Toothbrush for infant oral cleaning and gingival / gum comfort

Abstract

A head for a toothbrush for a child comprises a body having an apex, a base opposite the apex, a first face adjacent the apex, a second face opposite the first face, wherein first bristles extend from the first face and second bristles extend from the second face. A toothbrush for a child comprises the head together with a toothbrush handle. The toothbrush defines the shape of a bear. It is capable of being used as toothbrush for a child and capable of easing teething or gum pains in a child.

Description

[0001] Toothbrush for Infant Oral Cleaning and Gingival / gum Comfort

[0002] The present invention lies in the technical fields of children's oral health care and paediatric dental care. In particular, the invention relates to a head for a toothbrush for a child as well as a toothbrush for a child. The head and toothbrush together are capable of acting as a toothbrush which can also ease teething pains.

[0003] Background of the Invention

[0004] It is known that both upper and lower teeth and gums of children should be brushed and massaged regularly to maintain optimal oral health and dental care. In view of this, toothbrushes specific for children have been developed.

[0005] For example, W02015 / 092550 discloses a motorised toothbrush for children having a head which comprises bristles of silicone on a front surface of the head. The bristles project from only one side of the head like a conventional toothbrush.

[0006] However, brushing the teeth and gums of a child can be compromised, for example due to the size of the child's mouth, or a child can be uncooperative, which can be common in a child of less than three years old. In addition, a child can be distracted easily and this can lead to time constraints for brushing the child's teeth.

[0007] In addition, parents / carers can find it difficult to brush the teeth and gums of a child of less than about three years old for the recommended period of at least about two minutes.

[0008] Nevertheless, effective brushing and thus oral health care should be maintained.

[0009] In light of the problems discussed above, various proposals have been made, but there remains a need for an improved toothbrush which addresses one or more of the problems presented by prior art arrangements. In this regard, the present invention seeks to provide an alternative which preferably addresses one or more of the problems presented by prior art arrangements.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a head for a toothbrush for a child, wherein the head comprises a body having an apex, a base longitudinally opposite the apex, a first face adjacent the apex, a second face opposite the first face, wherein first bristles extend from the first face and second bristles extend from the second face.

[0012] In use, the head is placed in the mouth of a child and the bristles are used to massage and clean the teeth and gums of the child.

[0013] Advantageously, the invention allows for both upper and lower teeth and gums to be brushed / massaged at the same time due to the double-sided head making the process easier for parents / carers. This allows for more effective brushing and thus improved oral health care as the double-sided head covers more teeth at one time which is especially important when parents / carers cannot brush the teeth of child of up to about three years old for the recommended 2 minutes.

[0014] Preferably, the first bristles and the second bristles provide a double sided head, which is capable of being used as a toothbrush and also capable of being used to ease teething pains for a child of less than about three years old.

[0015] In a first embodiment, the first and second bristles are silicone bristles. Preferably, the silicone bristles are medical-grade silicone bristles or food grade silicone bristles.

[0016] Preferably, the number of first silicone bristles which project from the first face is between about 40 to about 60. More preferably, the number of first silicone bristles which project from the first face is between about 45 to about 55. Most preferably, the number of first silicone bristles which project from the first face is about 52. Preferably, the number of second silicone bristles which project from the second face is between about 40 to about 60. More preferably, the number of second silicone bristles which project from the second face is between about 45 to about 55. Most preferably, the number of second silicone bristles which project from the second face is about 52.

[0017] Preferably, the first silicone bristles extend from a circular area on the first face having a diameter of about 8mm to about 14mm. More preferably, the first silicone bristles extend from a circular area on the first face having a diameter of about 10mm to about 13mm. Most preferably, the first silicone bristles extend from a circular area on the first face having a diameter of about 12.5mm.

[0018] Preferably, the second silicone bristles extend from a circular area on the second face having a diameter of about 8mm to about 14mm. More preferably, the second silicone bristles extend from a circular area on the second face having a diameter of about 10mm to about 13mm. Most preferably, the second silicone bristles extend from a circular area on the second face having a diameter of about 12.5mm.

[0019] Preferably, the silicone bristles are arranged to fit as many silicone bristles as possible within the above circular area. Advantageously, it has been found that the higher the number of silicone bristles, the better for effective plaque removal.

[0020] Preferably, each silicone bristle is cylindrical.

[0021] Preferably, each silicone bristle has a diameter of about 0.5mm to about 1.5mm. More preferably, each silicone bristle has a diameter of about 0.8mm to about 1.2mm. Most preferably, each silicone bristle has a diameter of about 0.9mm.

[0022] Preferably, the first face and the second face are inclined towards each other so that the first face and second face are tapered towards each other towards the apex of the head. In contrast, preferably, the ends of the first silicone bristles distant from the first face and the ends of the second silicone bristles distant to the second face are located in parallel planes, which are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the head.

[0023] Preferably, the first silicone bristles extending from the first face are substantially parallel with the second silicone bristles extending from the second face.

[0024] Preferably, each first silicone bristle projects a length of about 2.0mm to about 4.0mm from the first face. Preferably, each first silicone bristle projects a length of about 3.2mm to about 3.8mm from the first face. Preferably, each first silicone bristle projects a length of about 3.4mm to about 3.6mm from the first face.

[0025] Preferably, each second silicone bristle projects a length of about 2.0mm to about 4.0mm from the second face. Preferably, each second silicone bristle projects a length of about 2.2mm to about 3.8mm from the second first face. Preferably, each second silicone bristle projects a length of about 2.3mm to about 3.7mm from the second face.

[0026] Preferably, the end of each first silicone bristle distant to the first face is planar or dome shaped. Preferably, the end of each second silicone bristle distant to the second face is planar or dome shaped.

[0027] In a second embodiment, the first and second bristles are polymer bristles. Preferably, the polymer is selected from nylon and polyester. Most preferably, the polymer is polyester.

[0028] Preferably, the number of first polymer bristles which project from the first face is between about 1000 to about 3000.

[0029] Preferably, the first polymer bristles extend from a circular area on the first face having a diameter of about 8mm to about 14mm. More preferably, the first polymer bristles extend from a circular area on the first face having a diameter of about 10mm to about 13mm. Most preferably, the first polymer bristles extend from a circular area on the first face having a diameter of about 12.5mm.

[0030] Preferably, the second polymer bristles extend from a circular area on the second face having a diameter of about 8mm to about 14mm. More preferably, the second polymer bristles extend from a circular area on the second face having a diameter of about 10mm to about 13mm. Most preferably, the second polymer bristles extend from a circular area on the second face having a diameter of about 12.5mm.

[0031] Advantageously, the bristles of this embodiment are thinner and softer for teeth than the bristles of the first embodiment, but effective because of the increased number of bristles that can be fitted into the above circular area compared to the bristles of the first embodiment.

[0032] The polymer bristles are arranged as densely as possible to maximise the number of polymer bristles in the above circular area. This provides the advantage of maximising plaque removal during use.

[0033] Preferably, each polymer bristle is cylindrical.

[0034] Preferably, each polymer bristle has a diameter of about 0.050mm to about 0.120mm. More preferably, each polymer bristle has a diameter of about 0.060mm to about 0.110mm. Most preferably, each polymer bristle has a diameter of about 0.076mm to about 0.100mm.

[0035] Preferably, the first face and the second face are inclined towards each other so that the first face and second face are tapered towards each other towards the apex of the head. In contrast, preferably, the ends of the first polymer bristles distant from the first face and the ends of the second polymer bristles distant to the second face are located in parallel planes, which are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the head. Preferably, the first polymer bristles extending from the first face are substantially parallel with the second polymer bristles extending from the second face.

[0036] Preferably, each first polymer bristle projects a length of about 3.0mm to about 7.0mm from the first face. Preferably, each first polymer bristle projects a length of about 4.0mm to about 6.0mm from the first face. Preferably, each first polymer bristle projects a length of about 4.5mm to about 5.0mm from the first face.

[0037] Preferably, each second polymer bristle projects a length of about 3.0mm to about 7.0mm from the second face. Preferably, each second polymer bristle projects a length of about 3.0mm to about 5.0mm from the second face. Preferably, each second polymer bristle projects a length of about 3.3mm to about 4.7mm from the second face.

[0038] Preferably, the end of each first polymer bristle distant to the first face is planar or dome shaped. Preferably, the end of each second polymer bristle distant to the second face is planar or dome shaped.

[0039] In a third embodiment, the first bristles are silicone bristles and the second bristles are polymer bristles. Preferably, the silicone bristles are as defined above in relation to the first embodiment and the polymer bristles are as defined above in relation to the second embodiment.

[0040] Preferably, the base of the body defines a socket or plug for reversibly coupling the head to a corresponding plug or socket of a toothbrush handle. In this regard, the head is capable of being coupled to the toothbrush handle by a friction fit.

[0041] In a second aspect, the invention provides a toothbrush for a child comprising the head of the invention and a toothbrush handle.

[0042] In one embodiment, the head is integrated with the handle. In another embodiment, the head and the handle are separable. Preferably, the toothbrush handle comprises a casing having a base at one end of the casing and a neck which projects from a longitudinally axially opposite end of the casing, a front, a back opposite to the front and opposing sides, wherein the neck defines a socket or plug for reversibly coupling to a corresponding plug or socket of the head of the invention. Preferably, the first and second faces of the head are substantially parallel with the front and back of the casing when the head is coupled with the toothbrush handle.

[0043] Preferably, the casing is of silicone or a plastics material. Preferably, the casing of medical grade silicone or food grade silicone.

[0044] Preferably, at least one motor is enclosed within the casing. Preferably, the motor is a low voltage direct current (DC) motor. For example, a two to four volts direct current (DC) coreless motor is provided. Preferably, the motor is fixed into position by mechanical means, for example by a strap and I or one or more fixings. Preferably, the motor has a drive-shaft and a weighted eccentric mass is provided on the driveshaft. In use, as the drive-shaft rotates, rotation of the eccentric mass generates an eccentric oscillation (vibration) about the centre of mass of the motor, eccentric mass and everything mechanically connected to it. This vibration is transmitted along the mechanical structure of the toothbrush head and ultimately to the bristles of the toothbrush and onto the gums and teeth. The nature of mechanical brushing is dependent on the speed and orientation of the motor, the mass of the eccentric, the mass of everything not rotating, the flexibility of the mechanical structure and the distance between the rotating eccentric mass and teeth. In one embodiment, the motor lies so that the drive shaft of the motor projects perpendicular to the orientation of the bristles and so, in use, a largely side-to-side brushing method is experienced.

[0045] Preferably, a controller is enclosed within the casing and the controller provides control to the one or more motors. Preferably, a battery is enclosed within the casing for providing a power supply to the controller and the motor. Preferably, the battery is rechargeable via a charging circuit.

[0046] Preferably, the battery is a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. This provides the advantage of a safer, more environmentally friendly battery, which is more sustainable than a lithium ion battery commonly found in rechargeable electric toothbrushes.

[0047] Alternatively, the battery is a lithium ion battery.

[0048] Preferably, a charging port is provided for charging the battery. Alternatively, the battery is capable of being charged wirelessly via the charging circuit. In this regard, the base of the handle is configured to reversibly couple with a charging unit and electromagnetic energy is capable of being passed wirelessly from the charging unit to the charging circuit.

[0049] Preferably, the charge status of the battery is indicated by a source of light. Preferably, the source of light comprises at least one LED.

[0050] Preferably, the controller is capable of providing a power supply from the battery to the motor(s) via activation of a switch, which is switchable between an on configuration and an off configuration. Preferably, when the switch is in the on configuration the controller provides pulses of power of a specified duration, thereby controlling the rotational operation of the motor(s) and thereby controlling pulsation movement of the first and second bristles relative to the base of the head.

[0051] Preferably, the switch is located on the front of the casing. Preferably it is located about equidistant between the base and the neck of the casing.

[0052] Preferably, at least one source of light is associated with the switch. In this regard, the source of light is provided around or within the switch. More preferably, the source of light provides light when the switch is in the on configuration. Preferably, the source of light comprises at least one LED. More preferably, the source of light comprises a ring of LEDs. Preferably, the ring of LEDs comprises about 10 to about 14 LEDs, More preferably, the ring of LEDs comprises about 12 LEDs.

[0053] Preferably, the toothbrush is defined by the shape of an animal. Preferably, the animal is a bear. In this regard, preferably the casing defines legs which project from a base at one end of the casing and a neck which projects from a longitudinally axially opposite end of the casing. Preferably, the legs are configured to be capable of at least partially surrounding the charging unit. In addition, preferably, the casing defines arms which project from opposite sides of the casing adjacent to the neck. In addition, preferably, the head comprises ears which project from opposite sides of the head adjacent to the apex of the head.

[0054] This provides the advantage of engagement with children. In addition, the toothbrush of the invention provides the advantage of easing teething discomfort and also distracting from pain due to the design features of the invention. In addition, the handle is ergonomic and of a weight that can be easily used by children, always under close adult supervision, from as early as about six months of age to provide safe and effective cleaning of teeth.

[0055] In a third aspect, the invention provides a toothbrush set for a child which comprises a toothbrush handle as defined above together with first and second embodiments of the head of the invention, wherein the first and second embodiments of the head of the invention are interchangeable and are capable of being reversibly coupled with the handle in place of each other.

[0056] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0057] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0058] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a toothbrush according to the invention from above; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the toothbrush according to the invention from below;

[0059] Figure 3 shows a side view of the toothbrush according to the invention;

[0060] Figure 4 shows a top view of the toothbrush according to the invention;

[0061] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a handle of the toothbrush according to the invention from above;

[0062] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a handle of the toothbrush according to the invention from below;

[0063] Figure 7 shows a side view of the handle of the toothbrush according to the invention;

[0064] Figure 8 shows a top view of the handle of the toothbrush according to the invention;

[0065] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the toothbrush according to the invention on a charging unit from above;

[0066] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the toothbrush according to the invention on a charging unit from below;

[0067] Figure 11 shows a side view of the toothbrush according to the invention on a charging unit;

[0068] Figure 12 shows a bottom view of the toothbrush according to the invention on a charging unit;

[0069] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a head for a toothbrush according to the invention from above; Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the head for a toothbrush according to the invention from below;

[0070] Figure 15 shows a side view of the head for a toothbrush according to the invention;

[0071] Figure 16 shows a top view of the head for a toothbrush according to the invention; and

[0072] Figure 17 shows top, bottom, front, side and perspective views of internal parts of the toothbrush according to the invention.

[0073] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0074] It will be appreciated that aspects, embodiments and preferred features of the invention have been described herein in a way that allows the specification to be written in a clear and concise way. However, unless circumstances clearly dictate otherwise, aspects, embodiments and preferred features can be variously combined or separated in accordance with the invention. Thus, preferably, the invention provides a device having features of a combination of two or more, three or more, or four or more of the aspects described herein. In a preferred embodiment, a device in accordance with the invention comprises all aspects of the invention.

[0075] Within the context of this specification, the word "about" means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

[0076] Within the context of this specification, the word "substantially" means preferably at least 90%, more preferably 95%, even more preferably 98%, most preferably 99%.

[0077] Within the context of this specification, the word "comprises" means "includes, among other things" and should not be construed to mean "consists of only". The invention provides a head (1) for a toothbrush (2) for a child, wherein the head (1) comprises a body (3) having an apex (4), a base (5) opposite the apex (4), a first face (6) adjacent the apex (4), a second face (7) opposite the first face (6), and wherein first bristles (8) extend from the first face (6) and second bristles (9) extend from the second face (7). In use, the head (1) is placed in the mouth of a child and the bristles (8, 9) are used to massage and clean the teeth and gums of the child.

[0078] With reference to Figures 13 to 16, one embodiment of the head (1) is capable of being used as a toothbrush and additionally capable of being used to ease teething pain in a child of less than about three years old.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first bristles (8) and second bristles (9) are silicone bristles (8, 9). Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first bristles (8) and second bristles (9) are polymer bristles (8, 9), e.g. polyester bristles (8, 9). Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first bristles (8) are silicone bristles (8) and the second bristles (9) are polymer bristles (9), e.g. polyester bristles (9).

[0080] In embodiments having silicone bristles (8, 9), the bristles (8, 9) are of medical-grade silicone and a total of 52 cylindrical silicone bristles (8, 9) having a diameter of about 0.9mm each project about 3.4mm to about 3.6mm from a first face (6) and about 2.3mm to about 3.7mm from a second face (7) of the head (1). The end of each silicone bristle (8, 9) distant to the face (6, 7) is dome shaped.

[0081] In embodiments having silicone bristles (8, 9), the silicone bristles (8, 9) project from a circular area on a face (6, 7) of the head (1) having a diameter of about 12.5mm.

[0082] Each silicone bristle (8) extends from a face (6) of the head (1) and it is substantially parallel with bristles (9) which extend from the opposite face (7) of the head (1).

[0083] In embodiments having polymer bristles (8, 9), the bristles (8, 9) are of polyester and a plurality of about 1900 to about 2200 cylindrical polyester bristles (8, 9) having a diameter of about 0.076mm to about 0.1mm each project about 4.5mm to about 5mm from a face (6) of the head and about 3.3mm to about 4.7mm from a face (7) of the head. The end of each polyester bristle distant to the face (6, 7) is dome shaped.

[0084] The polyester bristles (8, 9) extend from a circular area on a face (6, 7) of the head

[0085] (1) having a diameter of about 12.5mm.

[0086] Each polyester bristle (8) extends from a face (6) of the head (1) and it is substantially parallel with bristles (9) which extend from the opposite face (7) of the head (1).

[0087] The base (5) of the body (3) defines a socket for reversibly coupling the head (1) to a corresponding plug of a toothbrush handle (10). In this regard, the head (1) is capable of being coupled to the toothbrush handle (10) by a friction fit.

[0088] In addition, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the invention provides a toothbrush (2) for a child comprising the head (1) of the invention and a toothbrush handle (10).

[0089] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the head (1) and the handle (10) of the toothbrush

[0090] (2) can be coupled to provide a toothbrush (2) suitable for infant oral cleaning and teething I gum discomfort.

[0091] With reference to Figures 5 to 8, the toothbrush handle (10) comprises a casing (11) of medical and I or food grade silicone material having a base (12) at one end of the casing (11) and a neck (13) which projects from a longitudinally axially opposite end of the casing (11), a front (14), a back (15) opposite to the front (14) and opposing sides (16, 17), wherein the neck (13) defines a plug for reversibly coupling to a corresponding socket of the head (1) of the toothbrush (2).

[0092] The first and second faces of the head (6, 7) are substantially parallel with the front and back (14, 15) of the casing (11) when the head (1) is coupled with the toothbrush handle (10). With reference to Figure 17, at least one motor (18) is enclosed within the casing (11). The motor (18) is a two to four volts direct current (DC) coreless motor. The motor (18) is fixed into position by mechanical means, for example by a strap and I or one or more fixings. The motor (18) has a drive-shaft (19) and a weighted eccentric mass (20) is provided on the drive-shaft (19). In use, as the drive-shaft (19) rotates, rotation of the eccentric mass (20) generates an eccentric oscillation (vibration) about the centre of mass of the motor (18), eccentric mass (20) and everything mechanically connected to it. This vibration is transmitted along the mechanical structure of the toothbrush head (1) and ultimately to the bristles (8, 9) of the toothbrush (2) and onto the gums and teeth. The nature of mechanical brushing is dependent on the speed and orientation of the motor (18), the mass of the eccentric (20), the mass of everything not rotating, the flexibility of the mechanical structure and the distance between the rotating eccentric mass and teeth.

[0093] The motor (18) lies so that the drive shaft (19) of the motor projects perpendicular to the orientation of the bristles (8, 9) and so, in use, a largely side-to-side brushing method is experienced.

[0094] A controller (21) is enclosed within the casing (11) and the controller (21) provides control to the motor (18). In addition, a lithium ion battery (22) is enclosed within the casing (11) for providing a power supply to the controller (21) and the motor (18). The battery (22) is rechargeable via a charging circuit (23).

[0095] The charge status of the battery (22) is indicated by an LED (24).

[0096] The controller (21) is capable of providing a power supply from the battery (22) to the motor (18) via activation of a switch (25) located on the front (14) of the casing (11) equidistant between the base (12) and the neck (13) of the casing (11). The switch (25) is switchable between an on configuration and an off configuration. When the switch (25) is in the on configuration the controller (21) provides pulses of power of a specified duration, thereby controlling the rotational operation of the motor(s) (18) and thereby controlling pulsation movement of the first bristles (8) and second bristles (9) relative to the base (5) of the head (1).

[0097] A ring of 12 LEDs (26) is provided within the switch (25) or associated with the switch (25). This ring of LEDs (26) provides light when the switch (25) is in the on configuration. In addition, this ring of LEDs (26) provides no light when the switch (25) is in the off configuration.

[0098] With reference to Figures 9 to 12, the battery (22) is capable of being charged wirelessly via the charging circuit (23). In this regard, the base (12) of the casing (11) is configured to reversibly couple with a charging unit (27) and electromagnetic energy is capable of being passed wirelessly from the charging unit (27) to the charging circuit (23).

[0099] The toothbrush (2) is defined by the shape of a bear. In this regard, the casing (11) of the handle (10) defines legs (28) which project from a base (12) at one end of the casing (11) and a neck (13) which projects from a longitudinally axially opposite end of the casing (11). The legs (28) are configured to be capable of at least partially surrounding the charging unit (27). In addition, the casing (11) defines arms (29) which project from opposite sides (16, 17) of the casing (11) adjacent to the neck (13). In addition, the head (1) comprises ears (30, 31) which project from opposite sides of the head (1) adjacent to the apex (4) of the head (1).

[0100] The benefits of a toothbrush (2) according to the invention include but are not limited to engagement with children and the ability to provide a powered toothbrush (2). The invention provides the advantage of easing teething / gum discomfort and also distracting from pain due to the design features of the invention. In addition, the handle (10) is ergonomic and light weight so that it can be easily used by children, always under close adult supervision, from as early as six months to provide safe and effective cleaning of teeth. The above described embodiments have been given by way of example only, and the skilled reader will naturally appreciate that many variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A head for a toothbrush for a child, wherein the head comprises a body having an apex, a base opposite the apex, a first face adjacent the apex, a second face opposite the first face, and wherein first bristles extend from the first face and second bristles extend from the second face.

2. The head according to claim 1, wherein the first bristles and the second bristles provide a double sided head, which is capable of being used as a toothbrush and capable of being used to ease teething or gum pains for a child of less than about three years old.

3. The head according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second bristles are silicone bristles.

4. The head according to claim 3, wherein the silicone bristles are medical-grade silicone bristles or food grade silicone bristles.

5. The head according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the number of first silicone bristles which project from the first face is between about 40 to about 60.

6. The head according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the number of second silicone bristles which project from the second face is between about 40 to about 60.

7. The head according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first silicone bristles extend from a circular area on the first face having a diameter of about 8mm to about 14mm.

8. The head according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the second silicone bristles extend from a circular area on the second face having a diameter of about 8mm to about 14mm.

9. The head according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein each silicone bristle is cylindrical.

10. The head according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein each silicone bristle has a diameter of about 0.5mm to about 1.5mm.

11. The head according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein each first silicone bristle projects substantially orthogonally from the first face, each second silicone bristle projects substantially orthogonally from the second face, and the first silicone bristles extending from the first face are substantially parallel with the second silicone bristles extending from the second face.

12. The head according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein each first silicone bristle projects a length of about 2.0mm to about 4.0mm from the first face.

13. The head according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein each second silicone bristle projects a length of about 2.0mm to about 4.0mm from the second face.

14. The head according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the end of each first silicone bristle distant to the first face is planar or dome shaped and the end of each second silicone bristle distant to the second face is planar or dome shaped.

15. The head according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second bristles are polymer bristles, optionally wherein the polymer is selected from nylon and polyester.

16. The head according to claim 15, wherein the number of first polymer bristles which project from the first face is between about 1000 to about 3000.

17. The head according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the first polymer bristles extend from a circular area on the first face having a diameter of about 8mm to about 14mm.

18. The head according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the second polymer bristles extend from a circular area on the second face having a diameter of about 8mm to about 14mm.

19. The head according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein each polymer bristle is cylindrical.

20. The head according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein each polymer bristle has a diameter of about 0.050mm to about 0.120mm.

21. The head according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the first polymer bristles extending from the first face are substantially parallel with the second polymer bristles extending from the second face.

22. The head according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein each first polymer bristle projects a length of about 3.0mm to about 7.0mm from the first face.

23. The head according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein each second polymer bristle projects a length of about 3.0mm to about 7.0mm from the second face.

24. The head according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein the end of each first polymer bristle distant to the first face is planar or dome shaped and the end of each second polymer bristle distant to the second face is planar or dome shaped.

25. The head according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first bristles are silicone bristles and the second bristles are polymer bristles.2026. The head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the body defines a socket or plug for reversibly coupling the head to a corresponding plug or socket of a toothbrush handle.

27. A toothbrush for a child comprising the head of any one of the preceding claims and a toothbrush handle.

28. The toothbrush according to claim 27, wherein the head is integrated with the handle, or the head and the handle are separable.

29. The toothbrush according to claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the toothbrush handle comprises a casing having a base at one end of the casing and a neck which projects from a longitudinally axially opposite end of the casing, a front, a back opposite to the front and opposing sides, wherein the neck defines a socket or plug for reversibly coupling to a corresponding plug or socket of the head of any one of claims 1 to 26.

30. The toothbrush according to any one of claim 29, wherein first and second faces of the head are substantially parallel with the front and the back of the casing when the head is coupled with the toothbrush handle.

31. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 29 to 30, wherein the casing is of silicone or a plastics material, optionally wherein the casing of medical grade silicone or food grade silicone.

32. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 29 to 30, wherein at least one motor is enclosed within the casing.

33. The toothbrush according to claim 32, wherein the motor is a low voltage direct current (DC) motor.

34. The toothbrush according to claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the motor has a drive-shaft and a weighted eccentric mass is provided on the drive-shaft.

35. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein a controller is enclosed within the casing and the controller provides control to one or more motors.

36. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein a battery is enclosed within the casing for providing a power supply to a controller and a motor.

37. The toothbrush according to claim 36, wherein the battery is rechargeable via a charging circuit.

38. The toothbrush according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the battery is a lithium ion battery.

39. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein a charge status of the battery is indicated by a source of light.

40. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein a controller is capable of providing a power supply from the battery to a motor(s) via activation of a switch, which is switchable between an on configuration and an off configuration.

41. The toothbrush according to claim 40, wherein the switch is located on the front of the casing.

42. The toothbrush according to claim 40 or claim 41, wherein at least one source of light is associated with the switch.

43. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 29 to 42, wherein the toothbrush is defined by the shape of an animal, optionally wherein the animal is a bear.

44. A toothbrush set for a child, which comprises a toothbrush handle of the toothbrush according to any one of claims 29 to 43 together with a first head according to any one of claims 3 to 14 and a second head according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the first and second heads are interchangeable and are capable of being reversibly coupled with a handle in place of each other.

Images