Oral care implement with adjustable cleaning elements

In some embodiments an oral care implement herein may be embodied as a toothbrush having a head disposed at a distal end of a handle. The head may include a fixed bristle support and at least two movable bristle supports, movable relative to the fixed bristle support and relative to each other. An actuator is disposed to actuate the movable bristle supports between a brushing position in which bristles on the fixed bristle support and the movable bristle supports are substantially parallel and an interdental cleaning position in which the movable bristle supports are moved relative to each other such that the bristles on the movable bristle supports are angled toward each other. In the interdental cleaning position, the bristles may form a point or similar bristle tip, which may be useful for interdental cleaning.

BACKGROUND

Various products and processes have been developed to improve and maintain oral health. For example, toothbrushes have been developed with varied bristle configurations and compositions. Toothbrushes also conventionally have been provided with additional cleaning implements such as tongue scrapers and “picks,” to offer varied oral cleaning capabilities. However, there remains a need in the art for improved implements capable of performing various cleaning tasks in the oral cavity.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for effective oral care devices. This disclosure is directed at overcoming one or more problems set forth above and/or other problems of the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This application describes improved oral care implements. In some embodiments, an oral care implement herein may be embodied as a toothbrush having a head disposed at a distal end of a handle. The head may include a fixed bristle support and at least two movable bristle supports, movable relative to the fixed bristle support and relative to each other. An actuator is disposed to actuate the movable bristle supports between a brushing position in which bristles on the fixed bristle support and the movable bristle supports are substantially parallel and an interdental cleaning position in which the movable bristle supports are moved relative to each other such that the bristles on the movable bristle supports are angled toward each other. In the interdental cleaning position, the bristles may form a point or similar cluster, which may be useful to promote enhanced interdental cleaning.

In aspects of this disclosure, an oral care implement may include a handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end; a head disposed at the distal end of the handle, the head comprising: a fixed bristle member comprising a first plurality of bristles on a fixed bristle support, a first movable bristle member comprising a second plurality of bristles on a first movable bristle support, and a second movable bristle member comprising a third plurality of bristles on a second movable bristle support; and an actuator configured to move the first movable bristle member and the second movable bristle member to selectively place the head in a brushing position in which the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles are disposed in a first orientation relative to the first plurality of bristles or in an interdental cleaning position in which the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles are angled relatively toward each other to form a bristle tip and the bristle tip is angled relative to the first plurality of bristles.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to the preceding paragraph, the actuator comprises an elongate member contacting the first movable bristle member and the second movable bristle member and movable relative to the fixed bristle member.

In other aspects, in an oral care implement according to the preceding paragraph, the elongate member contacts the first movable bristle member and the second movable bristle member proximate a first end and is fixed at an opposite, second end, to an actuatable member.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to the preceding paragraph, the actuatable member is configured for actuation by a user to move the actuator between the brushing position and the interdental cleaning position.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to any of the preceding three paragraphs, the elongate member is fixed to at least one of the first movable bristle member or the second movable bristle member.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to any of the preceding paragraphs a first hinge connects the first movable bristle member to the fixed bristle member and a second hinge connects the second movable bristle member to the fixed bristle member.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to the preceding paragraph, the first hinge and the second hinge are living hinges.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to either of the preceding two paragraphs, the first hinge is configured to allow rotation of the first movable bristle member about a first axis of rotation, the second hinge is configured to allow rotation of the second movable bristle member about a second axis of rotation, and the first axis and the second axis are angled relative to each other.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to any of the preceding paragraphs, in the interdental cleaning configuration, the bristle tip is angled relatively toward the first plurality of bristles or relatively away from the first plurality of bristles.

In another aspect of this disclosure, an oral care implement includes a handle; a head disposed at a distal end of the handle, the head comprising: a fixed cleaning member support, a first cleaning member disposed on the fixed cleaning member support, a first movable cleaning member support movable relative to the cleaning member support, a second cleaning member disposed on the first moveable cleaning member support, a second movable cleaning member support moveable relative to the cleaning member support and the first movable cleaning member support, and a third cleaning member disposed on the second moveable cleaning member support; and an actuator disposed to pivot the first movable cleaning member support relative to the fixed cleaning member support about a first axis, to pivot the second movable cleaning member support relative to the fixed cleaning member support about a second axis, and the second movable cleaning member support relative to the fixed cleaning member support, and to actuate at least one of the first movable cleaning member and the second movable cleaning member support relative to each other.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to the preceding paragraph the actuator comprises an elongate member disposed in the toothbrush.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to the preceding paragraph the elongate member extends from a proximal end disposed in the handle to a distal end contacting at least one of the first movable cleaning member support or the second movable cleaning member support.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to either of the two preceding paragraphs, the elongate member includes at the distal end a first member contacting the first movable bristle support and a second member contacting the second movable bristle support.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to the preceding paragraph the first member is fixed relative to the second member.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to any of the preceding five paragraphs, a first hinge connects the first movable cleaning element support to the fixed cleaning element support and a second hinge connects the second movable cleaning element support to the fixed bristle support.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to any of the preceding six paragraphs, the first cleaning element comprises a first plurality of bristles, the second cleaning element comprises a second plurality of bristles, and the third cleaning element comprises a third plurality of bristles.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to the preceding paragraph the actuator is adjustable between a first position that configures the head in a first configuration and a second position that configures the head in a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles generally are parallel and wherein in the second configuration the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles are angled relative to each other.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to the preceding paragraph, in the second configuration distal ends of the bristles comprising the second plurality of bristles are angled toward distal ends of the bristles comprising the third plurality of bristles to form a bristle tip.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to the preceding paragraph the bristle tip is angled relative to the first plurality of bristles.

In yet another aspect of this disclosure, a toothbrush includes a handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end; and a head disposed at the distal end of the handle. The head includes a fixed bristle member comprising a first plurality of bristles on a fixed bristle support, a first movable bristle member comprising a second plurality of bristles on a first movable bristle support, a first hinge connecting the first movable bristle member to the fixed bristle member, wherein the first movable bristle member pivots relative to the fixed bristle support, via the first hinge, about a first axis, a second movable bristle member comprising a third plurality of bristles on a second movable bristle support, and a second hinge connecting the second movable bristle member to the fixed bristle member, wherein the second movable bristle member pivots relative to the fixed bristle support, via the second hinge, about a second axis angled relative to the first axis.

In others aspects, in a toothbrush according to the preceding paragraph, an actuator is disposed to pivot the first movable bristle member relative to the fixed bristle member, via the first hinge, about the first axis and disposed to pivot the second movable bristle member relative to the fixed bristle member, via the second hinge, about the second axis.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to either of the preceding two paragraphs, when the first movable bristle member is pivoted relative to the fixed bristle member and the second movable bristle member is pivoted relative to the fixed bristle member, distal ends of the bristles comprising the second plurality of bristles are angled toward distal ends of the bristles comprising the third plurality of bristles to form a bristle tip.

In others aspects, in an oral care implement according to any of the preceding three paragraphs, at least one of the first hinge and the second hinge are living hinges.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of some presently-preferred embodiments of this disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses.

This disclosure relates generally to oral care implements, and more particularly to oral care implements that may be useful to perform different oral cleaning tasks. In some embodiments, for example, a toothbrush may include that can be positioned in both a first configuration that promotes conventional tooth brushing and a second configuration for interdental cleaning. Although certain embodiments and benefits will be described, other implementations, modifications, and/or benefits will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit if this disclosure. For example, the following detailed description may generally refer to embodiments of the inventive implements in the context of a toothbrush, but the disclosure is not limited to toothbrushes; other oral care implements may also incorporate features of this disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, embodiments of this disclosure may not include bristles, instead using rubber or polymeric protrusions as cleaning elements in the place of bristles.

FIGS. 1A and 1Billustrate an oral care implement100according to embodiments of this disclosure. The oral care implement100is embodied as a toothbrush and generally includes a handle102, a head104disposed at the distal end of the handle102, and a neck portion106generally disposed between the handle102and the head104. As illustrated, the toothbrush has a generally elongate shape, extending along a longitudinal axis108. This disclosure is not limited to the shape and/or size of the toothbrush illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B. In alternative implementations, one or more of the handle102, head104, and/or neck106may have different shapes, sizes, orientations, and/or the like. Additional features may also be incorporated into the toothbrush or disposed on the toothbrush.

The head104of the oral care implement100includes a fixed cleaning element110, a first movable cleaning element112, and a second movable cleaning element114. The fixed cleaning element110generally includes a fixed bristle support116and a plurality of bristles118extending from a surface120of the fixed bristle support114. In the illustration, the bristles118are generally parallel to each other, and extend generally perpendicularly from the surface120of the fixed bristle support114. The first movable cleaning element112generally includes a first movable bristle support122and a plurality of bristles124extending from a surface126of the first movable bristle support122. In the illustration, the bristles124are generally parallel to each other, and extend generally perpendicularly from the surface126. The second movable cleaning element114is similar to the first movable cleaning element112, and generally includes a second movable bristle support128and a plurality of bristles130extending from a surface132of the second movable bristle support128. The bristles130are illustrated as being generally parallel to each other, and extend generally perpendicularly from the surface132.

The first movable cleaning element112and the second movable cleaning element114are movable relative to each other, as well as relative to the fixed cleaning element110. For example,FIG. 1Aillustrates a first, tooth brushing configuration of the cleaning elements110,112,114. In this tooth brushing arrangement, the toothbrush may be used as a conventional toothbrush, for example, with all bristles generally parallel to each other or otherwise arranged for conventional brushing.FIG. 1Billustrates a second, interdental cleaning arrangement of the cleaning elements110,112,114, which may be better suited for other oral cleaning applications, including interdental cleaning. As illustrated inFIG. 1B, in the interdental cleaning arrangement, the first movable cleaning element112and the second movable cleaning element114are moved relative to each other such that the bristles124of the first movable cleaning element112and the bristles130of the second movable cleaning element114are angled toward each other. In this configuration, distal ends of the bristles124,130, i.e., ends spaced from the respective surface126,132, become more closely spaced, even overlapping or crossing. Thus, a bristle tip134or point of bristles may result, which may be better suited for concentrated interdental cleaning.

As also illustrated inFIG. 1B, when in the interdental cleaning configuration, the first movable cleaning element112and the second movable cleaning element114are moved relative to the fixed cleaning element110. In this implementation, the distal ends of the bristles124,130are pivoted or tilted toward the bristles118of the fixed cleaning element110. Thus, bristles comprising the bristles118may also form a portion of the bristle tip134.

The bristles118,124,130may be formed as bristle tufts. The tufts may be formed with bristles of the same or different bristle materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.). Moreover, while the bristles118,124,130may be arranged so that they are generally perpendicular to the respective surfaces120,126,132from which they depend, some or all of the tooth cleaning elements may be angled at various angles with respect to the bottom surface. When bristle tufts are provided, it may be possible to select the combination of bristle configurations, bristle materials and/or bristle orientations to achieve specific intended results and operational characteristics, thus maximizing and enhancing cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, massaging, stimulation, and the like.

The bristles118may be attached to the respective bristle support116,122,128by any conventional method. In certain embodiments, the bristles may be secured to a plate having a plurality of holes formed therethrough, and the bristles may be mounted to the plate within the holes. This type of technique for mounting the bristles to a plate, such as a head plate, is generally known as anchor free tufting (AFT). In AFT a plate or membrane is created and the tooth cleaning elements (such as bristles, elastomeric elements, and combinations thereof) are positioned into the plate so as to extend through the holes of the plate. The free ends of the tooth cleaning elements on one side of the head plate perform the cleaning function. The ends of the tooth cleaning elements on the other side of the head plate are melted together by heat to be anchored in place. As the tooth cleaning elements are melted together, a melt matte is formed, which is a layer of plastic formed from the collective ends of the tooth cleaning elements that connects the tooth cleaning elements to one another on one side of the plate and prevents the tooth cleaning elements from being pulled through the tuft holes.

In some conventional designs, such as some conventional manual toothbrushes, after the tooth cleaning elements are secured to the plate, the plate may be secured to the head104, such as by ultrasonic welding. When the head plate is coupled to the head104, the melt matte is located between a lower surface of the head plate and a floor of a basin or cavity of the head104in which the head plate is disposed. The melt matte, which is coupled directly to and in fact forms a part of the tooth cleaning elements, prevents the tooth cleaning elements from being pulled through the holes in the plate, thus ensuring that the tooth cleaning elements remain attached to the plate during use of the oral care implement. In embodiments of this disclosure, the three groups of bristles118,124,130may be formed separately, and fixed relative to the respective fixed cleaning element110, the first movable cleaning element112, or the second movable cleaning element114.

In another embodiment, the bristles may be connected to a plate or membrane using a technique known in the art as AMR. In this technique, a head plate is provided and the bristles are inserted into holes in the head plate so that free/cleaning ends of the bristles extend from the front surface of the head plate and bottom ends of the bristles are adjacent to the rear surface of the head plate. After the bristles are inserted into the holes in the head plate, the bottom ends of the bristles are melted together by applying heat thereto, thereby forming a melt matte at the rear surface of the head plate. The melt matte is a thin layer of plastic that is formed by melting the bottom ends of the bristles so that the bottom ends of the bristles transition into a liquid, at which point the liquid of the bottom ends of the bristles combine together into a single layer of liquid plastic that at least partially covers the rear surface of the head plate. After the heat is no longer applied, the melted bottom ends of the bristles solidify/harden to form the melt matte/thin layer of plastic. In some conventional applications, after formation of the melt matte, a tissue cleaner is injection molded onto the rear surface of the head plate, thereby trapping the melt matte between the tissue cleaner and the rear surface of the head plate. Other structures may be coupled to the rear surface of the head plate to trap the melt matte between the rear surface of the head plate and such structure without the structure necessarily being a tissue cleaner. For example, in embodiments of this disclosure, a structure covering the melt matte may be a plastic material that is used to form a smooth rear surface of the head, or the like. In still other embodiments, the structure can be molded onto the rear surface of the head plate or snap-fit (or other mechanical coupling) to the rear surface of the head plate as desired.

Of course, techniques other than AFT and AMR can be used for mounting bristles, such as widely known and used stapling/anchoring techniques or the like. In such embodiments the bristles118,124,130may be coupled directly to the head. Furthermore, in a modified version of the AFT process discussed above, the head plate may be formed by positioning the bristles and/or other tooth cleaning elements within a mold, and then molding the head plate around the tooth cleaning elements via an injection molding process. However, it should be appreciated that certain of the bristle tufts disclosed herein may not be adequately secured to the head using staple techniques, and one of AFT or AMR may therefore be preferred for securing such bristle tufts.

Moreover, in certain embodiments, the invention can be practiced with various combinations of stapled, IMT, AMR, or AFT cleaning elements. Alternatively, the tooth cleaning elements could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the tooth cleaning elements is mounted within or below the tuft block. In still other embodiments, likely in which the tooth cleaning elements are not bristles, the tooth cleaning elements may be molded integrally with the head.

As noted above, both the first movable cleaning element and the second movable cleaning element are movable relative to the fixed cleaning element in the illustrated embodiment. InFIGS. 1A and 1B(and illustrated inFIG. 3), a hinge136connects the first movable cleaning element112to the fixed cleaning element110and a hinge138connects the second movable cleaning element114to the fixed cleaning element110. As illustrated, the hinges136,138are angled relative to each other, i.e., an axis of rotation for the hinge136and an axis of rotation for the hinge138are not co-linear and not parallel. Moreover, those axes are not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis108, although one could be in some embodiments. Instead, the axes of the hinges136,138form a “v” shape, with the “point” of the “v” being disposed generally along the longitudinal axis108and the “legs” of the “v” extending from the point in opposite directions of the longitudinal axis108, to a position closer to the handle102than the point of the “v.” With this arrangement, actuation of each of the first movable cleaning element112and the second movable cleaning element114causes the respective bristles124,130to move toward each other, e.g., to form the bristle tip134. In the illustrations, the hinges136,138are living hinges136,138although in other embodiments one or more different types of hinge may be provided to promote relative motion. For example, hinges of a different material (than the head) and/or separately fixed to the first and second movable cleaning element may be used in some embodiments.

The relative angle of the hinges136,138also may be varied, e.g., to vary the construction of the bristle tip134when the head is in the interdental cleaning position. As will be appreciated, any relative angle between the hinges will result in the distal ends of the bristles moving relative (closer to or farther from) each other. Moreover, although the hinges136,138are illustrated as angled symmetrically about the longitudinal axis108, this arrangement is not required. Specifically, an angle between the hinge136and a line parallel to the longitudinal axis may be different than an angle between the hinge138and the line parallel to the longitudinal axis. In some implementations, the rotational axes of the hinges136,138may be co-linear, although in such an arrangement the bristles on the movable elements112,114would not move relatively closer to each other.

As also illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the toothbrush100includes a movable button or slider140provided as an actuating member. The slider140is manually movable between a first position and a second position to selectively configure the toothbrush in the tooth brushing configuration or the interdental cleaning configuration. The slider140acts with other components to form an actuator that facilitates the movement of the first and second movable cleaning elements112,114.

Details of an example actuator202are illustrated inFIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3. Specifically,FIG. 2Ais a partial side view of the toothbrush100in the brushing position shown inFIG. 1A,FIG. 2Bis a similar partial side view of the toothbrush100in the interdental cleaning position shown inFIG. 1B, andFIG. 3is a schematic top view of the head106. In these Figures, the actuator202includes an elongate arm204extending from the button140to the first movable cleaning element112and the second movable cleaning element114. In the illustration, the elongate arm204is disposed inside the toothbrush, e.g., in a cavity extending through the neck106and the head104. In other embodiments, some of or the entire elongate arm may be disposed external to the neck and/or head. For example, the elongate arm may extend along or proximate a back surface of the toothbrush, e.g., opposite the bristles or along or proximate a side surface. As illustrated, the elongate arm204may be contoured, e.g., to match a contour of the toothbrush. In other embodiments, the elongate arm may be substantially linear. The elongate arm preferably is a rigid arm, and may be made of any suitable material. For example, the elongate arm may be made from a polymer or metal.

As illustrated, the elongate arm204is fixed or otherwise connected at one end to the button140. At the other end, the arm communicates with the movable cleaning elements112,114. As best illustrated inFIG. 3, the end of the elongate arm204communicating with the movable cleaning elements112,114may include two attachment portions206a,206b, one for cooperation with each of the movable cleaning elements112,114. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate arm204is forked to provide the spaced attachment portions206a,206b. In other embodiments, a separate arm204could be provided for each of the movable cleaning elements112,114. Those arms may be affixed to the button140such that they both move in unison, or other embodiments could include two buttons, e.g., to allow for independent actuation of each of the movable cleaning elements112,114.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the elongate arm204contacts the movable cleaning elements112,114at a position spaced from the hinge136,138. In operation, a user may move the button to move the elongate arm204generally along the axis108. The elongate arm204acts as a linkage between the button140and the movable cleaning elements that causes the first movable cleaning element112to pivot about the hinge136and the second movable cleaning element114to pivot about the hinge138. By way of specific example, when a user moves the button from the position shown inFIG. 1Ato the position shown inFIG. 1B, the elongate arm causes the movable cleaning elements to pivot about the respective hinges, thereby forming the bristle tip134. Similarly, when the button is moved from the position shown inFIG. 1Bto the position shown inFIG. 1A, the movable cleaning elements will move to a position that places the head in the tooth brushing configuration. The angle of pivot about which each of the cleaning elements112,114rotates is controlled by the displacement of the elongate arm204in the elongate direction.

In some embodiments, the attachment portions206a,206bmay be physically fixed to the movable cleaning elements112,114, e.g., by press fitting, adhesive, overmolding, or the like. In other examples, however, it may be desirable to provide a relationship in which the spaced attachment portions206a,206bmerely contacts the movable cleaning elements112,114, but the movable cleaning elements also move relative to the attachment portions. For example, in the illustrated example, the force applied by the elongate arm to each of the movable cleaning elements is generally along the longitudinal axis, whereas the axis of rotation about which each of the movable cleaning elements112,114pivots is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. One would expect this configuration to put some strain on a fixed joint between the attachment portions206a,206band the respective movable cleaning elements. Not fixing the arm to the movable elements could prevent some of this strain. Alternatively, or in addition, the attachment portions206a,206bcould be angled relative to each other, for example, at an angle that situates the attachment portions206a,206bsubstantially perpendicular to the axis of the rotation of the respective movable cleaning elements112,114. This may reduce, although likely not entirely remove, strain on a joint at the attachment.

When the elongate arm202is not fixed to the movable cleaning elements112,114, it may necessary to insure that the head returns to the tooth brushing configuration when the button is moved into the position illustrated inFIG. 1Afrom the position shown inFIG. 1B. To this end, the hinges136,138may include a natural bias that will return the head to the brushing position absent an applied force by the elongate arm. In other embodiments, the attachment portions206a,206bmay not be fixed to the cleaning elements, but may include a feature that contacts a portion of the respective movable cleaning elements112,114to physically move those cleaning elements into the brushing position. For example, ends of the attachment portions206a,206bmay include a protrusion or the like that contacts a surface or other feature fixed on the movable cleaning element and facing away from the button in the axial direction. In this manner, by actuating the button140to the position illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 2Afrom the position illustrated inFIGS. 1B and 2B, the protrusion acts on the surface or other feature to “pull” the movable cleaning elements back to their tooth brushing position.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5Billustrate an example of a toothbrush400according to another example embodiment of this disclosure. In those Figures, the toothbrush400generally includes a head402having a fixed cleaning element404, a first movable cleaning element406, and a second movable cleaning element408. As in the toothbrush100described above, the fixed cleaning element generally includes a fixed bristle support410and bristles412extending from a surface414of the fixed bristle support410. The first movable cleaning element406includes a first movable bristle support416and bristles418extending from a surface420of the first movable bristle support416. Similarly, the second movable cleaning element408includes a second movable bristle support422and bristles424extending from a surface426of the second movable bristle support. Also like the toothbrush100, the toothbrush400includes a hinge428allowing for movement of the first movable cleaning element406relative to the fixed cleaning element404and a hinge430allowing for movement of the second movable cleaning element408relative to the fixed cleaning element.

The head402of the toothbrush400is configurable in both a tooth brushing position shown inFIGS. 4A and 5Aand an interdental cleaning position illustrated inFIGS. 4B and 5B. In the interdental cleaning position, distal ends of the bristles418,424of the movable cleaning elements406,408pivot toward each other to form a bristle tip432, similar to the toothbrush100described above. Unlike the toothbrush100, however, when the toothbrush400is arranged in the interdental cleaning position, the bristles418,424of the movable cleaning elements406,408rotate away from the bristles412of the fixed cleaning element404. Accordingly, the bristle tip432is directed away from the fixed cleaning element. This different arrangement may be more comfortable and/or effective for some users.

The toothbrush400is movable between the two positions by an actuating mechanism not shown in the Figures. The actuating mechanism may be substantially identical to the actuating mechanism shown inFIGS. 1A-3or discussed above in connection with the toothbrush100. When an actuating mechanism such as illustrated inFIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3above is used, it should be apparent that actuation of the elongate arm along the arrow A ofFIG. 4Awill result in reconfiguration of the head402from the tooth brushing position to the interdental cleaning position, which is the opposite direction of travel required in the toothbrush100. Other actuating mechanisms may also be used, as should be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, the toothbrush400may also include a head cover434disposed over the first and second movable cleaning elements406,408. In the Figures, the hinges428,430are living hinges formed as a part of the head cover434and the head cover434and the fixed cleaning element404are fixed to each other. Alternatively, the fixed bristle support404, the first and second movable cleaning elements406,408, and/or the hinges428,430may be formed as an integral or assembled piece, with the head cover434disposed over some of the features, e.g., to prevent debris, moisture and other contaminants from getting trapped between the components. The head cover434preferably is a flexible material that does not restrict the movement of the movable bristle supports416,422as the head moves between the brushing configuration and the interdental cleaning configuration. The head cover434may be a rubber or highly flexible polymer, for example.

Other modifications to the embodiments discussed above also are contemplated. For example, although in the illustrated embodiments the surfaces of the fixed cleaning element and the movable cleaning elements are generally co-planar in the tooth brushing position, such is not required. In other embodiments one or more of the surfaces may be angled and/or offset relative to other of the surfaces in the brushing configuration.

Modifications also may be made to the actuation mechanisms described above. For example, the button or slider could be replaced with a threadably adjustable rod or other manual mechanism that would cause the elongate arm to move. In other implementations, the button or other manual interface may be disposed other than in the position shown. For example, the button may be disposed on a back of the neck, at some other position along the handle or neck, or at the butt of the toothbrush. Alternatively, instead of a manual button or slider, an electro-mechanical actuator may be used to move the movable cleaning elements relative to the fixed element. A push-button could be used to control the actuator to move between the two positions, for example.

Although example embodiments have been described in language specific to the structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the example embodiments.