Patent Publication Number: US-2023145072-A1

Title: Oral Care Implement Having Multiple Soft Tissue Cleaner Components

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/257,897, filed Jan. 25, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/401,607, filed Jan. 9, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,231,536, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/948,546, filed Jul. 23, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,586,350, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/641,686, filed Dec. 18, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,766, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the American Dental Association, a major source of bad breath in healthy people is microbial deposits on the tongue, where a bacterial coating harbors organisms and debris that contribute to bad breath. The tongue is a haven for the growth of microorganisms since the papillary nature of the tongue surface creates a unique ecological site that provides an extremely large surface area, favoring the accumulation of oral bacteria. Anaerobic flora and bacteria residing on the tongue play an important role in the development of chronic bad breath commonly called halitosis. In general, the bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). If there is enough buildup of the sulfur compounds, the result can be bad breath or oral malodor. 
     While bladed tongue scrapers have been used in the past, these scrapers are inadequate in respect to their effectiveness on the soft tissue surface of the tongue. Broad flat scraping blades are limited in their ability to reach between the papillae where the bacteria and micro debris have collected. Moreover, notwithstanding the benefits to be gained by any ability to clean the tongue, some users avoid the use of such blades because of lack of comfort on the tongue surface. 
     Recently, substantial efforts have been expended to develop oral care implements having improved soft tissue cleaners. An example of such an oral care implement has a tissue cleaner in the form of a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The pad includes a plurality of conically shaped nubs extending therefrom for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. While this oral care implement provides a substantial improvement over the then existing tongue cleaners, it is somewhat limited in that the pad of elastomeric material is provided on only one major surface of the head. Therefore, the soft tissue pad cannot reach into tight spaces and recesses within the oral cavity. 
     A further improvement of oral care implements incorporating soft tissue cleansing technology has a head having a single elastomeric soft tissue cleaner applied to the major rear surface of the head that also extends along the side walls of the head. This arrangement allows the soft tissue cleaners to act on the user&#39;s gums during brushing. 
     A limiting factor in versatility of the soft tissue cleaner on the head of oral care implements, thus far, has been the inability to cost-effectively manufacture isolated multiple components on the head. This is in part due to the parametric requirements of existing injection molding equipment and processes. 
     Despite the aforementioned and other improvements, a need still exists for an oral care implement with a soft tissue cleaner that can provide effective removal of bacteria from the tongue and other oral soft tissue regions while maintaining comfort to the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to an oral care implement with a tissue cleaner that provides improved cleaning and effective removal of bacteria and micro debris disposed on oral tissue surfaces. The invention is an oral care implement comprising multiple soft tissue cleaners that offer expanded cleaning and/or in-mouth sensations during an oral care session. The oral care implement may include a handle and a head, the head having a first surface and an opposite rear surface. A first cleanser may be fixed to the first surface of the head such that the first cleanser has a hole through which a portion of the first surface of the head is exposed. Furthermore, a second cleanser may be fixed to the portion of the first surface of the head that is exposed through the hole of the first cleanser. 
     In one particular aspect, the invention may be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface; a protuberance extending from the rear surface of the head; a first cleanser located on the rear surface of the head and having a hole extending therethrough, the protuberance extending into the hole of the first cleanser; and a second cleanser located on the protuberance. 
     In another aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head having a first surface, a second surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the first and second surfaces; a first cleanser fixed to the first surface of the head, the first cleanser being a pad having a hole extending therethrough; and a second cleanser fixed to a portion of the first surface of the head that is exposed through the hole of the first cleanser 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This invention is capable of use in a broad array of oral care implements and hygiene products. The drawings illustrate one use of the invention and are not to be construed as the only embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  1    is a rear perspective view of an ansate oral care implement according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a close-up view of the head of the ansate oral care implement of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of the head of the ansate oral care implement of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a left-side view of the head of the ansate oral care implement of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is a right-side view of the head of the ansate oral care implement of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is a rear view of the head of the ansate oral care implement of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a lateral cross-sectional view of the head of the ansate oral care implement of  FIG.  1    along view VII-VII of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the head of the ansate oral care implement of  FIG.  1    along view VIII-VIII of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a soft tissue cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the following description, the invention is discussed in terms of a manual toothbrush. However, in other forms, the invention could be in the form of other oral care implements including a soft-tissue cleansing implement, a powered toothbrush, or other ansate implements designed for oral care. 
     Referring first to  FIG.  1   , a toothbrush  100  is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush  100  generally comprises a handle  110  and a head  120 . The handle  110  provides the user with a mechanism by which he/she can readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush  100 . The handle  110  is generically illustrated and may be formed of many different shapes, sizes, materials and by a variety of manufacturing methods that are well-known to those skilled in the art. For example, the handle  110  can be constructed of elastomers, polypropylene, SAN, ABS, or even paper products such as a typical lollipop stick. If desired, the handle  110  may include a suitable textured grip (not shown) made of a thermoplastic elastomer or can be a multi-part construction. Stated simply, the details of the handle  110  are not limiting of the present invention and, thus, require no further discussion for purposes of the present invention. 
     The toothbrush  100  extends from a proximal end  112  to a distal end  113 . The head  120  is operably connected to a distal end of the handle  110 . Generally, the head  110  and the handle  120  of the toothbrush are preferably formed as a single unitary structure using a molding, milling, machining or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments, the handle  110  and head  120  may be formed as separate components which are operably connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, adhesion, or fasteners. Whether the head  120  and handle  110  are of a unitary or multi-piece construction (including connection techniques) is not limiting of the present invention. 
     It should be noted at this time that relative terms such as distal, middle, proximal, upper, lower, top, bottom, left, right etc. are merely used to delineate relative positions of the components of the toothbrush  100  with respect to one another and are not intended to be in any further way limiting of the present invention. 
     The head  120  generally comprises a front surface  121 , a rear surface  122  and a peripheral surface  123 . The peripheral surface  123  connects the front and rear surfaces  121 ,  122 . The front surface  121 , the rear surface  122  and the peripheral surface  123  of the head  120  can take on a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of the present invention. For example, the surfaces can be planar, contoured or combinations thereof. Furthermore, while the head  120  is normally widened relative to the neck  111  of the handle  110 , it could in some constructions simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the handle  110 . 
     The front surface  121  (best visible in  FIG.  3   ) comprises a collection of cleaning elements  130  extending therefrom for cleaning contact with an oral surface. While the collection of cleaning elements  130  is particularly suited for brushing teeth, the collection of cleaning elements  130  can also be used to clean oral soft tissue, such as a tongue, gums, or cheeks instead of or in addition to teeth. As used herein, the term “cleaning element” is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean or massage an oral surface through relative surface contact. Common examples of “cleaning elements” include, without limitation, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof and/or structures containing such materials or combinations. The focus of the present invention is on the arrangement of the soft tissue cleaner (which in the illustrated embodiment includes three components  140 ,  150 ,  160 ) on head  120  of the toothbrush  100 . Thus, the collection  130  of tooth cleaning elements on the front surface  121  of the head are illustrated generically with the understanding that any desired configuration can be incorporated into the toothbrush  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , a close-up view of the head  120  of the toothbrush  100  is illustrated. The head  120  generally comprises a first soft tissue cleaner  140 , a second soft tissue cleaner  160  and a third soft tissue cleaner  150 . The soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  150 ,  160  are preferably constructed of a biocompatible resilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. As an example, one preferred elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other materials. The soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  150 ,  160  can be constructed of different types of resilient materials or the same resilient material with one or more different characteristics, such as color, hardness, density, flavor, and/or sensate. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  2 ,  5  and  6    concurrently, the details of the soft tissue cleaner  140  will now be discussed. The first soft tissue cleaner  140  is in the form of a pad  141  that is fixed to the rear surface  122  of the head  120  of the toothbrush  100 . The pad  141  is preferably molded directly to the head  120  but can be molded separately and later fixed to the head  120  if desired, for example by an adhesive or sonic welding. The pad  141  extends from a distal end  124  of the head  120  to a proximal end  125  of the head  120  and covers substantially the entire width of the head  120 , extending from the first lateral edge  126  of the head to the second lateral edge  127  of the head  120 . 
     The pad  141  has a central hole  142  extending therethrough. As a result, the pad  141  takes on an annular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the central hole  142  is an elongated shape comprising three overlapping and aligned circular portions. The central hole  142  is preferably shaped to generally correspond to the shape of the second soft tissue cleaner  160 . The invention, however, is not so limited. Moreover, while a single hole  142  is illustrated in the pad  141  in other embodiments, a plurality of separate and distinct holes could be provided in the pad  141 , wherein each one of the holes may accommodate a separate second soft tissue cleansing structure  160 . 
     The pad  141  includes an exposed top surface  143 . A plurality of projections  144 , in the form of nubs, project upward from the top surface  143  of the pad  141 . Only a few of the nubs  144  are numerically identified in the figures in order to avoid clutter. As used herein a “nub” is generally meant to include a column-like protrusion (without limitation to the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion) which is upstanding from a base surface. In a general sense, the nub, in the preferred construction, has a height that is greater than the width at the base of the nub (as measured in the longest direction). Nevertheless, nubs could include projections wherein the widths and heights are roughly the same or wherein the heights are somewhat smaller than the base widths. Moreover, in some circumstances (e.g., where the nub tapers to a tip or includes a base portion that narrows to a smaller projection), the base width can be substantially larger than the height. 
     The nubs  144  are designed to engage the oral soft tissue to significantly reduce a major source of bad breath in people and improve hygiene. The nubs  144  enable removal of microflora and other debris from the tongue and other soft tissue surfaces within the mouth. The tongue, in particular, is prone to develop bacterial coatings that are known to harbor organisms and debris that can contribute to bad breath. This microflora can be found in the recesses between the papillae on most of the tongue&#39;s upper surface as well as along other soft tissue surfaces in the mouth. When engaged or otherwise pulled against a tongue surface, for example, the nubs  144  of the first elastomeric tissue cleaner  140  provide for gentle engagement with the soft tissue while reaching downward into the recesses of adjacent papillae of the tongue. The elastomeric construction of the first soft tissue cleaner  140  also enables the top surface  143  of the pad  141  to follow the natural contours of the oral tissue surfaces, such as the tongue, cheeks, lips, and gums of a user. Moreover, the soft nubs  144  are able to flex as needed to traverse and clean the soft tissue surfaces in the mouth along which it is moved. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the nubs  144  are preferably conically shaped. As used herein, “conically shaped” or “conical” is meant to include true cones, frusto-conically shaped elements, and other shapes that taper to a narrow end and thereby resemble a cone irrespective of whether they are uniform, continuous in their taper, or have rounded cross-sections. The base portion of each conically shaped nub  144  is larger than the corresponding tip portion. 
     The pad  141  of the first soft tissue cleaner  140  further comprises a plurality of arcuate ridges  145  formed into the top surface  143 . The arcuate ridges  145  are spaced apart from one another in a substantially parallel arrangement along the longitudinal axis A-A of the head. The arcuate ridges  145  extend the entirety of the lateral width of the pad  141 , thereby essentially extending form the first lateral edge  126  of the head  120  to the second lateral edge  127  of the head  120 . Preferably, the arcuate ridges  145  have a concave side facing the proximal edge  125  of the head  120 . 
     The arcuate ridges  145  are formed by inclined walls  146 . The inclined walls  146  preferably extend outward from head  120  in an inclined manner away from the proximal edge  125  of the head  120  and toward the distal end  124  of the head  120 . The arcuate ridges  145  are configured to direct fluid in contact with the head  120  toward the lateral edges  126 ,  127  of the head  120  when the implement  100  is moved across a soft oral tissue. While the structures  145  are described as ridges, they can alternatively be designed and/or considered as arcuate channels. Moreover, while the ridges  145  are illustrated as being arcuate in nature, they take on other shapes and forms, such as linear. In the illustrated embodiment, two of the arcuate ridges  145  are interrupted by the protuberance  180  of the head  120 . 
     The nubs  144  and the ridges  145  collectively form the topography of the first soft tissue cleaner  140 . Of course, the topography of the first soft tissue cleaner  140  can take on other forms and structures. It is preferred, however, that the topography of the first soft tissue cleaner  140  be different than the topography of the second and/or third soft tissue cleaners  150 ,  160 . 
     The exact range of density and/or hardness of the elastomeric material of the first soft tissue cleaner  140  is not limiting of the present invention. In some embodiments, however, the first soft tissue cleaner  140  may be designed to have a different density and/or hardness than the materials of the second and/or third soft tissue cleaners  160 ,  150 . 
     Furthermore, the resilient material of the first soft tissue cleaner  140  may also be imbued with a sensory material, which can be any suitable biocompatible medication or chemical for oral use. The sensory material is released inside the mouth, lips, or cheeks by way of several methods, including but not limited to abrasion, a temperature change, a change in pH or dissolution. In one embodiment, the sensory material is a sensate that provides a biochemical sensory response to the inside tissue and surfaces of the mouth. Such a sensory response is understood to result from stimulation of the trigeminal nerve of a human. A sensate generally produces a physiological effect without a taste, with such effect usually represented by the terms cooling, tingle, and hot (or heat). Sensates are usually derived from single compounds that are not volatile and that do not have a smell or taste per se. As one example, a chemical known as capsaicin, found naturally in chili peppers, can be used to provide a tingle, a hot or warm massage, or a heating or warm, soothing sensation to a user. Capsaicin is also known to provide pain relief and numbing sensations when topically applied. Some examples of sensates that produce cooling sensations include (-)-menthol and camphor. Most of the polyols, including maltitol syrup, sorbitol, mannitol, erythritol, isomalt and xylitol, also provide a cooling sensation. The coolest of the polyols, erythritol, provides a distinct cooling sensation. Both erythritol and xylitol cool the mouth and fight the sensation of dry mouth commonly associated with prescription drugs and dental hygiene products. Erythritol is a naturally occurring four-carbon structure. Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar found in fruits and vegetables and made in small amounts by the human system as a metabolic intermediate. 
     In another embodiment, the sensory material is provided as flavoring agent for causing an olfactory sensory response in a human. A flavor agent is commonly understood to include a mixture of compounds that are volatile and produce an aromatic effect and that stimulate the olfactory bulb. Flavors are generally transmitted through the nasal passages, and are often selected and used for their unique association with certain consumer benefits, such as lavender for stress relief or relaxation. Another flavor example is chamomile, which has a strong, aromatic smell and is often used medicinally against sore stomach and as a relaxant to help you fall asleep. Chamomile is also used as a mouthwash against oral mucositis (the swelling, irritation, and ulceration of the mucosal cells that line the digestive tract). 
     In one embodiment, the first soft tissue cleaner  140  can be imbued with both a sensate component and a flavor component. While the exact sensory material of the elastomeric material of the first soft tissue cleaner  140  is not limiting of the present invention, it is preferred that the first soft tissue cleaner  140  be imbued with a different sensory material than the second and/or third soft tissue cleaners  150 ,  160 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 - 6    concurrently, the details of the third soft tissue cleaner  150  will now be discussed. The third soft tissue cleaner  150  is in the form of an elongated strip  151  that is fixed to the peripheral surface  123  of the head  120  of the toothbrush  100 . The elongated strip  151  is preferably molded directly to the head  120  but can be molded separately and later fixed to the head  120  if desired. The strip  151  extends about a substantial entirety of the peripheral surface  123  of the head  120 . More specifically, the elongate strip  151  extends along the peripheral surface  123  of the head  120  so as to cover the first lateral edge  126 , the distal lateral edge  124  and the second distal edge  127  of the head  120 . 
     The elongated strip  151  includes an exposed surface  152 . A plurality of channels/grooves  153  are formed into the elongated strip. The grooves  153  are transverse to the axis of the elongated strip  151  and arranged in a spaced-apart manner. Only a few of the grooves  153  are numerically identified in the figures in order to avoid clutter. The grooves  153  form a topography on the surface  152  of the elongated strip of alternating ridges and grooves, which act as massaging microflaps when used. 
     The third soft tissue cleaner  150  is designed to engage and massage the oral soft tissue to significantly reduce a major source of bad breath in people and improve hygiene (explained in detail above with respect to the first soft tissue cleaner  140 ). Locating the third soft tissue cleaner  150  on the peripheral surface  123  of the head  120  provides a narrow structure that can be used to reach narrow recesses that the large surface area of the first soft tissue cleaner  140  can not. Moreover, during a normal brushing of teeth, the third soft tissue cleaner  150  will contact the hard to reach crevices between the cheeks and gums. 
     The grooves  153  (and resulting intermittent ridges) collectively form the topography of the third soft tissue cleaner  150 . Of course, the topography of the third soft tissue cleaner  150  can take on other forms and structures. It is preferred, however, that the topography of the third soft tissue cleaner  150  be different than the topography of the first and/or second soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  160 . 
     The third soft tissue cleaner  150  can be molded to the head  120  (more specifically, the preformed structural body  120 A) either in the same shot or separately than the first soft tissue cleaner  140  during an injection molding process. 
     As is best visible in  FIGS.  2  and  6   , the first soft tissue cleaner  140  and the third soft tissue cleaner  150  are separated by a wall  170  (comprising sections  170   a - e ) of the structural body  120 A (which is constructed of a hard plastic such as SAN or PP) of the head  120 . The wall  170  forms a separation barrier between the first soft tissue cleaner  140  and the third soft tissue cleaner  150 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sections  170   a - e  of the wall  170  are separated by gaps/grooves that are filled with the resilient material of the first and/or third soft tissue cleaner  140 ,  150 . Of course, in other embodiments, the wall  170  may be a continuous structure that completely isolates the first soft tissue cleaner  140  from the third soft tissue cleaner  150 . 
     The exact range of density and/or hardness of the elastomeric material of the third soft tissue cleaner  150  is not limiting of the present invention. The third soft tissue cleaner  150  may be of a different density and/or hardness than the first and/or second soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  160  in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the third soft tissue cleaner  150  may be of the same density and/or hardness as the first and/or second soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  160   
     Furthermore, as discussed above with respect to the first soft tissue cleaner  140 , the resilient material of the third soft tissue cleaner  150  may also be imbued with a sensory material. While the exact sensory material of the elastomeric material of the third soft tissue cleaner  150  is not limiting of the present invention, it is preferred that the third soft tissue cleaner  150  be imbued with a different sensory material than the first and/or second soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  160 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  2 ,  6  and  9    concurrently, the details of the second soft tissue cleaner  160  and its arrangement on the head  120  will now be discussed. The second soft tissue cleaner  160  is an elastomeric structure comprising three rings  161 - 163  connected by linear walls  164 - 165 . Of course, more or less rings can be used for the second soft tissue cleaner  160  as desired. 
     The three rings  161 - 163  are wall-like structures that form central cavities  261 - 263  respectively. The three rings  161 - 163  terminate in top surfaces  361 - 363  respectively. Each of the rings  361 - 363  have a plurality of grooves  463  formed into the top surfaces  361 - 363  in a circumferentially spaced manner. 
     The second soft tissue cleaner  160  is fixed to the rear surface  122  of the head  120  of the toothbrush  100  so that the rings  161 - 163  are aligned with the longitudinal axis A-A of the head  120 . The second soft tissue cleaner  160  is positioned on that portion of the rear surface  122  of the head  120  that is exposed through the central hole  142  of the first soft tissue cleaner  140 . As is best visible in  FIGS.  7 - 8   , the second soft tissue cleaner  160  is fixed to a protuberance  180  of the hard plastic (such as SANS or PP) of which the structural body  120 A of the head  120  is formed that extends through the central hole  142 . 
     Most preferably, the second soft tissue cleaner  160  is positioned within the central hole  142  (and atop the protuberance  180 ) so that it is spaced and isolated from the first soft tissue cleaner  140 . The second soft tissue cleaner  160  is preferably molded directly to the head  120  but can be molded separately and later fixed to the head  120  if desired. It is also preferred that the second soft tissue cleaner  160  be molded to the head  120  in a second shot separate than the first and third soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  150 . 
     The second soft tissue cleaner  160  is designed to engage and massage the oral soft tissue to significantly reduce a major source of bad breath in people and improve hygiene (explained in detail above with respect to the first soft tissue cleaner  140 ). The second soft tissue cleaner  160  is designed and arranged to work in combination with the first soft tissue cleaner  140  during an oral care session to effectively clean a soft tissue surface, especially tongue. More specifically, the second soft tissue cleaner  160  is specifically designed so that the top surfaces  361 - 363  of the rings  161 - 163  are at least flush with (and preferably higher) than the tops of the tallest nubs  144  of the first soft tissue cleaner  140 . It also preferable that the second soft tissue cleaner  160  be constructed of an elastomeric material that is of a different type than that of the first soft tissue cleaner  140 , such as having a different color, flavor, sensate, density and/or hardness. Thus, during movement of the head  120  across the tongue (or other oral surface) the softer first soft tissue cleaner  140  can bend and reach into the recesses between the papillae of the tongue&#39;s upper surface and loosen particles while the more rigid second soft tissue cleaner  160  can sweep the particles away and/or finalize the dislodging process. 
     The rings  161 - 163  and walls  164 - 165  collectively form the topography of the second soft tissue cleaner  160 . Of course, the topography of the second soft tissue cleaner  160  can take on other forms and structures. It is preferred, however, that the topography of the second soft tissue cleaner  160  be different than the topography of the first and/or third soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  150 . The second soft tissue cleaner  160  protrudes from the top surface of the protuberance  180 . 
     Furthermore, as discussed above with respect to the first soft tissue cleaner  140 , the resilient material of the second soft tissue cleaner  160  may also be imbued with a sensory material. While the exact sensory material of the elastomeric material of the third soft tissue cleaner  160  is not limiting of the present invention, the second soft tissue cleaner  160  may be imbued with a different sensory material than the first and/or third soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  150 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  7 - 8    concurrently, the structural details of the connection and arrangement of the cleaners  140 ,  150 ,  160  to the structural body  120 A of the head  120  will be discussed in greater detail. The rear surface  122  of the structural body  120 A of the head  120  comprises a basin  190  formed therein for receiving the first soft tissue cleaner  140 . The basin  190  is defined by a recessed floor  191  and upstanding side walls  192 . The basin  190  corresponds in size and shape to the first soft tissue cleaner  140  so as to effectuate nesting of the first soft tissue cleaner  140  therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the basin  190  is an annular basin resulting in a protuberance  180  extending centrally upward from a central portion of the floor  191  of the basin  190 . As a result, the basin  190  circumferentially surrounds the protuberance  180 . The protuberance  180  is an integrally formed extension of the main structural body  120 A of the head  120  and corresponds to the size and shape of the central hole  142  of the first soft tissue cleaner  140 . The protuberance  180  extends through the central hole  142  of the first soft tissue cleaner  140 . 
     The third soft tissue cleaner  160  is fixed to a top surface of the protuberance  180  and separated from the first soft tissue cleaner  140 . In other words, the second soft tissue cleaner  160  is an isolated structure that does not come into contact with the first soft tissue cleaner  140 . The second soft tissue cleaner  160  nests within channels  181  formed within the top surface of the protuberance  180 . The second soft tissue cleaner  160  is preferably as tall as or extends above the tallest of the nubs  144  of the first soft tissue cleaner  140 . 
     A peripheral channel  195  is also formed into the peripheral surface  123  of the structural body  120 A of the head  120 . The peripheral channel  195  extends along the lateral surface of the head  120  between the front surface  121  and the rear surface  122 . The second soft tissue cleaner  150  nests within the channel  195 . A plurality of grooves/gaps are also provided in the rear surface  122  of the structural body  120 A that extend between (and connect) the peripheral channel  195  and the basin  190 . These grooves (which are in essence gaps between the wall sections  170   a - e ) make it possible to form the first and third soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  150  with a single shot of thermoplastic elastomer during the injection molding process. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6 - 8    concurrently, one preferred embodiment of manufacturing the head  120  via an injection molding process will be described. First, the structural head  120 A of the head  120  is formed by injecting a liquefied hard plastic, such as PP or SAN, into a mold having the appropriately shaped fill cavity. Once the structural body  120 A is sufficiently cooled (the structure of which is described above), an outer mold is placed about the structural body  120 A for forming the first and third soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  150 . The first and third soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  150  are formed by overmolding process which involves injecting a single shot of a first type of liquefied thermoplastic elastomer into the basin  190  at point IP 2  via a first port. The first type of liquefied thermoplastic elastomer fills the basin  190  and flows into the peripheral channel  195  (via the gaps/grooves between the wall sections  170   a - e ), thereby filling the peripheral channel  195 . As a result, the first and third soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  150  are formed as illustrated. Of course, the first and third soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  150  can be formed with separate shots in other embodiments. The second soft tissue cleaner  160  is formed by injecting a second shot of a second type of liquefied thermoplastic elastomer at point IP 1  via a second port. The two ports are both positioned above the head and therefore, the ports are sized so that both can inject separately onto the head. The second port allows the second soft tissue cleaner  160  to be formed on the protuberance  180  in an isolated and spaced manner form the first soft tissue cleaner  140 . This allows the first and second soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  160  to be formed of different types of elastomers. For example, the first and second soft tissue cleaners  140 ,  160  can have different colors, flavors, sensates or material properties, such as hardness or density. 
     While a number of embodiments of the current invention have been described and illustrated in detail, various alternatives and modifications will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As various changes could be made in the above methods, compositions and structures without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in this application, including all mechanisms and/or modes of interaction described above, shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting in any way the scope of the appended claims.