Abstract:
An interdental cleaning member includes a brush having a plurality of bristles, each of the plurality of bristles comprising a bristle shaft, the bristle shaft extending from a shaft base to a shaft tip, and formed to have a thickness and resiliency configured to clean interdental areas and areas interposing a tooth and gum tissue surrounding the tooth.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The disclosure generally relates to oral hygiene tools. In particular, the disclosure relates to brushes, bristles, and bristle sets for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    As is known, a toothbrush is an oral hygiene instrument that is useful for cleaning teeth and gums. Conventional toothbrushes may include one or more heads of bristles that are arranged for cleaning the oral cavity—particularly, the teeth, tongue, and gums. Toothpaste is typically an abrasive fluid, paste, or gel dentifrice, and is used with toothbrushes to enhance cleaning by mechanical action. The cleaning effectiveness of toothbrushes has also been enhanced by using different bristle textures, sizes, and forms. In the past century, conventional toothbrushes have been modified to include soft bristles to protect tooth enamel and minimize gum damage and/or irritation, and may be formed of nylon or other materials that have desirable hardness and durability. 
         [0003]    Some conventional toothbrushes are powered by electricity. An electric toothbrush includes a brush that is driven by a motor and oscillates or rotates the brush. Electric toothbrushes have been found to be easier to use than brushes that require completely manual brushing action. Moreover, electric toothbrushes have been clinically proven to generally be more effective for cleaning teeth than unpowered toothbrushes. 
         [0004]    Other types of conventional toothbrushes include interdental or interproximal brushes and end-tufted brushes. Interdental cleaning instruments such as interdental brushes are designed for cleaning between teeth, and between braces and teeth. An interdental cleaning instrument may have a cleaning head that has a tapered surface profile. For example, a head of an interdental cleaning instrument may have a conical shape for cleaning the narrow spaces between teeth. An interdental cleaning instrument may alternatively include a brush having bristles located about a slender rod that is suitable for reaching between teeth to clean interdental spaces. 
         [0005]    End-tufted toothbrushes are designed for cleaning along gumlines adjacent to teeth. End-tufted toothbrushes typically include a bristle head that is shaped to form an angled cleaning surface that conforms to interdental spaces. Dental instruments are conventionally required to perform specific dedicated cleaning functions for which they are narrowly suitable. Thus, an improved multi-functional electric toothbrush configured for easier, more effective, and more comprehensive tooth and interdental space cleaning was desired. 
         [0006]    A powered multi-function brush configured for simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces has been provided, however, by R. Gottlieb as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0216640, titled MUTLI-FUNCTION ELECTRIC BRUSH APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS USEFUL FOR CLEANING TEETH AND INTERDENTAL SPACES, published on Aug. 6, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Gottlieb discloses multi-function brushes useful for orthodontic, pedodontic, and periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced subgingival cleaning In particular, Gottlieb discloses a powered dental and interdental cleaning tool including a body, an interdental cleaning member, and a drive member. The drive member may extend from the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member may be connected to the interdental cleaning member. A neck may extend from the body and define a drive member shaft for containing and supporting the drive member. 
         [0007]    Further, an electric interdental cleaning apparatus and systems useful for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces has been provided by R. Gottlieb as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0216639, titled ELECTRIC INTERDENTAL CLEANING APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS USEFUL FOR CLEANING TEETH AND INTERDENTAL SPACES, published on Aug. 6, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Gottlieb discloses electric interdental cleaning devices configured for easier, more effective, and more comprehensive interdental space cleaning, and particularly for orthodontic, pedodontal, periodontal, and enhanced subgingival cleaning applications. In particular, Gottlieb discloses a powered dental and interdental cleaning tool including a body, an interdental cleaning member, and a drive member. The drive member extends from the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member is connected to the interdental cleaning member. A neck extends from the body and defines a drive member shaft for containing and supporting the drive member. 
         [0008]    Conventional bristles and brushes are designed for tooth surface cleaning and relatively superficial cleaning of spaces between teeth and gums. Enhanced brushes suitable for reaching and cleaning interdental spaces and areas below gumlines may be beneficial generally, and particularly for use with electric teeth and interdental cleaning apparatus and systems such as those disclosed by Gottlieb. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    A need for enhanced bristles, bristle sets, and brushes useful for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces has been recognized. For example, a need for bristles, bristles sets, and brushes useful for powered multi-functional electric brush apparatus and systems and powered electric interdental cleaning apparatus and systems useful for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces has been recognized. Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide solutions to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully identified, appreciated, or solved by current dental cleaning technologies. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, a powered multi-function brush advantageously enables an apparatus useful for interdental cleaning, including an interdental cleaning member, the interdental cleaning member comprising a plurality of bristles, each of the plurality of bristles comprising a bristle shaft, the bristle shaft extending from a shaft base to a shaft tip, and formed to have a thickness and resiliency configured to clean interdental areas and areas interposing a tooth and gum tissue surrounding the tooth. 
         [0010]    Additional features and technical effects of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description wherein embodiments of the present disclosure are described simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated to carry out the present disclosure. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawing and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1A  shows a front perspective view of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1B  shows a rear perspective view of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  shows a control panel of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  shows an enlarged front view of neck and head portions of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  shows an enlarged rear perspective view of neck and head portions of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment wherein the brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment wherein the brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with another exemplary embodiment wherein the brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  shows a brush including concentrically arranged bristle sets in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10A-10E  show brush and bristle sets in accordance with exemplary embodiments; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  shows an electric interdental cleaning device including a brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment used for cleaning under gum lines and teeth; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  shows a multi-functional tooth and interdental space cleaning device including a brush configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment cleaning a surface of teeth while cleaning interdental spaces; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  shows a multi-functional tooth and interdental space cleaning device including a brush configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment cleaning a surface of teeth while cleaning interdental spaces. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments. It should be apparent, however, that exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring exemplary embodiments. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, ratios, and numerical properties of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. 
         [0027]    The present disclosure addresses and solves the current problems attendant upon cleaning teeth and interdental spaces. Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to brushes for a powered multi-function device and for a powered interdental cleaning device that enable simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. The brushes are useful for orthodontic, pedodontal, and periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced subgingival cleaning under the gumline. For example, the brushes are configured for reaching and effectively and safely cleaning approximately 3 to 5 millimeters below the gumline, and preferably for cleaning at about 5 millimeters below the gumline. 
         [0028]    Still other aspects, features, and technical effects will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein preferred embodiments are shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated. The disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1A  shows a front perspective view of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular,  FIG. 1A  shows a multi-function electric device  100 , an electric cleaning device  101  having a brush in accordance with an embodiment, and an interdental cleaning device  102  having a brush in accordance with another embodiment. Each of the multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device  100 , and interdental cleaning devices  101 , and  102  includes a body  103 , and a neck and head  105 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 1A  shows that a control panel  104  may be disposed on or within the body  103 . The control panel may include a graphical and tactile user interface configured to enable powering on and off, controlling brush rotation and reciprocation speed, and understanding a power level, including a battery level, for example. 
         [0031]    A drive member (not shown) may extend from a motor disposed within the body  103  through the neck to the head. The drive member may drive rotation and reciprocation of a toothbrush and interdental cleaning member. For example,  FIG. 1A  shows an interdental cleaning member  107  disposed to reciprocate axially from the head attached to the neck  105  of the multi-functional tooth and interdental space cleaning device  100 , and the interdental cleaning device  101 . Both interdental cleaning members  107  include concentrically disposed bristle sets arranged in progressively smaller, stepped rings, each having progressively taller bristles toward a center of the rings and together forming a point. Each of the bristles may be formed of a flexible, resilient material, now known or later developed, and useful for cleaning teeth and withstanding associated wear while causing minimal risk of tooth or tissue damage by abrasion, structural failure, or otherwise. 
         [0032]    Each of devices  101  and  102  include a brush support  108  that configured for receding within the head. The interdental member  107  brush support of the multi-function device  100  is obscured by an outer tooth cleaning brush  109 . The brush  109  may be configured for rotation along with rotation and reciprocation of the interdental cleaning member brush  107 . 
         [0033]    The interdental cleaning device  102  includes an interdental cleaning member brush  111  in accordance with another embodiment. In particular, the interdental cleaning brush  111  includes slender pointed bristles that are arranged to form a denser point with less visible graduations as the bristle rings edges form a smooth slope to the point. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1B  shows a rear perspective view of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular,  FIG. 1B  shows the multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device  100 , and interdental cleaning devices  101 , and  102  of  FIG. 1A , each including a neck and head  105 .  FIG. 1B  shows the multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device  100  including an interdental cleaning member brush (not shown) and a tooth brush  109  surrounding the interdental cleaning member brush. The interdental cleaning device  101  includes an interdental cleaning member brush  107  including a stepped arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. The interdental cleaning device  102  includes an interdental cleaning member brush  111  including a sloping arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  shows a control panel of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 2  shows a control panel  104 . The control panel  104  includes an on/off indicator and/or button  203 , a speed increase indicator and/or button  205 , battery level indicators and/or buttons  207 , speed level indicators and/or buttons  209 , and a speed decrease indicator and/or button  211 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  shows a control panel  104  that may include a touch sensitive film membrane, for example. The control panel may be backlit using a row of small LEDs that are arranged to emit light to pass through a masked printed surface. The battery level indicators and/or buttons  207  may be lit or dimmed to indicate, for example, a full battery signal  215 , a high battery signal  217 , a medium battery  219 , or a low battery signal  221 . A battery indicator and/or button  209  may be lit or dimmed, for example, to indicate a low speed signal  223 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular,  FIG. 3  shows the multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device  100 , and interdental cleaning devices  101 , and  102 , each including a neck and head  105 .  FIG. 3  shows the multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device  100  including an interdental cleaning member brush  107  and a tooth brush  109  surrounding the interdental cleaning member brush. The interdental cleaning device  101  includes an interdental cleaning member brush  107  including a stepped arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. The interdental cleaning device  102  includes an interdental cleaning member brush  111  including a sloping arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. 
         [0038]    Each of devices  101  and  102  include a brush support  108  that configured for receding within the head as the interdental cleaning member rotates and reciprocates axially in a pulsing movement. The interdental member  107  brush support of the multi-function device  100  is obscured by an outer tooth cleaning brush  109 . The brush  109  may be configured for rotation along with rotation and reciprocation of the interdental cleaning member brush  107 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  shows an enlarged front view of neck and head portions of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular,  FIG. 4  shows the multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device  100 , and interdental cleaning devices  101 , and  102 , each including a neck and head  105 .  FIG. 4  shows the multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device  100  including an interdental cleaning member brush  107  and a tooth brush  109  surrounding the interdental cleaning member brush. The interdental cleaning device  101  includes an interdental cleaning member brush  107  including a stepped arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. The interdental cleaning device  102  includes an interdental cleaning member brush  111  including a sloping arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. 
         [0040]    Each of devices  101  and  102  include a brush support  108  that configured for receding within the head as the interdental cleaning member rotates and reciprocates axially in a pulsing movement. The interdental member  107  brush support of the multi-function device  100  is obscured by an outer tooth cleaning brush  109 . The brush  109  may be configured for rotation along with rotation and reciprocation of the interdental cleaning member brush  107 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  shows an enlarged rear perspective view of neck and head portions of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 5  shows an enlarged rear perspective view of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular,  FIG. 5  shows the multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device  100 , and interdental cleaning devices  101 , and  102  of  FIG. 5 , each including a neck and head  105 .  FIG. 5  shows the multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device  100  including an interdental cleaning member brush (not shown) and a tooth brush  109  surrounding the interdental cleaning member brush. The interdental cleaning device  101  includes an interdental cleaning member brush  107  including a stepped arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. The interdental cleaning device  102  includes an interdental cleaning member brush  111  including a sloping arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment wherein the brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions. In particular,  FIG. 6  shows a multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device including a neck and head  105 .  FIG. 6  shows the multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device including an interdental cleaning member brush  107  and a tooth brush  109  surrounding the interdental cleaning member brush. The interdental cleaning device includes an interdental cleaning member brush  107  including a stepped arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. The interdental cleaning member brush is configured to reciprocate with respect to the head, extending beyond the tooth brush  109  in an extended position, and retracted below a surface of the tooth brush  109  in a retracted position. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of an interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment wherein the brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions. In particular,  FIG. 7  shows an interdental cleaning device including a neck and head  105 .  FIG. 7  shows the interdental cleaning device including an interdental cleaning member brush  111  supported by a brush support  108 . The interdental cleaning member brush is configured to reciprocate with respect to the head, extending beyond the head outer surface in an extended position, and retracted below a surface of the head along with the brush support  108  in a retracted position. The brush support  108  and the brush  111  are configured for receding within the head as the interdental cleaning member rotates and reciprocates axially in a pulsing movement. 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of an interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with another exemplary embodiment wherein the brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions. In particular,  FIG. 8  shows an interdental cleaning device including a neck and head  105 .  FIG. 8  shows the interdental cleaning device including an interdental cleaning member brush  107  supported by a brush support  108 . The interdental cleaning member brush is configured to reciprocate with respect to the head, extending beyond the head outer surface in an extended position, and retracted below a surface of the head along with the brush support  108  in a retracted position. The brush support  108  and the brush  107  are configured for receding within the head as the interdental cleaning member rotates and reciprocates axially in a pulsing movement. 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  shows a brush including concentrically arranged bristle sets in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular,  FIG. 9  shows a brush  107  including concentrically arranged bristle sets  903  in the form of bristle rings. The ring bristle sets  903  are formed of cylindrical bristles that have substantially flat or planar or rounded ends or caps. The ring bristle sets  903  are concentrically arranged in a stepwise manner of increasing bristle height per ring unto a brush point  903 . The bristles of the bristle sets  903  are formed of a material and configured and arranged so as to enable splaying and flexibility for form-fitting to structures and, to an extent, enabling deformation of the brush  107  to accommodate insertion of the brush  107  into narrow spaces and conformance of the brush  107  onto irregular structural surfaces.  FIG. 9  shows front perspective, top, side, and side perspective views of the brush  107 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 10A-10E  show brush and bristle sets in accordance with exemplary embodiments.  FIGS. 10A-10C and 10E  shows a brush  111  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The brush  111  formed of slender bristles that are tapered to a point toward a tip of the brush  111  to together form a dense and fine point  1005 . The brush  111  includes concentrically arranged bristle sets in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular, the brush  111  includes concentrically arranged bristle sets of bristles  1001  in the form of bristle rings. The ring bristle sets are formed of tapered bristles  1001  that have substantially pointed ends. The bristles  1001  are formed in concentrically arranged in a stepwise manner of increasing bristle height per ring unto a brush point  1005 . 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 10E , the bristles  1001  of the bristle sets are formed of a material and configured and arranged so as to enable splaying and flexibility for form-fitting to structures and, to an extent, enabling deformation of the brush  111  to accommodate insertion of the brush  111  into narrow spaces and conformance of the brush  111  onto irregular structural surfaces. As shown in  FIG. 10D , the bristles  1001  are formed to taper to a point. 
         [0048]      FIG. 11  shows an electric interdental cleaning device including a brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment used for cleaning between gums and teeth. In particular,  FIG. 11  shows a head  105  of an interdental cleaning device having a brush  111  supported by a brush support  108  for rotation and axial reciprocation for cleaning, with respect to the head  105 . The brush  111  and brush support  108  are shown in an extended position in  FIG. 11 . The brush  111  is shown inserted between teeth  1101  and gum tissue  1105  along movable and cleanable portions thereof. 
         [0049]      FIG. 12  shows an interdental space cleaning device including a brush configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment cleaning a surface of teeth and cleaning interdental spaces.  FIG. 12  shows an electric interdental cleaning device including a brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment used for cleaning between gums and teeth. In particular,  FIG. 12  shows an interdental cleaning device having a brush  107  supported by a brush support  108  for rotation and axial reciprocation for cleaning, with respect to the head. The brush  107  and brush support  108  are shown in an extended position in  FIG. 12 . The brush  107  is shown inserted between teeth  1101  and conforming to and being working around dental appliances  1201 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 13  shows a multi-functional tooth and interdental space cleaning device including a brush configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment cleaning a surface of teeth while cleaning interdental spaces.  FIG. 13  shows an electric interdental cleaning device including a brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment used for cleaning between gums and teeth. In particular,  FIG. 13  shows an interdental cleaning device having a brush  107  supported by a brush support for rotation and axial reciprocation for cleaning, with respect to the head. The brush  107  is shown in an extended position in  FIG. 13 . The brush  107  is shown inserted between teeth  1101  and conforming to and cleaning surfaces of teeth  1101  while a surrounding rotating brush cleans surfaces of teeth  1101  concurrently. 
         [0051]    Accordingly, the brushes and brush configurations for multi-function tooth and interdental cleaning devices and interdental cleaning devices in accordance with embodiments advantageously enables simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces or cleaning of teeth and interdental spaces. Further, the multi-function teeth and interdental cleaning device and the interdental cleaning device in accordance with some embodiments may be useful for many applications, including pedodontic, and orthodontic applications. 
         [0052]    The brushes in accordance with embodiments may be useful for periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced cleaning under the gumline. For example, the brushes in accordance with some embodiments may include an interdental cleaning member and brush that is configured to reach about 3 to 5 millimeters below the gumline for cleaning 
         [0053]    In the preceding description, the present disclosure is described with reference to specifically exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded as illustrative and not as restrictive. It is understood that the present disclosure is capable of using various other combinations and embodiments and is capable of any changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.