, in the various advantageous configurations mentioned above, a motorized movement of the bristles, following conventional systems based on electrical power to the motor and movement of the bristle base by transmitting the motor movement through eccentrics and / or kinematic chains configured for said movement of the bristles.

[0031] This motorized system can transmit the generated movement to both the main head and the second head.

[0032] In addition to all of the above, it should be noted that, although the length of the main head of this toothbrush is preferably such that it allows multiple brushing of up to 5 teeth, other lengths are possible.

[0033] Finally, and also preferably, the toothbrush has a flexible structure, at least in the area of ​​the main head, configured to allow the concave curvature to be reversed, at least partially, to a substantially flat configuration. This allows the toothbrush to be used with this concave configuration on the inner (lingual) surfaces of the teeth effectively, avoiding the problems of a rigid concave configuration.

[0034] Brief description of the figures

[0035] For a better understanding of what has been explained, some drawings are attached which, schematically and solely as a non-limiting example, represent a practical case of implementation.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush like that of the invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is a partial view of the detail of the first and second heads of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 3 is a partial detail view of the second head of an alternative embodiment of the main head with three sections covered by brush bristles. Description of a preferred embodiment

[0039] In general, the toothbrush (10) of the present invention has a structure configured as an element that extends along a substantially longitudinal axis, with a proximal end (11) that has a handle configured to be grasped by the user, as well as a distal end (12) that comprises a main head (20) with bristles (20.4) or similar for brushing the desired areas of the mouth.

[0040] In the present preferred embodiment of the invention, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the toothbrush (10) comprises a main head (20) with the inner face, the brushing face, covered by brushing bristles (20.4), where two sections can be distinguished. The distal section (20.3) is closest to the distal end (12) of the toothbrush (10) with a pronounced curvature and always greater, that is, with a smaller radius, than the curvature of the preceding middle section (20.2).

[0041] In the present embodiment, the radius of the middle section describes a concave depth (p) between its two ends of less than 2 mm, in this case 1.1 mm, although in alternative embodiments it can reach 2 cm or, on the contrary, become substantially flat. This configuration allows brushing different parts of the teeth without any loss of brushing efficiency when changing to a more concave part of the teeth.

[0042] This adaptation to brushing the lingual surfaces of the teeth is also achieved with the elasticity of the structure of the main head (20) which can reverse this concavity when pressed when brushing said inner surfaces of the teeth and thus be more effective than if the concavity were maintained.

[0043] The distal section (20.1) is configured with a greater curvature and a smaller radius in order to allow for comfortable and efficient cleaning of the posterior part of the denture, i.e., the third molar in the usual manner. This distal section (20.1) has a radius of approximately 11 mm, although it can be configured with radii of between 0.5 and 5 cm and with an arch length of approximately 85°, in this embodiment, from its preceding middle section (20.2), so as to allow access to said posterior part of the denture, but without creating a hook effect. Other arch lengths are possible, allowing access to the posterior part of the denture.

[0044] In alternative embodiments, as can be seen in Figure 3, there is a main head (20) composed of three sections (20.1, 20.2, 20.3), where in addition to the two sections (20.1, 20.2) of the previous preferred embodiment, there is an initial section (20.3) that has a concave curvature greater than that of the middle section (20.2), forming a head with a global concave configuration.

[0045] The toothbrush (10) of the main embodiment, as well as of the other possible alternative embodiments, comprises a second head (21) for cleaning teeth, with bristles (21.1) or similar brushing means, with a transversal configuration and positioning, that is, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis on which the toothbrush (10) generally extends, facilitating the brushing of the inner face of teeth such as the incisors, in addition to being able to be used on any other part or face of the teeth and / or tongue.

[0046] This second head (21), in the present embodiment and optionally in other alternative embodiments, further comprises an independent tongue cleaning area (22) located on the face opposite the brushing bristles (21.1) of this second head (21). The tongue cleaning area (22) is configured by a sheet of silicone or similar compatible material as a scraper to pass over the tongue and its taste buds. Other configurations of cleaning means may be possible, such as multiple sheets, bristles or filaments, etc.

[0047] Likewise, the bristles of both the main head (20) and the second head (21) can be made of filaments or other configurations, such as those formed by silicone protuberances with a pyramidal longitudinal section geometry, with less thickness at their free ends than at the base of the connection to the head structure.

[0048] The size of the main head (20) is 42 mm long in its middle section (20.2) and 9 mm wide, allowing cleaning of multiple teeth at once.

[0049] The size of the second main head (21) is 16 mm long and 4.5 mm wide, allowing more comfortable internal access to the incisors.

[0050] Other different measurements, proportions, and configurations may be provided in accordance with the limits indicated in the claims or in their proportional adaptations for use by children. In alternative but compatible embodiments and in a manner complementary to its characteristics, the toothbrush may have an electric motor drive, not shown in the figures, which allows movement of the main head or the bristles or similar brushing systems, thanks to systems widely known in the state of the art, having a push-button element that allows the connection and disconnection of this motorized bristle movement system, as well as means for charging or replacing the power supply battery.Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is evident to a person skilled in the art that the toothbrush described is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the details mentioned can be replaced by other technically equivalent ones, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Toothbrush, comprising a toothbrush grip handle at its proximal end and a main head with bristles or other brushing means located at a distal end of this toothbrush and, wherein the main head is configured by a concave geometry, at least in part of its length, characterized in that the toothbrush (10) comprises at its proximal end (11) corresponding to the handle, opposite to the positioning of the main head (20) at the distal end (12), a second head (21) included in said proximal end (11) with a transverse arrangement of its area of ​​bristles (21.1) or other brushing means, with respect to the longitudinal arrangement of the handle and main head (20), wherein the main head (20) comprises two or more sections (20.1, 20.2) covered with bristles or other brushing means (20.4), at least partially, having at least one distal section (20.1) at its end of the main head (20), of a curvature greater than a preceding middle section (20.2), forming a set of at least these two sub-sections (20.1, 20.2); and where the middle section (20.2) of the main head (20) is substantially flat or has a radius such that it forms an arc that describes a concave depth (p) between its two ends less than 2 cm. 2.- Toothbrush, according to claim 1, wherein the middle section (20.2) of the main head (20) has a radius such that it forms an arc that describes a concave depth (p) between its two ends of less than 1 cm. 3.- Toothbrush, according to claim 1, wherein the middle section (20.2) of the main head (20) has a radius such that it forms an arc that describes a concave depth (p) between its two ends of less than 0.5 cm. 4.- Toothbrush, according to claim 1, wherein the middle section (20.2) of the main head (20) has a radius such that it forms an arc that describes a concave depth (p) between its two ends of less than 0.2 cm. 5.- Toothbrush, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the final section (20.1) of the main head (20) has a radius (B) between 0.5 cm and 5 cm. 6.- Toothbrush, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the final section (20.1) of the main head (20) has a radius (B) between 0.5 cm and 1.5 cm. 7.- Toothbrush, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main head (20) has an initial section (20.3) of concave curvature greater than the middle section (20.2). 8.- Toothbrush, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second head (21) comprises, in addition to the transverse brushing area, an area (22) configured for cleaning the tongue. 9.- Toothbrush, according to claim 8, wherein the area (22) configured for cleaning the tongue is positioned in the area opposite the bristles or brushing means of said second head (21). 10.- Toothbrush, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width (a) of the main head (20) is less than 10 mm. 11.- Toothbrush, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the second head (21) is less than 10 mm, with a bristle section length of less than 2.5 cm. 12.- Toothbrush, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning bristles of the main head (20) and / or second head (21) are formed by silicone protuberances with a pyramidal longitudinal section geometry, of lesser thickness at its free ends than at the base of connection to the structure of the head. 13.- Toothbrush, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the toothbrush (10) comprises a motorized system for moving the bristles or brushing means. 14.- Toothbrush, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the toothbrush (10) has a flexible structure, at least in the area of ​​the main head. (20), configured in such a way as to allow the concave curvature to be reversed, at least partially, towards a substantially flat configuration.

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