Patent ID: 6276021
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: A46B,Y10S

Abstract:
A toothbrush comprising:an elongated member having a head at one end and a handle at the other end, generally aligned along a central longitudinal axis;said head having a face with a peripheral portion about its exterior and an internal portion adjacent thereto;said peripheral portion having a plurality of peripheral bristle tufts extending therefrom, which bristle tufts are generally symmetrical in cross-section, with a cross-sectional diameter or larger diameter of from about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm;said internal portion having a plurality of bristle bars extending therefrom, which bristle bars are generally elongated in shape with a elongated length of at least 3.0 mm and which bristle bars are generally disposed about and generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush; wherein, during brushing,the bristle bars provide support to the peripheral bristle tufts, as the peripheral bristle tufts are deflected toward and come in contact with the elongated length of the bristle bars.2.A toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein, the peripheral bristle tufts and bristle bars have a Buttress Factor of from about 0.6 to about 0.75.