Oral care implement

Described herein is an oral care implement that includes a head portion; a cup member extending from a front surface of the head portion along a first axis, the elastomeric cup member comprising: a top surface; a plurality of grooves formed into the top surface; a plurality of rib members, wherein adjacent ones of the grooves are separated by one of the rib members, each of the rib members extending along a rib axis that extends radially outward from the first axis, and wherein each of the rib members has a thickness that increases with distance from the first axis. The cup member may comprise a plurality of first grooves and a plurality of second grooves, and wherein each of the first grooves has a first transverse cross-section and each of the second grooves has a second transverse cross-section, the first and second transverse cross-sections being different from one another.

BACKGROUND

Powered toothbrushes may include a head having rotational cleaning elements. In these toothbrushes, the movement of the cleaning elements may provide a specific cleaning effect to the oral cavity during usage. However, there is room for improvement in both the geometry of the various cleaning elements as well as the movement of the cleaning elements within the head.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention may be directed to an oral care implement for detachable coupling to a handle having a power source and a motor including a drive shaft, the oral care implement comprising a drive assembly having a first portion configured to operably engage the drive shaft of the motor; a head portion comprising a body, a first carrier comprising a plurality of bristle tufts extending from the first carrier, the first carrier comprising a central passageway, and a second carrier disposed within the central passageway of the first carrier, the second carrier comprising an elastomeric cleaning element extending from the second carrier; and the drive assembly having a second portion operably coupled to each of the first and second carriers and configured to (1) produce a first oscillatory motion of the first carrier about a first rotational axis and (2) produce a second oscillatory motion of the second carrier, the second oscillatory motion being counter to the first oscillatory motion.

Other embodiments of the present invention include an oral care implement comprising a head portion having a front surface, a plurality of bristle tufts extending from the front surface, a cup member extending from the front surface of the head portion along a first axis, the elastomeric cup member comprising a top surface, a plurality of grooves formed into the top surface, and a plurality of rib members, wherein adjacent ones of the grooves are separated by one of the rib members, each of the rib members extending along a rib axis that extends radially outward from the first axis, and wherein each of the rib members has a thickness that increases with distance from the first axis.

Other embodiments of the present invention include an oral care implement comprising a head portion having a front surface, a plurality of bristle tufts extending from the front surface, a cup member extending from the front surface of the head portion along a first axis, the elastomeric cup member comprising a top surface a plurality of grooves formed into the top surface, each of the grooves extending along a groove axis that extends radially outward from the first axis, wherein the grooves comprising a plurality of first grooves and a plurality of second grooves, and wherein, taken along a reference cylinder about the first axis, each of the first grooves has a first transverse cross-section and each of the second grooves has a second transverse cross-section, the first and second transverse cross-sections being different from one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, an oral care implement200will be described in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. In the exemplified embodiment, a toothbrush1may comprise the oral care implement200, whereby the toothbrush1is a powered toothbrush. In other embodiments the oral care implement200can take on other forms such as being a manual toothbrush, a tongue scraper, a gum and soft tissue cleanser, a water pick, an interdental device, a tooth polisher, a specially designed ansate implement having cleaning elements, or any other type of implement that is commonly used for oral care.

The toothbrush1generally comprises a handle100and an oral care implement200that are disposed along a longitudinal axis D-D. The handle100is an elongated structure that provides the mechanism by which the user can hold and manipulate the toothbrush1during use. In the exemplified embodiment, the handle100is generically depicted having various contours for user comfort. Of course, the invention is not to be limited by the specific shape illustrated for the handle100in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the handle100can take on a wide variety of shapes, contours, and configurations, none of which are limiting of the present invention unless so specified in the claims.

The handle100may be formed of a hard or rigid plastic material, such as for example without limitation polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds, and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. The handle100may also include a grip that is formed of a resilient/elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. Such a grip may be molded over a portion of the handle100that is typically gripped by a user's thumb and forefinger during use. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that additional regions of the handle100can be overmolded with the resilient/elastomeric material to enhance the gripability of the handle100during use. For example, portions of the handle100that are typically gripped by a user's palm during use may be overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer or other resilient material to further increase comfort to a user. U.S. Pat. No. 7,458,125, which discloses gripping features on an oral care implement handle, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, materials other than those noted above can be used to form the handle100, including metal, wood, or any other desired material that has sufficient structural rigidity to permit a user to grip the handle100and manipulate the toothbrush1during toothbrushing.

The handle100may comprise a power source110, a CPU120, and a motor130that includes a drive shaft131. The handle100may further comprise an interface140for the user to activate the motor130via the CPU120to rotate the drive shaft131during operation of the toothbrush1, as discussed further herein. As shown inFIG. 1, the oral care implement200may be detachable coupled to the handle100to form the toothbrush1in an assembled state. As shown inFIG. 2, the oral care implement200may be detached from the handle100to form the toothbrush1in a dissembled state.

The oral care implement200may further comprise an attachment portion240that may be configured to detachably couple the oral care implement200to the handle100at a receiving portion150on the handle100. When the receiving portion150of the handle100and the attachment portion240of the oral care implement200are detachably coupled together, the toothbrush1is in the assembled state—as shown inFIG. 1. When the attachment portion240and the receiving portion150may be detachably coupled together by snap fit, twist-fit, or any other suitable attachment means.

Additionally, the oral care implement200may be permanently coupled to the handle100by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal or ultrasonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesion, or fasteners. Thus, oral care implement200—as head portion220, in particular—may, in certain embodiments, be formed of any of the rigid plastic materials described above as being used for forming the handle100, although the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and other materials that are commonly used during toothbrush head manufacture may also be used.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-4 and 5, the oral care implement200comprises a head portion220and a neck portion230. The head portion220comprises a front surface221opposite a rear surface222. The head portion220may further comprise a body300, a first carrier400and a second carrier500. According to some embodiments, the head portion220may further comprise a third carrier600. The head portion220may have a transverse width WHas measured by the width of the body300in a direction that is normal to the longitudinal axis D-D.

As demonstrated inFIGS. 4, 4A, 4B, 19A, and 19B, the first carrier400may comprise a front surface410, a rear surface411, and a first tooth cleaning element. The front surface211of the heat portion220may comprise the front surface410of the first carrier400. The first tooth cleaning element of the first carrier400may comprise a first plurality of bristle tufts420that extend from the first carrier400. The first plurality of bristle tufts420may extend outward from the front surface410of the first carrier400. The first plurality of bristle tufts420may be positioned on the first carrier400such that the first plurality of bristle tufts420extend from the front surface221of the head portion220of the oral care implement200.

As demonstrated inFIG. 20, the first tooth cleaning element of the first carrier400may extend outward to a first height H1as measured from the front surface410of the first carrier400. The first height H1may be the height of the bristle tufts420of the first carrier.

In the exemplified embodiment, a plurality of cleaning elements (in this case bristle tufts420) are coupled to the head portion220and extend from the front surface221of the head portion220. The cleaning elements may be coupled to the head220in any manner known in the art, including staples, in-mold tufting, anchor-free tufting (AFT), or a modified AFT known in the art as AMR. It should be appreciated that any of the aforementioned techniques and others may be used in other embodiments. The cleaning elements may be referred to herein in different parts of this disclosure as tooth cleaning elements or bristles. In certain embodiments, the head portion220may have a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material or the like positioned on its rear surface222.

The invention is not to be limited by the structure, pattern, orientation, and material of the cleaning elements on the head portion220in all embodiments. Furthermore, where it does not conflict with the other disclosure provided herein or the claims, it should be appreciated that the term “cleaning elements” may be used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean, polish, or wipe the teeth and/or soft oral tissue (e.g. tongue, cheek, gums, etc.) through relative surface contact. Common examples of “cleaning elements” include, without limitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof, and/or structures containing such materials or combinations. Furthermore, the cleaning elements can be tapered, end-rounded, spiral, or the like. The term “cleaning elements” is not intended to be limiting of the material of construction of such element unless specifically claimed as such.

The first carrier400may be an annular structure. The first carrier400may further comprise a central passageway430. The central passageway430may be circular in shape and positioned in centrally within the annular structure of the first carrier400. The central passageway430may extend from the front surface410to the rear surface410of the first carrier400. The first plurality of bristle tufts420may be arranged in a spaced-apart pattern that circumferentially surrounds the central passageway430. The spaced-apart pattern of the first plurality of bristle tufts420may be such that the bristle tufts420are spaced apart equally about the central passageway430. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the first plurality of bristle tufts420may be spaced-apart to form an asymmetric pattern about the central passageway430.

The second carrier500may be disposed within the central passageway430of the first carrier400. As demonstrated inFIGS. 4, 4A, 4B, 19A, and 19B, the second carrier500may comprise a front surface510, a rear surface511, and a second tooth cleaning element. The front surface211of the heat portion220may comprise the front surface510of the second carrier500. The second tooth cleaning element may comprise an elastomeric cleaning element700that extends from the second carrier500. The elastomeric cleaning element700may extend from the front surface510of the second carrier500. The elastomeric cleaning element700may be positioned on the second carrier500such that the elastomeric cleaning element700extends from the front surface221of the head portion220of the oral care implement200.

The elastomeric cleaning element700may be formed at least partially, and in some cases entirely, of one or more elastomeric materials. Such an elastomeric material may be referred to herein as a thermoplastic elastomer. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials that may be used for forming a portion or the entirety of the cleaning elements130includes styrene block copolymer, thermoplastic olefin (TPO), polysiloxane, silicone, and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In certain embodiments, the elastomeric cleaning element700may be formed via an injection molding process if so desired.

As demonstrated inFIG. 20, he second tooth cleaning element of the second carrier500may extend outward to a second height H2as measured from the front surface510of the second carrier500. Specifically, the elastomeric cleaning element700may extend outward to a second height H2as measured from the front surface510of the second carrier500.

The first height H1of the first cleaning element may be greater than the second height H2of the second cleaning element. In a particular embodiment, the first height H1of the bristle tufts420of the first carrier400may be greater than the second height H2of the elastomeric cleaning element700of the second carrier500. The difference ΔH between the first height H1and the second height H2may range from a non-zero value up to 2 mm—including all values and sub-ranges there-between. In other embodiments, the first height H1of the first cleaning element may be equal to the second height H2of the second cleaning element. In a particular embodiment, the first height H1of the bristle tufts420of the first carrier400may be equal to the second height H2of the elastomeric cleaning element700of the second carrier500.

The elastomeric cleaning element700of the second carrier500may be positioned within the central passageway430formed by the first carrier400. A clearance space may exist between the first carrier400and the second carrier500such that the first carrier400and the second carrier500are free to rotate relative to each other about a second rotational axis B-B—as discussed further herein. The first plurality of bristle tufts420of the first carrier400may arranged in a spaced-apart pattern that circumferentially surrounds the elastomeric cleaning element700.

As demonstrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the elastomeric cleaning element700may be the only tooth cleaning element on the second carrier500. Stated otherwise, the second carrier500may have a second tooth cleaning element that is free of bristle tufts. Alternatively, the second carrier500may be free of bristle tufts. Although not shown, other embodiments provide that the second tooth cleaning element of the second carrier500may further comprise one or more bristle tufts similar to the first plurality of bristle tufts420on the first carrier400.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 18, the oral care implement may further comprise a drive assembly210. The drive assembly210may comprises a first portion211and a second portion212. The first portion211may be configured to operably engage the drive shaft131of the motor130of the handle100. When the attachment portion240of the oral care implement200is detachably coupled to the receiving portion150of the handle100, the first portion211of the drive assembly210may be operably engaged with the drive shaft131of the motor130in the handle100such that when the motor is engaged and rotating, the drive assembly210is rotating about a first rotational axis A-A, as shown inFIGS. 18, 19A, and 19B.

As shown inFIGS. 18, 19A and 19B, the second portion212of the drive assembly210may be operably coupled to each of the first carrier400and the second carrier500. Specifically, the second portion212of the drive assembly210may comprise a first eccentric213that is configured to operable couple to a first receiving portion450of the first carrier400. The second portion212of the drive assembly210may further comprise a second eccentric213that is configured to operable couple to a second receiving portion550of the second carrier500.

The first eccentric213may extend radially from the first rotational axis A-A by a first radial distance DR1. The second eccentric214may extend radially from the first rotational axis A-A by a second radial distance DR2. In some embodiments the first and second radial distances DR1, DR2are equal. In other embodiments, the second radial distances DR2is greater than the first radial distance DR1.

The first eccentric213and the second eccentric214may extend from the first rotational axis A-A at an angle greater than 0° and less than 360° (including all sub-ranges and integers there-between), thereby creating an angular offset between the first eccentric213and the second eccentric214about the first rotational axis A-A. In some embodiments, the angular offset between the first eccentric213and the second eccentric214may be 180°, thereby causing the first eccentric213and the second eccentric214to extend in completely opposite directions.

As the drive assembly210rotates about the first rotational axis A-A, the angular offset between the first and second eccentrics213,214may produce a first oscillatory motion of the first carrier400and a second oscillatory motion of the second carrier500about the second rotational axis B-B.

The first oscillatory motion is produced by the interaction between the first eccentric213rotating about the first rotational axis A-A, thereby pushing the first receiving portion450of the first carrier400in a first rotational motion about the second rotational axis B-B (either clockwise or counterclockwise) and then a second rotational motion about the second rotational axis B-B (the opposite of the first rotational motion) as the drive shaft231rotates during use of the toothbrush1. The first oscillatory motion may be viewed relative to the body300of the head portion220, whereby the head portion300remains stationary relative to the neck portion230of the oral care implement200.

The second oscillatory motion is produced by the interaction between the second eccentric214rotating about the first rotational axis A-A, thereby pushing the second receiving portion550of the second carrier500in a first rotational motion about the second rotational axis B-B (either clockwise or counterclockwise) and then a second rotational motion about the second rotational axis B-B (the opposite of the first rotational motion) as the drive shaft231rotates during use of the toothbrush1. The first oscillatory motion and the second oscillatory motion being counter-rotational direction to one another for each of the first carrier400and the second carrier500. The second oscillatory motion may also be viewed relative to the body300of the head portion220, whereby the head portion300remains stationary relative to the neck portion230of the oral care implement200.

The third carrier600may be fixed relative to the body300of the head portion220. Therefore, the first oscillatory motion of the first carrier400and the second oscillatory motion of the second carrier500may each rotate relative to the fixed third carrier600of the head portion220.

The first rotational motion of the first carrier400about the second rotational axis B-B (either clockwise or counterclockwise) is opposite to the first rotational motion of the second carrier500about the second rotational axis B-B—as shown inFIGS. 4A, 4B, 19A, and 19B. Stated otherwise, a single rotation of the drive shaft231may cause two separate counter oscillator motions on the head portion220of the oral care implement200in the form of the first rotational motion of the first carrier400about the first rotational motion of the second carrier500or the second rotational motion of the first carrier400about the second rotational motion of the second carrier500.

Additionally, depending on the first radial distance DR1of the first eccentric213and the second radial distance DR2of the second eccentric214, the first and second rotational motion of the first carrier400may oscillate about the second rotational axis B-B as the same or different circumferential speeds as the first and second rotational motion of the second carrier500about the second rotational axis B-B. Depending on the first radial distance DR1of the first eccentric213and the second radial distance DR2of the second eccentric214, the oscillation amplitude of the first carrier400may be the same or different than the oscillation amplitude of the second carrier500about the second rotational axis B-B—as discussed further herein.

The third carrier600may comprise a front surface610and plurality of tooth cleaning elements620that extend from the third carrier600. The plurality of tooth cleaning elements620may extend outward from the front surface610of the third carrier600. The plurality of tooth cleaning elements620may be positioned on the third carrier600such that the plurality of tooth cleaning elements620extend outward from the front surface221of the head portion220of the oral care implement200.

The plurality of tooth cleaning elements620may comprise a first plurality of rows of bristle tufts660having a polygon transverse cross-section—whereby the polygon has a number of sides ranging from 3 to 10—e.g., triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, etc. In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the tufts in the first plurality of rows of bristle tufts660have a square transverse cross-section. The plurality of tooth cleaning elements620may comprise a second plurality of rows of bristle tufts670having an ellipse transverse cross-section—e.g., symmetrical oval, asymmetrical oval, circle, etc. In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the tufts in the second plurality of rows of bristle tufts670have a circular transverse cross-section.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the first plurality of rows of bristle tufts660and the second plurality of rows of bristle tufts670may be arranged in an alternating pattern. The first plurality of rows of bristle tufts660and the second plurality of rows of bristle tufts670may have the same number of tufts. Alternatively, the first plurality of rows of bristle tufts660and the second plurality of rows of bristle tufts670may have a different number of tufts.

Referring now toFIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 7, the first carrier400of the head portion220of the oral care implement200includes the elastomeric cleaning element700. The elastomeric cleaning element700may comprises a top surface701opposite a bottom surface702and side walls extending there-between703. The elastomeric cleaning element700may generally be cylindrical and extend along a first axis C-C—whereby the elastomeric cleaning element700has a first diameter D1. The first diameter D1may be least one half the size of the transverse width WHof the head portion220of the oral implement200. In other embodiments, the first diameter D1may be greater than one half the size of the transverse width W1of the head portion220of the oral implement200.

The elastomeric cleaning element700may be a cup member720. The elastomeric element700may further comprise a base member790. The cup member720and the base member790may be formed together as a single integral piece of elastomeric material whereby the cup member720transitions into the base member790at an elastomeric transition point704.

Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 8, the cup member720may comprise a top surface721and side walls723. The top surface701of the elastomeric cleaning element700may comprise the top surface721of the cup member720. The top surface721of the cup member720comprises a distal surface722that is defined as being a portion of the top surface721that is the furthest from the bottom surface702of the elastomeric cleaning element700when view in a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C. The top surface721of the cup member720may be sloped upward with distance from the first axis C-C. The top surface721of the cup member720may form an acute angle with the first axis C-C. The upward slope of the top surface721of the cup member may result in the top surface701of the elastomeric cleaning element700having a concave shape.

The side walls703of the elastomeric cleaning element700may comprise the side walls723of the cup member720. The cup member720extends from the top surface701of the elastomeric cleaning element700toward the base member790along the first axis C-C. The side walls723of the cup member720extend from the top surface721to the elastomeric transition point704. The side walls723of the cup member720may extend outwardly at an angle oblique to the first axis C-C such that the cup member720has a truncated conical body extending along the first axis C-C. The truncated conical body may have a lower diameter D2(also referred to as a first diameter D2of the cup member720) and an upper diameter D3(also referred to as a second diameter D3of the cup member720). The lower diameter D2may be the diameter of the elastomeric cleaning element700at the elastomeric transition point704. The elastomeric transition point704may be a point where a lower portion of the cup member720.

The upper diameter D3may be the diameter of the elastomeric cleaning element700at the distal surface722of the cup member720. The upper diameter D3may be greater than the lower diameter D2of the cup member720resulting in the truncated conical body of the cup member720. In other embodiments the lower diameter D2and the upper diameter D3may be equal resulting in the cup member720having a cylindrical body that extends along the first axis C-C.

The cup member720may comprise an inner surface710that defines a central cavity711, the central cavity711having a cavity floor712and an open top end713. A central cavity depth D4may be the distance between the cavity floor712and the distal surface722of the top surface721of the cup member720when measured in a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C. The inner surface710of the cup member720may be continuous. In other embodiments, the inner surface of the cup may comprise openings to form a discontinuous surface—as discussed further herein. The inner surface710may extend from the cavity floor712toward the distal surface722at an angle that is oblique to the first axis C-C. In other embodiments, the inner surface710may extend from the cavity floor712toward the distal surface722in a direction that parallel to the first axis C-C.

The side walls723of the cup member720and the side walls793of the base member790may form a continuous smooth surface that makes up the side wall703of the elastomeric cleaning element700. In some embodiments the elastomeric transition point704may include an annular line or groove that provides a visual delineation representing the transition between the base member790and the cup member720.

The base member790extends from the cup member720toward the bottom surface702of the elastomeric cleaning element700along the first axis C-C. The side walls793of the base member790extend from the elastomeric transition point704to the bottom surface792of the base member790. The base member790may comprise a bottom surface792and side walls793. The bottom surface702of the elastomeric cleaning element700may comprise the bottom surface792of the base member790. The side walls703of the elastomeric cleaning element700may comprise the side walls793of the base member790.

The base member790may extend along the first axis C-C. The base member790of the elastomeric cleaning element700has side walls793extending between the cup member720and the bottom surface702of the elastomeric cleaning element700. The side walls703of the elastomeric element700may also comprise the side walls793of the base member790. The base member790may extend from the cup member720to the bottom surface702of the elastomeric cleaning element200.

The base member790may comprise a cylindrical body that extends along the first axis C-C. The cylindrical body has a base diameter that is remains constant as measured along the first axis C-C. The base diameter may be substantially equal to the first diameter D2of the cup member720. The truncated conical body may have a diameter that increases in size as measured along a direction from the bottom surface702to the top surface701of the elastomeric cleaning element along the first axis C-C. The truncated conical body of the cup member720may have a starting diameter that is substantially equal to the base diameter DBof the base member790and expand outward from the first axis C-C to a top surface diameter DTSwhen in the direction from the bottom surface702to the top surface701of the elastomeric cleaning element700. The top surface diameter DTSmay be greater than the base diameter DB. A ratio of the surface diameter DTSto the base diameter DBmay range from about 1:1 to about 5:1—including all ratios and sub-ranges there-between.

Referring now toFIGS. 6-8, the cup member720may comprise a plurality of grooves730that are formed in the top surface721of the cup member720. The plurality of grooves730may be formed in the top surface701of the elastomeric cleaning element700extending downward into the cup member720toward the bottom surface702of the elastomeric cleaning element700. Each of the plurality of grooves730may extend along a groove axis G1, G2that extends radially outward from the first axis C-C—as discussed further herein.

The plurality of grooves730may comprise a plurality of first grooves731. The plurality of grooves730may comprise a plurality of second grooves741. Each of the first grooves731may extend along a first groove axis G1that extends radially outward from the first axis C-C. Each of the second grooves741may extend along a second groove axis G2that extends radially outward from the first axis C-C.

The plurality of first grooves731and second grooves741may be arranged in a repeating circumferential pattern about the first axis C-C. The repeating circumferential pattern may be such that the first grooves731and the second grooves741alternate circumferentially about the first axis C-C. The repeating circumferential pattern may be such that multiples of either the first grooves731or the second groove741are adjacent to each without one of the other second groove741or first groove731are positioned there-between.

Referring now toFIG. 8, each of the first grooves731may comprise a first groove floor732and each of the second grooves741may comprise a second groove floor742. The first groove731may have a first groove depth that is the distance between the first groove floor732and the distal surface722of the top surface721of the cup member720as viewed in a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C. The second groove741may have a second groove depth that is the distance between the second groove floor742and the distal surface722of the top surface721of the cup member720as viewed in a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C.

The first groove depth of the first groove731may increase with distance from the first axis C-C. The second groove depth of the second groove741may increase with distance from the first axis C-C. At a single radial distance from the first axis C-C, the second groove depth of the first groove731may be greater than the first groove depth of the second groove741at equal radially distances from the first axis C-C. In other embodiments, at a single radial distance from the first axis-C-C, the first and second groove depths may be equal.

The first groove floor732may have a longitudinally concave shape, whereby the longitudinal concave shape of the first groove732is oriented along the first groove axis G1. Each of the first grooves731may have a first maximum depth D5as measured from the distal surface722of the top surface721of the cup member720to a deepest point733of the first groove floor732in a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C.

Each of the first groove floors732may extend radially between a starting point734and an ending point735, whereby the starting point734is closest to the first axis C-C and the ending point735is farthest from the first axis C-C along the first groove axis G1. The starting point734may be adjacent to the inner surface710that defines the central cavity710. The ending point735may intersect with the side wall723of the cup member720such that the concave shape of the first groove731forms a first notch of the side wall723of the cup member720. The first notches formed by the first groove731may result in a discontinuous upper portion of the side wall723that extends about the first axis C-C.

The starting point734of the first groove731may be located between the deepest point733of the first groove731and the distal surface722of the top surface721of the cup member720as measured along a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C. The first groove floor732may have a longitudinally concave shape such that the ending point735of the first groove731may be located between the deepest point733of the first groove731and the distal surface722of the top surface721of the cup member720as measured along a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C.

The second groove floor742may have a longitudinally U-shape, whereby the longitudinal U-shape of the second groove742is oriented along the second groove axis G1. The second groove floor742may slope downward with distance from the first axis C-C. Each of the second grooves741may have a second maximum depth D6as measured from the distal surface722of the top surface721of the cup member720to a deepest point743of the second groove floor742in a direction parallel to the first axis C-C. The second maximum D6may be greater than the first maximum depth D5.

Each of the second groove floors742may extend radially between a starting point744and an ending point745, whereby the starting point744is closest to the first axis C-C and the ending point745is farthest from the first axis C-C along the second groove axis G2. The starting point744may be adjacent to the inner surface710that defines the central cavity710. The ending point745may intersect with the side wall723of the cup member720such that the U-shape of the second groove741forms a second notch of the side wall723of the cup member720.

The starting point744of the second groove741may be located between the deepest point743of the second groove741and the distal surface722of the top surface721of the cup member720as measured along a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C. The second groove floor742may be downwardly sloping such that the ending point745of the second groove741may be located at the deepest point743of the second groove741and the distal surface722of the top surface721of the cup member720as measured along a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C.

The discontinuous upper portion of the side wall723may further comprise the second notches formed by the second groove741. Below the second notches (i.e., between the elastomeric transition point704and the ending point745of the second grooves741) the side wall723may comprise a continuous lower portion of the side wall723that extends about the first axis C-C.

The plurality of first grooves731and second grooves741that are arranged in a repeating circumferential pattern about the first axis C-C may corresponding create a repeating circumferential pattern of first cut portions and second notches along the side wall723of the cup member720. Specifically, multiples of either the first notch or the second notch may be adjacent to each without one of the other second notch or first notch being positioned there-between.

Additionally, as discussed depending on the first and second rotational motion of the first carrier400about the second rotational axis B-B relative to the first and second rotational motion of the second carrier500, different circumferential speeds and/or amplitudes can be achieved for the first carrier400rotating relative to the second carrier500. As such, the second carrier500may rotate relative to the first carrier400thereby causing the first and second notches of the cup member720to move a different circumferential speed relative to the bristle tufts420present on the first carrier400, thereby providing a superior oral cleaning experience.

Referring now toFIG. 8, the central cavity depth D4of the central cavity711may be greater than the first maximum depth D5of the first groove731. The central cavity depth D4of the central cavity711may be equal to the second maximum depth D6of the second groove741. The central cavity depth DCCmay be greater than the second maximum depth DG2of the second groove741. The central cavity depth DCCmay be equal to the second maximum depth DG2of the second groove741. The inner wall710may form a continuous vertical or substantially vertical wall that isolates the plurality of grooves730from the central cavity711in the cup member720.

Referring now toFIG. 7, the ending point735of the first groove731may be positioned at a radial distance that is greater than the radial distance of the ending point745of the second groove741from the first axis C-C. In other embodiments, the ending point735of the first groove731is positioned at a radial distance that is equal to the radial distance of the ending point745of the second groove741from the first axis C-C. The starting point734of the first groove731may be positioned at a radial distance that is equal to the radial distance of the starting point744of the second groove741from the first axis C-C. In other embodiments, the starting point734of the first groove731is positioned at a radial distance that is not equal to the radial distance of the starting point744of the second groove741from the first axis C-C.

Referring now toFIGS. 8 and 9, when taken along a reference cylinder (IX ofFIG. 7) about the first axis C-C, each of the plurality of first grooves731may have a first transverse cross-section and each of the plurality of second grooves741may have a second transverse cross-section. The first transverse cross-section and the second transverse cross-section may be different from one another. The first transverse cross-section of the first groove731may have a first shape and the second transverse cross-section of the second groove741may have a second shape. The first shape may be different from the second shape. The first shape may be a portion of a polygon or a ellipses. The second shape may be a portion of a polygon or a ellipses. In a preferred embodiment, the first shape forms a portion of an ellipses—preferably a concave curve that faces the same direction as the top surface721of the cup member720. In a preferred embodiment, the second shape forms a U.

The elastomeric cleaning element700may comprise a plurality of rib members740. Adjacent ones of the grooves730are separated by one of the rib members740. The plurality of ribs members750extend along a rib axis R1, R2that extends radially outward from the first axis C-C—as discussed further herein. Each of the rib members750has a thickness that increases when measured along the rib axis R1, R2as the distance from the first axis C-C increases.

The plurality of rib members750may comprise a plurality of first rib members751. The plurality of rib members750may comprise a plurality of second rib members761. Each of the first rib members751may extend along a first rib axis R1and each of the second rib members761may extend along a second rib axis R2—whereby the first and second rib axis's R1, R2extend radially outward from the first axis C-C.

The plurality of first rib members751and second rib members761may be arranged in a repeating circumferential pattern about the first axis C-C. The repeating circumferential pattern may be such that the first rib members751and the second rib members761alternate circumferentially about the first axis C-C. The repeating circumferential pattern may be such that multiples of either the first rib member751and/or the second rib members761are adjacent to each without the other of the second rib member761or the first rib member751being positioned there-between. The first rib member751may be positioned between two adjacent first grooves731. The second rib member761may be positioned between the first groove731.

Each of the first rib members751may extend radially between a starting point754and an ending point755, whereby the starting point754is closest to the first axis C-C and the ending point755is farthest from the first axis C-C along the first rib axis R1. The starting point754may be adjacent to the inner surface710that defines the central cavity710. Each of the second rib members761may extend radially between a starting point764and an ending point765, whereby the starting point764is closest to the first axis C-C and the ending point765is farthest from the first axis C-C along the second rib axis R2. The starting point764may be adjacent to the inner surface710that defines the central cavity710.

The first rib members751may extend out radially from the first axis C-C such that the first rib member751becomes wider with distance. The first rib members751may become wider symmetrically with distance from the first axis C-C. The second rib members761may extend out radially from the first axis C-C such that the second rib members761becomes wider with distance. The second rib members761may become wider asymmetrically with distance from the first axis C-C. The ending point755of the first rib member751may extend to the distal surface722of the cup member720. The ending point765of the second rib member761may extend to the distal surface722of the cup member720.

Each of the first rib members751may extend radially from the first axis C-C such that the ending point755of the first rib member751intersect with the side wall720of the cup member720. Each of the second rib members761may extend radially from the first axis C-C such that the ending point765of the second rib member761intersect with a portion of the side wall720of the cup member720. The first notch of the side wall723formed by the first groove731may be located between adjacent ones of the first rib member751and the second rib member761. The second notch of the side wall723formed by the second groove741may be located between adjacent second rib members751.

Referring now toFIGS. 10-13, an elastomeric cleaning element800is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The elastomeric cleaning element800is similar to the elastomeric cleaning element700except as described herein below. The description of the elastomeric cleaning element700generally applies to the elastomeric cleaning element800described below except with regard to the differences specifically noted below. A similar numbering scheme will be used for the elastomeric cleaning element800as with the elastomeric cleaning element700except that the800-series of numbers will be used.

The elastomeric cleaning element800may be a cup member820. The elastomeric element800may further comprise a base member890. The cup member820may comprise a top surface821and side walls823. The cup member820may further comprise an annular wall805that intersects the top surface821and the side walls823of the cup member820. The annular wall805may form a continuous surface on the elastomeric cleaning element800. The annular wall805may comprise a distal surface822that is defined as being a portion of the top surface821that is the furthest from the bottom surface802of the elastomeric cleaning element800when view in a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C.

Referring now toFIGS. 10-12, the cup member820may comprise a plurality of grooves830that are formed in the top surface821of the cup member820extending downward into the cup member820toward the bottom surface802of the elastomeric cleaning element800. Each of the plurality of grooves830may extend along a groove axis G1, G2that extends radially outward from the first axis C-C—as discussed further herein.

The plurality of grooves830may comprise a plurality of first grooves831and second grooves841. Each of the first grooves831may extend along a first groove axis G1that extends radially outward from the first axis C-C, and each of the second grooves841may extend along a second groove axis G2that extends radially outward from the first axis C-C.

The plurality of first grooves831and second grooves841may be arranged in a repeating circumferential pattern about the first axis C-C. The repeating circumferential pattern may be such that the first grooves831and the second grooves841alternate circumferentially about the first axis C-C. The repeating circumferential pattern may be such that multiples of either the first grooves831or the second groove841are adjacent to each without one of the other second groove841or first groove831are positioned there-between.

Referring now toFIG. 12, each of the first grooves831may comprise a first groove floor832and each of the second grooves841may comprise a second groove floor842. The first groove831may have a first groove depth that is the distance between the first groove floor832and the distal surface822of the top surface821of the cup member820as viewed in a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C. The second groove841may have a second groove depth that is the distance between the second groove floor842and the distal surface822of the top surface821of the cup member820as viewed in a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C.

Each of the first grooves831may have a first maximum depth D5as measured from the distal surface822of the cup member820to a deepest point833of the first groove floor832in a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C. Each of the second grooves841may have a second maximum depth D6as measured from the distal surface822to a deepest point843of the second groove floor842in a direction parallel to the first axis C-C.

Each of the first groove floors832may extend radially between a starting point834and an ending point835, whereby the starting point834is closest to the first axis C-C and the ending point835is farthest from the first axis C-C along the first groove axis G1. The ending point835may intersect with the annular wall805such that the first grooves are encapsulated by the annular wall805and the side wall823thereby forming a continuous outer surface on the side wall823of the cup member820

Each of the second groove floors842may extend radially between a starting point844and an ending point845, whereby the starting point844is closest to the first axis C-C and the ending point845is farthest from the first axis C-C along the second groove axis G2. The ending point845may intersect with the annular wall805such that the second grooves840are encapsulated by the annular wall805, thereby forming a continuous outer surface on the side wall823of the cup member820.

The first groove depth of the first groove831may decrease with distance from the first axis C-C. The starting point834of the first groove831may be located between the cavity floor812and the ending point835of the first groove831when viewed along a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C. The second groove depth of the second groove841may decrease with distance from the first axis C-C. The starting point844of the second groove841may be located between the cavity floor812and the ending point845of the second groove841when viewed along a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C. The second groove depth at the starting point844of the second groove841may be greater than the first groove depth at the starting point of the first groove831. The second maximum groove depth D6of the second groove841may be greater than the first maximum groove depth D5of the first groove831.

The starting point844of the second grooves841may intersect with the inner wall810of the central cavity813such that each of the second grooves841forms a notch of the inner wall810of the cup member820. The notches formed by the second grooves841may result in the inner wall810of the cup member820being discontinuous about the first axis C-C.

The elastomeric cleaning element800may comprise a plurality of rib members840. Adjacent ones of the grooves830are separated by one of the rib members840. The plurality of ribs members850extend along a rib axis R1, R2that extends radially outward from the first axis C-C—as discussed further herein. Each of the rib members850has a thickness that increases when measured along the rib axis R1, R2as the distance from the first axis C-C increases.

The plurality of rib members850may comprise a plurality of first rib members851. The plurality of rib members850may comprise a plurality of second rib members861. Each of the first rib members851may extend along a first rib axis R1and each of the second rib members861may extend along a second rib axis R2—whereby the first and second rib axis's R1, R2extend radially outward from the first axis C-C.

The plurality of first rib members851and second rib members861may be arranged in a repeating circumferential pattern about the first axis C-C. The repeating circumferential pattern may be such that the first rib members851and the second rib members861alternate circumferentially about the first axis C-C. The repeating circumferential pattern may be such that multiples of either the first rib member851and/or the second rib members861are adjacent to each without the other of the second rib member861or the first rib member851being positioned there-between. The first rib member851may be positioned between two adjacent first grooves831. The second rib member861may be positioned between the first groove831.

Each of the first rib members851may extend radially between a starting point854and an ending point855, whereby the starting point854is closest to the first axis C-C and the ending point855is farthest from the first axis C-C along the first rib axis R1. The starting point854may be adjacent to the inner surface810that defines the central cavity810. Each of the second rib members861may extend radially between a starting point864and an ending point865, whereby the starting point864is closest to the first axis C-C and the ending point865is farthest from the first axis C-C along the second rib axis R2. The starting point864may be adjacent to the inner surface810that defines the central cavity810. The ending points855,865of both the first and second rib members850,860may intersect with the annular wall805of the elastomeric cleaning element805. Stated otherwise, each of the first rib members851may extend radially from the first axis C-C such that the ending point855of the first rib member851intersects with the side wall820of the cup member820.

The first rib members851may extend out radially from the first axis C-C such that the first rib member851becomes wider with distance. The first rib members851may become wider symmetrically with distance from the first axis C-C. The second rib members861may extend out radially from the first axis C-C such that the second rib members861becomes wider with distance. The second rib members861may become wider asymmetrically with distance from the first axis C-C. The ending point855of the first rib member851may extend to the distal surface822of the cup member820. The ending point865of the second rib member861may extend to the distal surface822of the cup member820.

Referring now toFIGS. 14-17, an elastomeric cleaning element900is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The elastomeric cleaning element900is similar to the elastomeric cleaning elements700and800except as described herein below. The description of the elastomeric cleaning elements700an d800generally applies to the elastomeric cleaning element900described below except with regard to the differences specifically noted below. A similar numbering scheme will be used for the elastomeric cleaning element900as with the elastomeric cleaning elements700and800except that the900-series of numbers will be used.

The elastomeric cleaning element900may be a cup member920. The cup member920may comprise a plurality of grooves930that are formed in the top surface921of the cup member920extending downward into the cup member920toward the bottom surface902of the elastomeric cleaning element900. Each of the plurality of grooves930may extend along a groove axis G1that extends radially outward from the first axis C-C—as discussed further herein. The plurality of grooves930may be arranged in a repeating circumferential pattern about the first axis C-C.

Referring now toFIG. 16, each of the grooves930may comprise a groove floor932. The grooves930may have a groove depth that is the distance between the groove floor932and the distal surface922of the elastomeric cleaning element900as viewed in a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C. The grooves930may have a maximum depth D5as measured from the distal surface922to a deepest point933of the groove floor932in a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C. The grooves930of this embodiment may share the same geometry.

Each of the groove floors932may extend radially between a starting point934and an ending point935, whereby the starting point934is closest to the first axis C-C and the ending point935is farthest from the first axis C-C along the first groove axis G1. The groove depth of the groove930may decrease with distance from the first axis C-C. The starting point934of the groove930may be located between the cavity floor912and the ending point935of the groove930when viewed along a direction that is parallel to the first axis C-C.

The starting point934of the groove930may terminate at the inner wall910and the ending point935of the cup member920. The inner wall910and the annular wall905may each form continuous surfaces, thereby encapsulating each of the grooves930at the starting point934and the ending point935.

The elastomeric cleaning element900may comprise a plurality of rib members940. Adjacent ones of the grooves930are separated by one of the rib members940. The plurality of ribs members950extend along a rib axis R1that extends radially outward from the first axis C-C. Each of the rib members950has a thickness that increases when measured along the rib axis R1as the distance from the first axis C-C increases. The plurality of rib members950may be arranged in a repeating circumferential pattern about the first axis C-C.

Each of the rib members950may extend radially between a starting point954and an ending point955, whereby the starting point954is closest to the first axis C-C and the ending point955is farthest from the first axis C-C along the first rib axis R1. The starting point954may be adjacent to the inner surface910of the cup member920. The ending point955of the rib members950may intersect with the annular wall905of the elastomeric cleaning element905. Stated otherwise, each of the rib members950may extend radially from the first axis C-C such that the ending point955of the rib member950intersects with the side wall920of the cup member920. The repeating circumferential pattern of the rib members940and grooves930may be such that the grooves930are encapsulated by the inner wall910, the rib members940, and the annular wall905. The ending point955of the rib member950may extend to the distal surface922of the cup member920.

The rib members950may extend out radially from the first axis C-C such that the rib member950becomes wider with distance. Each of the rib members950may become wider symmetrically with distance from the first axis C-C.