Improvements in and relating to Tooth Brushes.
Year: 1892

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Tooth Brushes.
I, RUDOLF MISCHE of Fund Str. II. 21, Hanover in the Empire of Germany,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
My invention refers to improvements in tooth brushes.
The form of tooth brush now in common use becomes, after usage, unpleasant
and inconvenient in consequence of the hairs falling away or coming out and thereby
cause annoyance.
With other forms of tooth brushes more approximating to that form on which
my invention is an improvement and which are fitted with rubbing surfaces of soft
indiarubber there is the disadvantage that they cannot retain the tooth-powder in a
Bufficient quantity.
With my invention I provide the body of soft indiarabber with openings of any
shape, they may be circular or elongated, in which the powder and water may be
retained for use.
It is obvious that with my improvement the two disadvantages hitherto met with
in existing forms of tooth brushes are overcome, as first, of course there are no
hairs to fall out, and, secondly, provision is made for the tooth-powder and water
to be retained during the use of the brush.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood and more readily carried
into effect I will proceed to describe the drawings hereunto annexed.
Figure 1 is a side view of the tooth brush, showing in dotted lines the hollows
or openings or holes provided for the retention of water and tooth-powder.
Figure 2 is an inverted plan view of Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates a form of double tooth brush that may be used on either
side.
Figure 4 is a cross section h, h³ of Figure 3.
The same letters refer to the same parts in the several figures of the drawing.
a is the handle of the tooth brush; b is the body of soft indiarubber. Its
lower surface, as will be seen, is provided with ridges or teeth in the direction
of its width. care the teeth (saw shaped) that is, shaped pointed at the end
so that when cleaning the teeth these points or ridges penetrate into the gaps
between the gums and the teeth. d are the holes or openings in the teeth or
ridges arranged for the retention of water and powder. It will be observed
that these openings, as herein before referred to, are provided in the teeth or
ridges themselves, this being the best place for the more effectual action of the
brush. e and are the oblique faces of the teeth. 9 is the stem to which the
indiarubber brush is attached.
It is obvious that whether the teeth or ridges exist or not, the body of soft
indiarubber b provided with holes d of any form would serve to retain the water
and powder.
The holes d are best made unequal so as to adapt themselves to the points and
forms of human teeth.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 wish it to be distinctly
understood that I do not claim indiarubber tooth brushes generally, neither do I
claim indiarubber tooth brushes provided with teeth or ridges, but what I do
claim is :-
1. In tooth brushes which consist of a body of indiarubber, cavities or holes d

page_text: opening into the rubbing surface, which said surface may be flat or curved or pro-
vided with elevations and depressions, substantially in the manner described and as
illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
2. In tooth brushes the combination of a rubber body provided with holes or
cavities d opening into the rubbing surface, substantially as herein described and as
illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
3. A tooth brush of a circular form provided with teeth, in cross section, the
said teeth being provided with holes or cavities substantially as described with
reference to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawing annexed.
Dated this 17th day of February 1892.
JOHN P. O'DONNELL,
2, Great George Street, Westminster, London, S.W.,
Agent for the said Applicant.