阅读说明：本技术 口腔护理器具 (Oral care implement ) 是由 爱德华多·J·希门尼斯 于 2018-05-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种口腔护理器具包括头部部分和包括弹性折叠附件的柄部部分。附件在相反方向上从柄部部分的中心主体横向向外延伸。在一个实施例中,附件均可以具有环形环结构,所述环形环结构具有联接到主体的反弯端部。头部部分包括牙齿清洁元件,例如刷毛。头部部分、柄部部分和刷毛可以是具有弹性记忆的可弹性变形材料的整体结构。刷毛可能特别柔软并且适合婴儿或幼儿使用。附件具有不变形的宽度,在处于最大跨度时防止幼儿过度插入口腔中。附件可以贴靠主体折叠以便成年人将其更深地插入口腔。器具构造成防止头部部分和刷毛放置在平坦表面上时接触平坦表面。(An oral care implement includes a head portion and a handle portion including a resilient folding attachment. The attachment extends laterally outward from the central body of the handle portion in opposite directions. In one embodiment, the accessories may each have an annular ring structure with a recurved end coupled to the body. The head portion includes tooth cleaning elements, such as bristles. The head portion, the handle portion and the bristles may be of unitary construction of an elastically deformable material having an elastic memory. The bristles may be particularly flexible and suitable for use by infants or young children. The attachment has a non-deformable width that prevents over-insertion of the child into the mouth at maximum span. The accessory can be folded against the body to be inserted deeper into the mouth by an adult. The implement is configured to prevent the head portion and bristles from contacting the flat surface when placed thereon.)

1. An oral care implement, comprising:

a longitudinal axis;

a head portion comprising a plurality of tooth cleaning elements;

a handle portion supported to the head portion, the handle portion comprising:

a central body;

a first appendage extending outwardly in a first direction from a first lateral side of the central body; and

a second appendage extending outwardly from a second lateral side of the central body in a second direction opposite the first direction; wherein the first appendage and the second appendage are both foldable and abut against a rear side of the central body.

2. The oral care implement according to claim 1 wherein the first and second attachments each comprise at least one recurved ring structure having a pair of opposing fixed ends coupled to the central body.

3. The oral care implement according to claim 1 or 2 wherein each of the first and second appendages comprises a pair of recurved ring structures, each recurved ring structure having a pair of opposing ends coupled to the central body.

4. The oral care implement according to claim 3 wherein each recurved loop structure of the first and second appendages are joined to form a common end that is coupled to the central body.

5. The oral care implement according to claim 3 wherein the central body further comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a laterally constricted transition section disposed therebetween, at least one end of each recurved loop structure of the first and second appendages being coupled to a narrow transition section.

6. The oral care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first and second appendages are each oriented obliquely relative to a horizontal reference plane that intersects the longitudinal axis and extends laterally through a lateral side of the first and second lateral sides of the central body.

7. The oral care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the first and second attachments each have an arcuate cross-sectional configuration that is angled rearwardly forming an obtuse angle between the first and second attachments.

8. The oral care implement according to claim 5 wherein a distal portion of the central body has a bulbous shape defining a lateral width greater than the head portion.

9. The oral care implement according to claim 8 wherein the distal portion has a greater thickness measured between front and rear sides of the central body than an adjoining portion of the head portion or proximal portion.

10. The oral care implement according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the distal portion has a generally circular shape and the proximal portion has an oblong shape that defines a majority of an axial length of the central body.

11. The oral care implement according to claim 1 wherein the accessory and the central body are molded as a unitary, one-piece structure from resiliently deformable silicone rubber having a durometer value in the range of between 60-70 and including 60-70.

12. An oral care implement, comprising:

a longitudinal axis;

a head portion comprising a plurality of tooth cleaning elements;

a handle portion supporting the head portion;

the front side of the handle portion defines at least one front contact area defining a front support plane;

a rear side of the handle portion defines a plurality of rear contact areas, the rear contact areas defining a rear support plane;

wherein the front support plane and the rear support plane do not intersect the head portion.

13. The oral care implement according to claim 12 wherein when the oral care implement is placed on a horizontal surface with the tooth cleaning elements facing the horizontal surface, the front contact region engages the horizontal surface and lifts the tooth cleaning elements of the head portion above the horizontal surface.

14. The oral care implement according to claim 12 wherein the front contact region is defined by a central body of the handle portion and the rear contact region is defined by a pair of opposed appendages extending laterally outward from opposite lateral sides of the central body.

15. The oral care implement according to claim 14 wherein when the oral care implement is placed on a horizontal surface with the tooth cleaning elements facing away from the horizontal surface, a free peripheral edge of the attachment engages the horizontal surface and lifts the head portion above the horizontal surface.

16. The oral care implement according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the attachments are each obliquely angled relative to a horizontal reference plane that intersects the longitudinal axis and extends transversely through first and second transverse sides of the central body.

17. The oral care implement according to any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the attachments are each resiliently collapsible and bear against a front or rear side of the central body portion when the attachments are in the collapsed position.

18. The oral care implement according to any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the central body is arcuately curved between distal and proximal ends thereof to form, from one end to the other, a convex front side and a concave rear side of the central body.

19. An oral care implement, comprising:

a longitudinal axis;

a head portion comprising a plurality of tooth cleaning elements;

a handle portion supporting the head portion;

a first appendage extending laterally outward from a first side of the handle portion in a first direction; and

a second appendage extending laterally outward from a second side of the handle portion in a second direction opposite the first direction;

wherein the first appendage and the second appendage are angled with respect to one another to form an obtuse angle therebetween.

20. The oral care implement according to claim 19 wherein the head portion, the handle portion and the attachment are molded as a unitary, integral structure formed of an elastically deformable silicone rubber having a durometer value in the range of between 60-70 and including 60-70.

Background

The present invention relates to oral care systems, and in particular to oral care implements suitable for use with infants or young children.

Oral care implements such as toothbrushes are susceptible to oral bacterial contamination from normal use and operation. Bacterial accumulation can be particularly prevalent on the head portion of the toothbrush, particularly within the tooth cleaning elements (such as bristles) and/or elastomeric cleaning elements. Bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Bacterial contamination of the toothbrush head, which constitutes a general health risk, is also a problem in view of placing the toothbrush head in the mouth. Such contamination can be transferred from various hard surfaces upon which the toothbrush may be placed or accidentally dropped. It is therefore desirable to minimize bacterial contamination from various environmental sources.

It is further desirable to construct a toothbrush for infants (babies or young children) that is soft and pliable to prevent injury, and yet is constructed to prevent over-insertion into the mouth, which can create a potential choking hazard.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides an oral care implement for infants and young children that meets the above objectives. The oral care implement may be a toothbrush having an elastically deformable configuration. The toothbrush may be configured to minimize or prevent contact between the toothbrush head and a flat hard surface (e.g., a countertop or floor) that is dropped or otherwise placed thereon contaminated with bacteria, thereby forming a system that helps maintain the sterility of the toothbrush head. In one embodiment, the toothbrush may have a resiliently collapsible attachment that creates a wide transverse profile when in the outwardly deployed position to prevent over-insertion of the toothbrush into the mouth of an infant or young child. When used by an adult to brush the teeth of an infant or toddler, the attachment may be folded inwardly to a retracted position to reduce the lateral profile for better access to the mouth or deeper tooth surfaces of the mouth.

In one aspect, an oral care implement comprises: a longitudinal axis; a head portion comprising a plurality of tooth cleaning elements; a handle portion supported to the head portion, the handle portion comprising: a central body; a first appendage extending outwardly in a first direction from a first lateral side of the central body; and a second appendage extending outwardly from a second lateral side of the central body in a second direction opposite the first direction; wherein the first appendage and the second appendage are each foldable and lie against a rear side of the central body.

In another aspect, an oral care implement comprises: a longitudinal axis; a head portion comprising a plurality of tooth cleaning elements; a handle portion supporting the head portion; the front side of the handle portion defines at least one front contact area defining a front support plane; a rear side of the handle portion defines a plurality of rear contact areas, the rear contact areas defining a rear support plane; wherein the front support plane and the rear support plane do not intersect the head portion.

In another aspect, an oral care implement comprises: a longitudinal axis; a head portion comprising a plurality of tooth cleaning elements; a handle portion supporting the head portion;

a first appendage extending laterally outward from a first side of the handle portion in a first direction; and a second appendage extending laterally outward from a second side of the handle portion in a second direction opposite the first direction; wherein the first appendage and the second appendage are angled with respect to one another to form an obtuse angle therebetween.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an oral care implement in the form of a toothbrush according to one embodiment of the present invention generally comprising a head portion and a handle portion having a central body and a foldable attachment shown in an unfolded position;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the toothbrush in a first position and orientation on a horizontal surface with the wings in an undeformed position;

FIG. 7 is a side view thereof showing the toothbrush in a second position and orientation on a horizontal surface;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken from FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a distal end view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a distal end view thereof showing the foldable wing in a deformed position;

FIG. 11 is a proximal end view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a distal end view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 showing the wings in a deformed and folded position;

FIG. 13 is a distal end view of the toothbrush showing an anti-over-rotation feature;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of a toothbrush generally comprising a head section and a handle section having a central body and a foldable attachment shown in an unfolded position; and

fig. 15 is a front perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of a toothbrush generally comprising a head section and a handle section having a central body and a foldable attachment shown in an unfolded position.

All the figures are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale.

Detailed Description

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

In the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is only intended for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be understood to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless specifically stated to the contrary. Terms such as "attached," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

Ranges are used throughout as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and a definition in a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

Referring generally to fig. 1-12, in one non-limiting embodiment, an oral care implement according to the present disclosure can be a toothbrush 100. The toothbrush 100 generally includes a longitudinal axis a-a, a distal head portion 110 defining a distal end, and a longitudinally elongated proximal handle portion 101 supporting the head portion and defining a proximal end 103. The handle portion 101 comprises a central body and a pair of resiliently foldable appendages extending laterally outwardly therefrom in opposite directions. In one embodiment, the accessory may be a wing 200, 201, where the term "wing" is used explicitly only in a broad structural sense, and not in the context necessarily related to any living object. The central body extends along a longitudinal axis a-a from the proximal end 103 of the toothbrush 100 to the head portion 110. The toothbrush 100 further includes a front side 112, an opposing rear side 113, and a pair of opposing lateral sides 114 between the front and rear sides and extending from the proximal end 103 to the distal end 102. The longitudinal axis a-a follows the contour and shape of the toothbrush from the proximal end 103 to the distal end 102 and remains at the centerline of each cross-section of the toothbrush through which the longitudinal axis extends. Thus, the longitudinal axis A-A is not necessarily a straight reference line in all cases, depending on the shape and curvature of the toothbrush body. In one embodiment, the central body of the handle portion 101 may be arcuately curved from the proximal end 103 to the distal end 102, forming a generally convex front side 112 and a concave rear side 113 from one end to the other. The longitudinal axis a-a thus has a complementary arcuate shape.

The central body of the handle section 101 also defines an upper distal portion 121 and a lower proximal portion 120 that abut the head section 110 of the toothbrush 100. In one embodiment, a reduced cross-sectional transition or neck section 122 is formed between the distal portion 121 and the proximal portion 120 of the handle portion 101 and has a smaller transverse width (measured transverse to the longitudinal axis a-a) than the adjacent portions of the proximal or distal portions. The proximal portion 120 is elongate in configuration and may have a longitudinal length that includes a majority of the length of the central body. In contrast, the distal portion 121 may be bulbous and enlarged in diameter, thereby defining a generally circular structure of approximately spherical configuration (see, e.g., fig. 3 and 4). The distal portion 121 may have a greater transverse width (measured transverse to the longitudinal axis a-a between the transverse sides 114) than the head portion 110 or the proximal portion 120, and in some embodiments, also a greater depth or thickness (measured transverse to the longitudinal axis a-a between the anterior and posterior sides 112, 113). The distal portion 121 may thus protrude outwardly beyond the front and rear sides 112, 113 of the proximal portion 120 to elevate/lift the head portion off of a hard flat horizontal surface when placed thereon, as further described herein.

The toothbrush 100, including the head portion 110, the handle portion 101, and the wings 200, 201, may be formed as a single unitary structure made of an elastically flexible and deformable material having an elastic memory. In one embodiment, toothbrush 100 may be made of silicone rubber having an optimum durometer hardness value of at least 60. The lower durometer material is generally too soft and flexible to maintain a degree of rigidity required by the wings 200, 201 to maintain their shape and support the central body of the handle section 101 when the toothbrush is placed on a flat horizontal surface, for purposes further described herein. In one embodiment, the material may have a durometer hardness value in a range between 60-70 and including 60-70, which provides a hardness that provides sufficient rigidity to the wings, but is sufficiently soft and flexible for use with infants or toddlers to prevent injury. Any suitable process may be used to manufacture the toothbrush 100. In one embodiment, the toothbrush may be manufactured by Liquid Silicone Molding (LSM) or alternatively by compression molding. Other processes may be used.

The head portion 110 of the toothbrush 100 may be elongated with a longitudinal length greater than a transverse width. In one embodiment, the front side 112 of the head portion 110 may be generally planar and include a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 111 extending laterally outward from the front side 112. The precise type, structure, pattern, orientation and material of the tooth cleaning elements 111 are not limitations of the present invention unless specified in the claims. As used herein, the term "tooth cleaning elements" is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure or combination of structures that can be used to clean, polish or wipe teeth and/or soft oral tissue (e.g., tongue, cheek, gums, etc.) through opposing surface contacts. Common examples of "tooth cleaning elements" include, but are not limited to, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymeric protrusions, combinations thereof, and/or structures containing such materials or combinations. Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilient material suitable for use in an oral hygiene device. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of the tooth or soft tissue engaging elements may have a hardness characteristic in the range of A8 to a25 shore hardness. One suitable elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS corporation. However, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the proposed hardness range may also be used.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the tooth cleaning elements 111 can be in the form of bristles. The tooth cleaning elements 111 of the present invention can be formed and/or attached to the head portion 110 in any suitable manner now available or to be developed without limiting the invention. In one embodiment, the tooth cleaning elements 111 can be formed as an integral, unitary structural part of the toothbrush head portion 110 during the silicone molding process. In other embodiments, the tooth cleaning elements can be made as separate elements from the brush head portion 110 that are coupled to the head. For example, staples/anchors, in-mold tufting (IMT) or anchor-free tufting (AFT) may be used to install the cleaning elements/tooth engaging elements. In AFT, a plate or membrane is secured to the toothbrush head, such as by ultrasonic welding. The bristles extend through the plate or membrane. The free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or membrane perform the cleaning function. The ends of the bristles on the other side of the plate or membrane are fused together by heating to anchor in place. Any suitable form of cleaning element may be used in the broad practice of the present invention. Alternatively, the bristles could be mounted to the tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the bristle bases are mounted within or below the tuft blocks.

In certain embodiments, the head portion 110 may also include a soft tissue cleaner (not shown herein) coupled to or positioned on the posterior side 113 thereof. An example of a suitable soft tissue cleaner that may be used with the present invention and positioned on the rear surface of the head portion 110 is disclosed in U.S. patent No. 7,143,462 issued on 5.12.2006, assigned to the assignee of the present application, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In certain embodiments, the soft tissue cleanser may include a plurality of protuberances, which may take the form of elongated ridges, nubs, or a combination thereof. Of course, the invention is not so limited and, in certain embodiments, the oral care implement 100 may not include any soft tissue cleaner.

With continued reference to fig. 1-12, the proximal portion 120 of the handle portion 101 is a longitudinally/axially elongated oblong structure extending from the proximal end 103 to the distal portion 121 of the central body. The proximal portion 120, distal portion 121, and wings 200, 201 provide the primary means of grasping and manipulating the toothbrush 100 during use. The proximal portion 120 may have a somewhat flattened but rounded cross-sectional shape. The anterior side 112 of the proximal portion 120 may form an arcuate convex surface from side to side. The rear side 113 of the proximal portion 120 may also have an arcuate convex surface from side to side. In one embodiment, the convex rear side may include an elongated flat surface section 123 to facilitate gripping with a finger or thumb. The proximal portion 120 of the handle portion 101 may comprise a majority of the longitudinal length of the handle portion central body and have a greater length than the head or distal portions 110, 121.

The distal portion 121 of the central body of the handle portion 101 has a bulbous, diametrically enlarged configuration relative to the proximal portion 120 or the head portion 110. The distal portion 121 has a generally spherical shape and a circular cross-section. Thus, in one embodiment as shown, the distal portion 121 may have a diameter and width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis a-a between the transverse sides 114 that is greater than the width of the handle proximal portion 120. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this configuration in all embodiments, and in certain other embodiments, the distal portion 121 may not have a greater width than the proximal portion 120. The distal and proximal portions 121, 120 may thus have a variety of shapes, contours, and configurations; none of the claims should be read as limiting the present invention unless specifically recited therein. In one embodiment, the distal portion 121 has a greater thickness measured between the anterior and posterior sides 112, 113 of the central body than adjacent portions of the head portion 110 or the proximal portion 120. The distal portion 121 may thus protrude beyond the adjoining front and rear sides of the proximal portion 120 to lift the head portion 110 above a flat horizontal surface on which a user may place the toothbrush 100, as further described herein.

The structure and arrangement of the pair of elastically foldable side flaps 200, 201 will now be further described with reference to figures 1-12. In one embodiment, for ease of reference, wing 200 may be considered a left wing, and wing 201 may be considered a right wing. The wings 200, 201 each comprise at least one recurved semi-annular ring having opposite fixed ends 202 coupled to the central body of the shank portion 101 and an outer arcuate free peripheral edge 205. The free peripheral edges 205 each extend laterally outward from and between the fixed ends to form the arch and contour of each wing (in the top view shown in fig. 3). In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, each wing 200 and 201 may include a pair of recurved rings including an upper ring 206 and a lower ring 207. In one embodiment, the upper ring 206 and the lower ring 207 are physically joined to form a common end 203 therebetween, which is attached to the proximal portion 120 of the handle center body, as shown. The common end 203 contains one of the fixed ends 202 of each of the rings 206 and 207. The joining portions form a structurally sound common attachment point to the central body. The remaining upper fixation end 202 of the upper ring 206 is separately attached to the central body of the handle portion 101, e.g., in one embodiment to both the proximal portion 120 and the distal portion 121 of the central body. This arrangement helps to support the narrow transitional neck section 122 of the central body of the handle section 101. The remaining lower fixed end 202 of the lower ring 207 is also separately attached to the central body, for example to the proximal portion 120.

In one embodiment, the rings 206 and 207 of each side wing 200, 201 are configured to form the capture opening 204. This provides a convenient opening for grasping the wings during use. Opening 204 defines an inner capturing edge 208 opposite outer free perimeter 205, thereby forming the semi-annular airfoil ring as shown. In other potentially less preferred but satisfactory embodiments, the wings may have a solid structure without openings.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the wings 200, 201 may also be arcuately curved in a lateral/transverse direction, defining a convex front surface 210 and a corresponding concave rear surface 211 from side to side. The wing defines a thickness T1 measured between the front and rear surfaces 210, 211. The thickness T1 may be less than a width W2 measured on a front or rear surface of each ring 206, 207 between the outer free peripheral edge 205 and the opposing inner trapping edge 208 (see, e.g., fig. 3), and substantially less than a lateral width W1 measured from the central body to the outermost free peripheral edge 205 of each ring. Since the wings 200, 201 have a minimal cross-section in the fore-aft direction, this structurally increases flexibility in the same direction to facilitate bending the wings forward or backward for reasons further described herein.

The wings 200, 201 may each be obliquely angled with a horizontal reference plane HP angulation a1 that intersects the longitudinal axis a-a and extends transversely through the first and second transverse sides 114 of the central body of the handle portion 101 (see, e.g., fig. 8). A vertical reference plane VP is defined that intersects the longitudinal axis a-a and is perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane HP. The wings 200, 201 may be disposed at an angle a2 between and toward each other. This orients and biases the wings in a biased direction toward the rear side 113 of the central body, as shown. The wings sweep or angle back in a configuration. The angle a2 may be an obtuse angle between 90 and 180 degrees. In one embodiment, as a non-limiting example, angle a2 may be about 130 degrees. Each wing 200, 201 is angled at an acute angle a4 from the vertical reference plane VP. Angles a2 and a4 may be measured relative to the rear surface of each wing at about a midpoint measured between the central body and the free edge 205.

Wings 200 and 201 comprise the same elastic material as the central body with elastic memory. The wings 200, 201 are resiliently deformable and movable between a laterally extended outward or deployed position (see, e.g., fig. 9) and an inwardly folded position (see, e.g., fig. 12) retracted over the rear side 113 of the central body of the handle portion 101 of the toothbrush. Generally, wings 200 and 201 have a width W1, which when combined with the width of the central body, W1 is selected to prevent over insertion of toothbrush 100 into the oral cavity from either distal end 102 or proximal end 103 when the wings are in the outwardly deployed position. This is intended to prevent or minimize potential suffocation hazards. To further prevent over-insertion, the opposing proximal end portions 103 of the head portion 110 and/or the handle portion 101 may have a maximum protrusion of no greater than about 1 inch or less axially along the longitudinal axis a-a.

To facilitate the adult reaching deeper teeth in the mouth with the toothbrush 100 for cleaning the teeth, the wings 200, 201 may be folded inwardly and onto the rear side 113 of the central body, with the wings overlapping each other. This narrows the lateral profile of the toothbrush, making it easier to access the mouth deeper. Upon release, the wings will spring back and return to their undeformed and unfolded outward position. If desired, wings 200 and 201 may be sufficiently flexible to also fold onto front side 112 of the central body of handle portion 101.

In conjunction with the central body of the handle portion 101, the configuration and orientation of the swept back wings 200, 201 are designed to help maintain a sterile toothbrush head when the toothbrush is dropped or placed on a flat horizontal surface (e.g., a wash basin counter or floor) during use. Fig. 5-12 show various positions and orientations of the toothbrush 100 in engagement with a flat and stiff horizontal surface 300. The central body of the handle portion 101 and the wings 200, 201 are collectively designed and configured such that the head portion 110 and the tooth cleaning elements 111 preferably do not contact a horizontal surface under normal circumstances.

Figures 6 and 9-11 illustrate the toothbrush in a position placed face up on surface 300 with the tooth cleaning elements 111 facing away from the surface (i.e., upward). The outermost free peripheral edge 205 of each ring 206, 207 of the airfoil 200, 201 abuttingly contacts the surface 300. The wings are in a deployed or extended position. The free peripheral edge 205 of each of the two upper rings 206 defines a pair of laterally spaced first contact zones Z1, while the free peripheral edge 205 of each of the two lower rings 207 defines a pair of laterally spaced second contact zones Z2. The contact zones Z1 and Z2 define a common back support plane S1 that is coplanar with the surface 300 when the toothbrush is placed thereon. It should be noted that no portion of the support plane S1 intersects any portion of the head portion 110 that includes the tooth cleaning elements 111. The contact areas Z1 and Z2 are spatially discrete contact areas, each of which may include a point or surface contact surface over a wider portion of the airfoil rather than a single point. Although two discrete, spatially separated contact zones Z1 and Z2 have been described, it will be appreciated that in other possible embodiments a single contact zone may alternatively be provided, depending on the shape and profile of the wings 200, 201.

With continued reference to fig. 6 and 9-11, the arcuate profile of the toothbrush 100 from side to side created by the wings 200, 201 raises and lifts the central body of the handle section 101 above the surface 300. This forms a bridge across the surface, which supports the central body in a suspended manner. Forming a cavity C between the rear side of the wing and the central body; the central body of the latter is spaced from the horizontal surface 300 by a distance D. In particular, a gap G is formed between the head portions 110 of the central body, so that the heads do not contact the surface and become contaminated by residual bacteria that may be present thereon. Thus, no portion of the central body (i.e., either the distal portion 121 or the proximal portion 120) engages the surface 300. Cavity C extends the entire longitudinal length of toothbrush 100, which raises the entire central body off of surface 300.

Even in the event that the user exerts a reasonable downward force F on the toothbrush and presses the distal or proximal portions 121, 120 against the surface 300 (see, e.g., fig. 10), the head portion 110 will still be lifted to maintain the gap G therebetween (although less than the gap shown in fig. 9). A spherically-shaped spherical distal portion 121 of the central body that protrudes beyond the rear of the proximal portion 120 serves as a fulcrum to raise the head portion 110 above the surface 300. It should be noted that the wings 200, 201 assume a flatter position or state in fig. 10 in the event of a force F being applied.

In contrast, fig. 5, 7, and 8 show the toothbrush 100 in a position placed face down on the surface 300 with the tooth cleaning elements 111 facing the surface (i.e., downward). In this position, the end-to-end arcuate shape of the central body of the handle portion 101 and the spherical ball shape of the distal portion 121 define a third contact zone Z3 on the front side of the central body and a fourth contact zone Z4 on the front side of the distal portion. The contact areas Z3 and Z4 are spatially discrete contact areas, each of which may include a point or surface contact surface over a wider portion of the airfoil rather than a single point. The contact zones Z3 and Z4 define a common front support plane S2 that is coplanar with the surface 300 when the toothbrush is placed on the surface. It should be noted that no portion of the support plane S2 intersects any portion of the head portion 110 that includes the tooth cleaning elements 111. The head portion 110 may be obliquely angled with respect to a support plane S2 passing through the contact zones Z3, Z4, thus defining an inclination angle A3 between the plane S2 and the centerline CL of the head portion 110 (see, e.g., fig. 5). When the toothbrush 100 is placed on the horizontal surface 300, the central body of the toothbrush contacts the horizontal surface 300 only at contact zones Z3 and Z4. The obliquely angled head portion 110 (including the tooth cleaning elements 111) is raised above the surface 300 with a gap G to maintain sterility of the head. The bulbous spherical distal portion 121 protruding beyond the front side of the proximal portion 120 of the handle portion 101 again serves as a fulcrum to lift the head portion 110 above the surface 300. It should be noted that a space is created between the narrow neck section 122 of the central body and the surface 300 due to the bulbous distal portion. Due to the arcuate or arched profile of the proximal portion 120 from the proximal end 103 to the end connected to the distal portion 121, the proximal end 103 of the central body on the proximal portion 120 of the handle section 101 is also raised off the surface. Although two discrete, spatially separated contact zones Z3 and Z4 have been described, it will be appreciated that in other possible embodiments a single contact zone may alternatively be provided, depending on the shape and contour of the central body of the handle portion 101.

In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the front surfaces of the proximal and distal portions 120, 121 on the front side 112 at the contact zones Z3 and Z4 is selected to be large enough to produce a flatter, though still convex rounded profile that can maintain an equilibrium position when the toothbrush is randomly placed on the surface 300, as best shown in fig. 8. With the toothbrush 100 tilted to the right or left so that one of the wings 200 or 201 also engages the surface, the toothbrush is dynamically balanced so that it will automatically roll back to the center position of the display when released by the user.

Wings 200 and 201 also serve to prevent over-rotation of toothbrush 100 when placed face down on surface 300. As shown in fig. 13, if the toothbrush 100 becomes unbalanced when placed on a horizontal surface 300 in a random manner, the free peripheral edge 205 of one of the wings will contact the surface 300 to prevent further rotation and contact between the toothbrush head portion 110 and the tooth cleaning elements 111 thereon. The toothbrush 100 will tend to roll back toward the center position due to the counterweight balancing effect created by the wings on the opposite side not contacting the surface 300 (see, e.g., fig. 8).

In one embodiment, toothbrush 100 may be made aesthetically appealing to young users in appearance and construction. In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, the toothbrush may be configured to resemble living objects, such as insects, animals, reptiles, and the like. However, the present invention is not so limited and toothbrush 100 may have any configuration that may be associated with inanimate objects, characters, or a completely random configuration that includes various combinations of artistically creative and fanciful shapes. The toothbrush 100 may include various printed, embossed, and/or debossed surface markings 230 that indicate the animate or inanimate object that is intended to be depicted.

In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that toothbrush 100 may, of course, have an almost limitless shape or configuration. To illustrate this, fig. 14 and 15 depict different examples of some possible alternative configurations of a toothbrush 100 having a uniquely shaped handle portion. Fig. 14 shows a toothbrush 100A having a head portion 110A, a handle portion 101A, and attachments 200A, 201A that collectively resemble a turtle. Fig. 15 shows a toothbrush 100B having a head portion 110B, a handle portion 101B, and attachments 200B, 201B that collectively resemble an unexpected feature or shape. Toothbrushes 100A and 100B include the same features and functions previously described for toothbrush 100, including measures for preventing over insertion into the mouth/mouth and reducing the transfer of bacteria from a hard surface when the toothbrush is placed or dropped onto a hard surface. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples, including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.