Patent Description:
While substantial efforts have been made to modify the cleaning elements of toothbrushes to improve the efficiency of the oral cleaning process, the industry continues to pursue arrangements of cleaning elements that will improve upon the existing technology. In typical oral care implements, bristles having circular transverse cross-sectional profiles are bundled together in a bristle tuft and mounted within tuft holes having circular transverse cross-sectional profiles. However, such a configuration results in gaps being present between adjacent bristles in the tuft and between the bristles of the tuft and the walls of the tuft holes, thereby resulting in a looser packing of the tuft hole and a less than optimal packing factor. These gaps can also reduce the effectiveness of the oral care implement and can cause the oral care implement to effectuate an uncomfortable feeling during brushing. Therefore, a need exists for an oral care implement having an improved arrangement of bristles.

The present invention is directed to an oral care implement according to claim <NUM> that includes a handle and a head with a front surface. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend from the front surface of the head. The plurality of tooth cleaning elements includes a conical tuft that has a bristle wall having an inner surface defining a cavity, the cavity having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface of the head. Furthermore, in some embodiments the bristle wall terminates in an annular top surface that is inclined relative to the front surface of the head. The head includes four of the conical tufts.

One aspect not according to the claimed invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head coupled to the handle, the head comprising a front surface and a longitudinal axis that extends from a proximal end of the head to a distal end of the head; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the front surface of the head; the plurality of tooth cleaning elements comprising a first conical tuft comprising a first bristle wall having an inner surface defining a first cavity along a first cavity axis, the first cavity having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface of the head, wherein the first bristle wall of the first conical tuft terminates in a first annular top surface that is inclined relative to the front surface from a first high point to a first low point; the plurality of tooth cleaning elements comprising a second conical tuft comprising a second bristle wall having an inner surface defining a second cavity along a second cavity axis, the second cavity having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface of the head, wherein the second bristle wall of the second conical tuft terminates in a second annular top surface that is inclined relative to the front surface from a second high point to a second low point; and the first and second conical tufts arranged on the head such that the first and second high points are adjacent to one another.

The invention is an oral care implement with the features of claim <NUM>, comprising: a handle; a head coupled to the handle, the head comprising a front surface and a longitudinal axis that extends from a proximal end of the head to a distal end of the head; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the front surface of the head; the plurality of tooth cleaning elements comprising a first conical tuft comprising a first bristle wall having an inner surface defining a first cavity along a first cavity axis, the first cavity having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface of the head; the plurality of tooth cleaning elements comprising a second conical tuft comprising a second bristle wall having an inner surface defining a second cavity along a second cavity axis, the second cavity having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface of the head; and the first and second conical tufts arranged on a transverse axis of the head that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; the plurality of tooth cleaning elements comprising a third conical tuft comprising a third bristle wall having an inner surface defining a third cavity along a third cavity axis, the third cavity having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface of the head; the plurality of tooth cleaning elements comprising a fourth conical tuft comprising a fourth bristle wall having an inner surface defining a fourth cavity along a fourth cavity axis, the fourth cavity having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface of the head; and the third and fourth conical tufts located on the longitudinal axis of the head.

Another aspect not according to the claimed invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head coupled to the handle, the head comprising a front surface and a longitudinal axis that extends from a proximal end of the head to a distal end of the head; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the front surface of the head; and the plurality of tooth cleaning elements comprising a first conical tuft comprising a first bristle wall having an inner surface defining a first cavity along a first cavity axis, the first cavity having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface of the head, wherein the first bristle wall of the first conical tuft terminates in a first annular top surface that is inclined relative to the front surface from a first high point to a first low point.

Terms such as "attached,""affixed," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

Referring first to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> concurrently, an oral care implement <NUM> is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplified embodiment, the oral care implement <NUM> is in the form of a manual toothbrush. However, in certain other embodiments the oral care implement <NUM> can take on other forms such as being a powered 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 tooth engaging elements or any other type of implement that is commonly used for oral care. Thus, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts discussed herein can be applied to any type of oral care implement unless a specific type of oral care implement is specified in the claims.

The oral care implement <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> along a longitudinal axis A-A. The oral care implement <NUM> generally comprises a head <NUM> and a handle <NUM>. The head <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> along a longitudinal axis B-B that is coextensive with the longitudinal axis A-A of the oral care implement <NUM>. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the distal end <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM> is the same as the distal end <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> is an elongated structure that provides the mechanism by which the user can hold and manipulate the oral care implement <NUM> during use. In the exemplified embodiment, the handle <NUM> is generically depicted having various contours for user comfort. Of course, the invention is not to be limited by the specific shape illustrated for the handle <NUM> in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the handle <NUM> can 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.

In the exemplified embodiment, the handle <NUM> is formed of a rigid plastic material, such as for example without limitation polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds, and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the handle <NUM> may include a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, as a grip cover that is molded over portions of or the entirety of the handle <NUM> to enhance the gripability of the handle <NUM> during use. For example, portions of the handle <NUM> that 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. Furthermore, materials other than those noted above can be used including metal, wood, or any other desired material that has sufficient structural rigidity to permit a user to grip the handle <NUM> and manipulate the oral care implement <NUM> during toothbrushing.

The head <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM> is coupled to the handle <NUM> and comprises a front surface <NUM> and an opposing rear surface <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the head <NUM> is formed integrally with the handle <NUM> as a single unitary structure using a molding, milling, machining, or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments the handle <NUM> and the head <NUM> 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 or ultrasonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesion, or fasteners. Thus the head <NUM> may, in certain embodiments, be formed of any of the rigid plastic materials described above as being used for forming the handle <NUM>, 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.

The oral care implement <NUM> also comprises a plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM> extending from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The details of certain ones of the plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM> will be discussed below, including specific details with regard to structure, pattern, orientation, and material of such tooth cleaning elements <NUM>. However, where it does not conflict with the other disclosure provided herein, it should be appreciated that the term "tooth 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 "tooth cleaning elements" include, without limitation, bristle tufts, 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. Thus, any combination of these tooth cleaning elements may be used within the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> in some embodiments. However, as described herein below, in certain embodiments one or more of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> may be formed as tufts of bristles.

In embodiments that use elastomeric elements as one or more of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, suitable elastomeric materials may include any biocompatible resilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of any such tooth or soft tissue engaging elements may have a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. One suitable elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted hardness range could be used.

Referring to <FIG> concurrently, one manner in which the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are secured to the head <NUM> will be described. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are formed as a cleaning element assembly on a head plate <NUM> such that one or more of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are mounted onto the head plate <NUM> and then the head plate <NUM> is coupled to the head <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the head plate <NUM> is a separate and distinct component from the head <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM>. However, the head plate <NUM> is connected to the head <NUM> at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal or ultrasonic welding, any fusion techniques such as thermal fusion, melting, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesion, or fasteners. Thus, the head plate <NUM> and the head <NUM> are separately formed components that are secured together during manufacture of the oral care implement <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the head plate <NUM> may comprise a plurality of holes <NUM> formed therethrough, and the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> may be mounted to the head plate <NUM> within the holes <NUM>. This type of technique for mounting the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> to the head <NUM> via the head plate <NUM> is generally known as anchor free tufting (AFT). Specifically, in AFT a plate or membrane (i.e., the head plate <NUM>) is created separately from the head <NUM>. The tooth cleaning elements <NUM> (such as bristles, elastomeric elements, and combinations thereof) are positioned into the head plate <NUM> so as to extend through the holes <NUM> of the head plate <NUM>. The free ends of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> on one side of the head plate <NUM> perform the cleaning function. The ends of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> on the other side of the head plate <NUM> are melted together by heat to be anchored in place. As the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are melted together, a melt matte <NUM> is formed, which is a layer of plastic formed from the collective ends of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> that prevents the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> from being pulled through the tuft holes <NUM>.

After the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are secured to the head plate <NUM>, the head plate <NUM> is secured to the head <NUM> such as by ultrasonic welding. When the head plate <NUM> is coupled to the head <NUM>, the melt matte <NUM> is located between a lower surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM> and a floor <NUM> of a basin <NUM> of the head <NUM> in which the head plate <NUM> is disposed. The melt matte <NUM>, which is coupled directly to and in fact forms a part of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, prevents the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> from being pulled through the holes <NUM> in the head plate <NUM> thus ensuring that the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> remain attached to the head plate <NUM> during use of the oral care implement <NUM>.

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

Of course, techniques other than AFT and AMR can be used for mounting the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> to the head <NUM>, such as widely known and used stapling techniques or the like. In such embodiments the head plate <NUM> may be omitted and the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> may be coupled directly to the head <NUM>. Furthermore, in a modified version of the AFT process discussed above, the head plate <NUM> may be formed by positioning the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> within a mold, and then molding the head plate <NUM> around the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> via an injection molding process. However, it should be appreciated that certain of the bristle tufts disclosed herein cannot be adequately secured to the head using staple techniques, and one of AFT or AMR is therefore use for securing such bristle tufts (i.e., the conical tufts described below) to the head.

Although described herein above with regard to using AFT, in certain embodiments any suitable form of cleaning elements and attachment may be used in the broad practice of this invention. Specifically, the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> of the present invention can be connected to the head <NUM> in any manner known in the art. For example, staples/anchors or in-mold tufting (IMT) could be used to mount the cleaning elements/tooth engaging elements. In certain embodiments, the invention can be practiced with various combinations of stapled, IMT, AMR, or AFT bristles. Alternatively, the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> is mounted within or below the tuft block.

Although not illustrated herein, in certain embodiments the head <NUM> may also include a soft tissue cleanser coupled to or positioned on its rear surface <NUM>. An example of a suitable soft tissue cleanser that may be used with the present invention and positioned on the rear surface of the head <NUM> is disclosed in <CIT> to the assignee of the present application. In certain other embodiments, the soft tissue cleanser may include protuberances, which can take the form of elongated ridges, nubs, or combinations thereof. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and in certain embodiments the oral care implement <NUM> may not include any soft tissue cleanser.

Still referring to <FIG>, the oral care implement <NUM>, and specifically the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM>, will be further described. In the exemplified embodiment, the plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM> comprise a first conical tuft <NUM>, a second conical tuft <NUM>, a third conical tuft <NUM>, and a fourth conical tuft <NUM>. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is a tuft or grouping of bristles that are arranged together into a tuft and then secured into a single tuft hole within the head <NUM> (or within the head plate <NUM>). The first, second, third, and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are described herein as being conical due to the first, second, third, and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> having a conical shape. More specifically, as can best be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first, second, third, and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are in the shape of a truncated cone wherein the portion of the first, second, third, and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that is positioned within the head <NUM> is the truncated (i.e., cut off) portion of the cone such that the first, second, third, and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are in the shape of an inverted truncated cone.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> concurrently, the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> will be further described. The first conical tuft <NUM> comprises a first continuous bristle wall <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the first continuous bristle wall <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> defines a first cavity <NUM> that extends along a first cavity axis C-C. In the exemplified embodiment, the first conical tuft <NUM>, and specifically the first continuous bristle wall <NUM> thereof, extends in a <NUM>° manner about the first cavity axis C-C without any breaks or gaps.

The first cavity <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> has an open top end and is bounded by the inner surface <NUM> of the first continuous bristle wall <NUM> and by the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. As noted above, the first conical tuft <NUM> in the exemplified embodiment is formed by a plurality of bristles. Specifically, the plurality of bristles are clumped together and positioned collectively into a single tuft hole so that the plurality of bristles collectively form the first conical tuft <NUM> having no gaps in the first continuous bristle wall <NUM> for its entire <NUM>° extension about the first cavity axis C-C. Thus, the first conical tuft <NUM> extends from a single tuft hole. The term continuous bristle wall is intended to mean that the first conical tuft <NUM> is a single tuft of bristles that are clumped together into a single tuft hole in a non-spaced apart manner.

Thus, the first conical tuft <NUM> is a single tuft formed from a plurality of individual bristles that are positioned together within a single tuft hole. As a result, in the exemplified embodiment the first conical tuft <NUM> has the first continuous bristle wall <NUM> that extends without discontinuity about the first cavity axis C-C. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment there are no gaps formed into the outer surface <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM>. Of course, in other embodiments the first conical tuft <NUM> may have small gaps therein as desired while still being a single tuft positioned within a single tuft hole. Such gaps in the bristle wall may prevent dentifrice from being trapped within the first cavity <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> by providing means of egress from the first cavity <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the first bristle wall <NUM> may not be continuous. In one embodiment, the first conical tuft <NUM> is secured to the head <NUM> by anchor free tufting or AMR.

Due to the conical shape of the first conical tuft <NUM>, and more specifically, the inverted conical shape of the first conical tuft <NUM>, the first cavity <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> has a first transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Specifically, the first transverse cross-sectional area of the first cavity <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> only increases and never decreases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, the greater the distance between a particular axial location within the first cavity <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> and the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>, the greater the transverse cross-sectional area of the first cavity <NUM> at that particular axial location. Stated another way, the diameter of the first cavity <NUM> increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> so that the diameter of the first cavity <NUM> is greater at the terminal ends of the bristles of the first conical tuft <NUM> than at the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

The first continuous bristle wall <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> terminates in a first annular top surface <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the first annular top surface <NUM> is inclined relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> such that the height of the first conical tuft <NUM> increases with distance from the peripheral edge of the head <NUM> towards the center of the head <NUM>. Thus, the first annular top surface <NUM> has a first low point <NUM> and a first high point <NUM>. The first annular top surface <NUM> is inclined relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> from the first low point <NUM> to the first high point <NUM>. Specifically, the first annular top surface <NUM> may be inclined at approximately between <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>, and more specifically between <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. In other embodiments the angle may be greater than <NUM>°, such as between <NUM>° and <NUM>° or the like.

The second conical tuft <NUM> comprises a second continuous bristle wall <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the second continuous bristle wall <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> defines a second cavity <NUM> that extends along a second cavity axis D-D. The second conical tuft <NUM>, and specifically the second continuous bristle wall <NUM> thereof, extends in a <NUM>° manner about the second cavity axis D-D. The second cavity <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> has an open top end and is bounded by the inner surface <NUM> of the second continuous bristle wall <NUM> and by the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The second conical tuft <NUM> in the exemplified embodiment is formed by a plurality of bristles. Specifically, the plurality of bristles are clumped together and positioned collectively into a single tuft hole so that the plurality of bristles collectively form the second conical tuft <NUM> having no gaps in the second continuous bristle wall <NUM> for its entire <NUM>° extension about the second cavity axis D-D. Thus, the second conical tuft <NUM> extends from a single tuft hole. The term continuous bristle wall is intended to mean that the second conical tuft <NUM> is a single tuft of bristles that are clumped together into a single tuft hole in a non-spaced apart manner. Of course, in other embodiments the second bristle wall <NUM> may not be continuous as it may have gaps or the like formed therein.

Thus, the second conical tuft <NUM> is a single tuft formed from a plurality of individual bristles that are positioned together within a single tuft hole. As a result, in the exemplified embodiment the second conical tuft <NUM> has the second continuous bristle wall <NUM> that extends without discontinuity about the second cavity axis D-D. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment there are no gaps formed into the outer surface <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM>. Of course, in other embodiments the second conical tuft <NUM> may have small gaps therein as desired while still being a single tuft positioned within a single tuft hole. Such gaps in the bristle wall may prevent dentifrice from being trapped within the second cavity <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> by providing means of egress from the second cavity <NUM>. In one embodiment, the second conical tuft <NUM> is secured to the head <NUM> by anchor free tufting or AMR.

Due to the conical shape of the second conical tuft <NUM>, and more specifically, the inverted conical shape of the second conical tuft <NUM>, the second cavity <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> has a second transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Specifically, the second transverse cross-sectional area of the second cavity <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> only increases and never decreases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, the greater the distance between a particular axial location within the second cavity <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> and the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>, the greater the transverse cross-sectional area of the second cavity <NUM> at that particular axial location. Stated another way, the diameter of the second cavity <NUM> increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> so that the diameter of the second cavity <NUM> is greater at the terminal ends of the bristles of the second conical tuft <NUM> than at the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

The second continuous bristle wall <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> terminates in a second annular top surface <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the second annular top surface <NUM> is inclined relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> such that the height of the second conical tuft <NUM> increases with distance from the peripheral edge of the head <NUM> towards the center of the head <NUM>. Thus, the second annular top surface <NUM> has a second low point <NUM> and a second high point <NUM>. The second annular top surface <NUM> is inclined relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> from the second low point <NUM> to the second high point <NUM>. Specifically, the second annular top surface <NUM> may be inclined at approximately between <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>, and more specifically between <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. In other embodiments the angle may be greater than <NUM>°, such as between <NUM>° and <NUM>° or the like.

The first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned on the head <NUM> in an adjacent manner. More specifically, the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned adjacent to one another on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis B-B of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment each of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> is positioned on a transverse axis (see <FIG>) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B-B of the head <NUM> and that is centrally located on the head <NUM> so as to divide the head <NUM> into two halves of substantially equal length. Moreover, the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned such that a transverse reference plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B-B of the head <NUM> and perpendicular to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> intersects the first and second high points <NUM>, <NUM> and the first and second low points <NUM>, <NUM> (the transverse reference plane would be a plane that includes the transverse axis and extends perpendicular to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>). Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and the transverse axis need not be located centrally on the head <NUM> in all embodiments, but rather the transverse axis can be any axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B-B of the head <NUM> and that extends along the width of the head <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the first low point <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> is positioned adjacent to a first lateral edge <NUM> of the head <NUM> and the first high point <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> is positioned in a central region of the head <NUM>. The second low point <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> is positioned adjacent to a second lateral edge <NUM> of the head <NUM> and the second high point <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> is positioned in a central region of the head <NUM>. Thus, the first high point <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the first high point <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM>. As used in regard to the locations of the first and second high points <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, the term adjacent means that there are no intervening tufts between the first high point <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> and the second high point <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM>. Thus, although the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from one another, the first high point <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> is immediately adjacent to the second high point <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> with no tufts or other cleaning elements positioned between the first high point <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> and the second high point <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> in a direction of the transverse axis.

Furthermore, due to the conical shape of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, the distance between the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> decreases with increasing distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart by a first distance D1 at the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart by a second distance D2 at the first and second high points <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>. The first distance D1 is greater than the second distance D2.

The first annular top surface <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> slopes downwardly with distance from the longitudinal axis B-B towards the first lateral edge <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The second annular top surface <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> slopes downwardly with distance from the longitudinal axis B-B towards the second lateral edge <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, each of the first and second annular top surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> slopes downwardly with increasing distance from a longitudinal reference plane that is parallel to (or includes) the longitudinal axis B-B and is perpendicular to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

As can be seen from <FIG>, in the exemplified embodiment each of the first and second annular top surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> has a linear side profile when viewed from the transverse reference plane noted above. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments one or both of the first and second annular top surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> may have a concave or convex side profile when viewed from the transverse reference plane.

In the exemplified embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> forms a first angle Θ1 with the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, the outer surface <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> forms a second angle Θ2 with the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the first and second angles Θ1, Θ2 may be the same, although in other embodiments the first and second angles Θ1, Θ2 may be different. In certain embodiments, each of the first and second acute angles Θ1, Θ2 are between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, more specifically between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In certain embodiments, one or both of the first and second acute angles Θ1, Θ2 is between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, and in other embodiments one or both of the first and second acute angles Θ1, Θ2 is between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. Furthermore, one of the first and second acute angles Θ1, Θ2 may be between <NUM>° and <NUM>° while the other one of the first and second acute angles Θ1, Θ2 is between <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

Still referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> concurrently, in the exemplified embodiment a first central cleaning element <NUM> is located within the first central cavity <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first central cleaning element <NUM> and the first conical tuft <NUM> may be positioned within a single tuft hole. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the first central cleaning element <NUM> may be positioned in a tuft hole that is spaced apart from and surrounded by the tuft hole within which the first conical tuft <NUM> is positioned. The first central cleaning element <NUM> (and any other central cleaning element discussed herein below) may be a tapered bristle tuft, a bristle tuft that comprises tapered bristles, a non-tapered bristle tuft, a rounded bristle tuft, bristle tuft that comprises spiral bristle, combinations thereof, or the like.

In the exemplified embodiment, the first central cleaning element <NUM> extends perpendicularly from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, an annular gap <NUM> is present between an outer surface of the first central cleaning element <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the annular gap <NUM> extends to below the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the first central cleaning element <NUM> converges with the first conical tuft <NUM> at the melt matte <NUM>. Due to the conical shape of the first conical tuft <NUM> and the perpendicular extension of the first central cleaning element <NUM> relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>, the distance between the outer surface of the first central cleaning element <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

The first central cleaning element <NUM> terminates in a free end <NUM>. In the embodiment exemplified in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the free end <NUM> of the first central cleaning element <NUM> extends to a height that is above the first low point <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> and above the first high point <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM>. However, referring briefly to <FIG>, in another embodiment the free end <NUM> of the first central cleaning element <NUM> may extend to a height that is above the first low point <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> and below the first high point <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM>. Furthermore, in still other embodiments the free end <NUM> of the first central cleaning element <NUM> may extend to a height that is below the first low point <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment a second central cleaning element <NUM> is located within the second central cavity <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM>. The second central cleaning element <NUM> may share a single tuft hole with the second conical tuft <NUM> or each may have its own separate tuft hole as discussed above with regard to the first central cleaning element <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the second central cleaning element <NUM> extends perpendicularly from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, an annular gap <NUM> is present between an outer surface of the second central cleaning element <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the annular gap <NUM> extends to below the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the second central cleaning element <NUM> converges with the second conical tuft <NUM> at the melt matte <NUM>. Due to the conical shape of the second conical tuft <NUM> and the perpendicular extension of the second central cleaning element <NUM> relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>, the distance between the outer surface of the second central cleaning element <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

The second central cleaning element <NUM> terminates in a free end <NUM>. In the embodiment exemplified in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the free end <NUM> of the second central cleaning element <NUM> extends to a height that is above the second low point <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> and above the second high point <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM>. However, referring briefly to <FIG>, in another embodiment the free end <NUM> of the second central cleaning element <NUM> may extend to a height that is above the second low point <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> and below the second high point <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM>. Furthermore, in still other embodiments the free end <NUM> of the second central cleaning element <NUM> may extend to a height that is below the second low point <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM>.

The plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM> also include a first arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> having a first convex side surface <NUM> and a first concave side surface <NUM> and a second arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> having a second convex side surface <NUM> and a second concave side surface <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second arcuate tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> are formed of an elastomeric material (i.e., elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.). However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the first and second arcuate tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed as tufts of bristles.

The first and second arcuate tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned on the head so that the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are in between the first and second arcuate tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, the first and second arcuate tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> are oriented so that the convex side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second arcuate tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> are facing the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, the convex side surface <NUM> of the first arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> and the concave side surface <NUM> of the first arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the distal end <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The convex side surface <NUM> of the second arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> and the concave side surface <NUM> of the second arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the proximal end <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, the first and second arcuate tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> are located on opposite sides of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> and on opposite sides of the transverse axis. Furthermore, the first and second arcuate tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> are located on the longitudinal axis B-B of the head <NUM>.

The plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM> also includes a first peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> and a second peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> located along the first lateral edge <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, the plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM> includes a third peripheral cleaning element <NUM> and a fourth peripheral cleaning element <NUM> located along the second lateral edge <NUM> of the head <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth peripheral tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are tufts of bristles, although they could be formed of elastomer in other embodiments. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the first conical tuft <NUM> is located between the first and second peripheral tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> and the second conical tuft <NUM> is located between the third and fourth peripheral tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth peripheral tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has a triangular-shaped cross-section. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and other cross-sectional shapes can be used for the first, second, third, and fourth peripheral tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth peripheral tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has three edges and three corners. One of the edges of the first peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the first conical tuft <NUM>, one of the edges of the first peripheral tuft <NUM> faces the third conical tuft <NUM>, and one of the edges of the first peripheral tuft <NUM> faces the first lateral side edge <NUM> of the head <NUM>. One of the edges of the second peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the first conical tuft <NUM>, one of the edges of the second peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the fourth conical tuft <NUM>, and one of the edges of the second peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the first lateral side edge <NUM> of the head <NUM>. One of the edges of the third peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the second conical tuft <NUM>, one of the edges of the third peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the third conical tuft <NUM>, and one of the edges of the third peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the second lateral side edge <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Finally, one of the edges of the fourth peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the second conical tuft <NUM>, one of the edges of the fourth peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the fourth conical tuft <NUM>, and one of the edges of the fourth peripheral tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the second lateral side edge <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> concurrently, the third conical tuft <NUM> will be further described. The third conical tuft <NUM> comprises a third continuous bristle wall <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the third continuous bristle wall <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM> defines a third cavity <NUM> that extends along a third cavity axis E-E. In the exemplified embodiment, the third conical tuft <NUM>, and specifically the third continuous bristle wall <NUM> thereof, extends in a <NUM>° manner about the third cavity axis E-E. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the third bristle wall <NUM> may not be continuous in other embodiments. The third cavity <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM> has an open top end and is bounded by the inner surface <NUM> of the third continuous bristle wall <NUM> and by the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. As noted above, the third conical tuft <NUM> in the exemplified embodiment is formed by a plurality of bristles. Specifically, the plurality of bristles are clumped together and positioned collectively into a single tuft hole so that the plurality of bristles collectively form the third conical tuft <NUM> having no gaps in the third continuous bristle wall <NUM> for its entire <NUM>° extension about the third cavity axis E-E. Thus, the third conical tuft <NUM> extends from a single tuft hole. The term continuous bristle wall is intended to mean that the third conical tuft <NUM> is a single tuft of bristles that are clumped together into a single tuft hole in a non-spaced apart manner.

Thus, the third conical tuft <NUM> is a single tuft formed from a plurality of individual bristles that are positioned together within a single tuft hole. As a result, the third conical tuft <NUM> has the third continuous bristle wall <NUM> that extends without discontinuity about the third cavity axis E-E. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment there are no gaps formed into the outer surface <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM>. Of course, in other embodiments the third conical tuft <NUM> may have small gaps therein as desired while still being a single tuft positioned within a single tuft hole. Such gaps in the bristle wall may prevent dentifrice from being trapped within the third cavity <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM> by providing means of egress from the third cavity <NUM>. Thus, in certain embodiments the third bristle wall <NUM> may not be continuous. In one embodiment, the third conical tuft <NUM> is secured to the head <NUM> by anchor free tufting or AMR.

Due to the conical shape of the third conical tuft <NUM>, and more specifically, the inverted conical shape of the third conical tuft <NUM>, the third cavity <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM> has a third transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Specifically, the third transverse cross-sectional area of the third cavity <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM> only increases and never decreases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, the greater the distance between a particular axial location within the third cavity <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM> and the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>, the greater the transverse cross-sectional area of the third cavity <NUM> at that particular axial location. Stated another way, the diameter of the third cavity <NUM> increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> so that the diameter of the third cavity <NUM> is greater at the terminal ends of the bristles of the third conical tuft <NUM> than at the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

The third continuous bristle wall <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM> terminates in a third annular top surface <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the third annular top surface <NUM> is flat and parallel to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment the third conical tuft <NUM> has a constant height. However, in other embodiments the third annular top surface <NUM> may be inclined relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> in the same manner as discussed above with regard to the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the outer surface <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM> is oriented at an angle Θ3 relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The angle Θ3 can be any of the angles described above with regard to the first and second angles Θ1, Θ2. All other description above with regard to the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> that is not contradictory to the description above regarding the third conical tuft <NUM> may be applicable to the third conical tuft <NUM> in some embodiments.

In the exemplified embodiment, a third central cleaning element <NUM> is located within the third central cavity <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the third central cleaning element <NUM> extends perpendicularly from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, an annular gap <NUM> is present between an outer surface of the third central cleaning element <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the annular gap <NUM> extends to below the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the third central cleaning element <NUM> converges with the third conical tuft <NUM> at the melt matte <NUM>. Due to the conical shape of the third conical tuft <NUM>, the distance between the outer surface of the third central cleaning element <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM> increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The third central cleaning element <NUM> terminates in a free end <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the free end <NUM> of the third central cleaning element <NUM> extends to a height that is above the third annular top surface <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM>. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in some embodiments the free end <NUM> of the third central cleaning element <NUM> may extend to a height that is below the third annular top surface <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> concurrently, the fourth conical tuft <NUM> will be further described. The fourth conical tuft <NUM> comprises a fourth continuous bristle wall <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the fourth continuous bristle wall <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM> defines a fourth cavity <NUM> that extends along a fourth cavity axis F-F. In the exemplified embodiment, the fourth conical tuft <NUM>, and specifically the fourth continuous bristle wall <NUM> thereof, extends in a <NUM>° manner about the fourth cavity axis F-F. The fourth cavity <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM> has an open top end and is bounded by the inner surface <NUM> of the fourth continuous bristle wall <NUM> and by the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. As noted above, the fourth conical tuft <NUM> in the exemplified embodiment is formed by a plurality of bristles. Specifically, the plurality of bristles are clumped together and positioned collectively into a single tuft hole so that the plurality of bristles collectively form the third conical tuft <NUM> having no gaps in the third continuous bristle wall <NUM> for its entire <NUM>° extension about the fourth cavity axis F-F. Thus, the fourth conical tuft <NUM> extends from a single tuft hole. The term continuous bristle wall is intended to mean that the fourth conical tuft <NUM> is a single tuft of bristles that are clumped together into a single tuft hole in a non-spaced apart manner.

Thus, the fourth conical tuft <NUM> is a single tuft formed from a plurality of individual bristles that are positioned together within a single tuft hole. As a result, the fourth conical tuft <NUM> has the fourth continuous bristle wall <NUM> that extends without discontinuity about the fourth cavity axis F-F. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment there are no gaps formed into the outer surface <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM>. Of course, in other embodiments the fourth conical tuft <NUM> may have small gaps therein as desired while still being a single tuft positioned within a single tuft hole. In such embodiments, the fourth bristle wall <NUM> may not be continuous. Such gaps in the bristle wall may prevent dentifrice from being trapped within the fourth cavity <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM> by providing means of egress from the fourth cavity <NUM>. In one embodiment, the fourth conical tuft <NUM> is secured to the head <NUM> by anchor free tufting or AMR.

Due to the conical shape of the fourth conical tuft <NUM>, and more specifically, the inverted conical shape of the fourth conical tuft <NUM>, the fourth cavity <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM> has a fourth transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Specifically, the fourth transverse cross-sectional area of the fourth cavity <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM> only increases and never decreases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, the greater the distance between a particular axial location within the fourth cavity <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM> and the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>, the greater the transverse cross-sectional area of the fourth cavity <NUM> at that particular axial location. Stated another way, the diameter of the fourth cavity <NUM> increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> so that the diameter of the fourth cavity <NUM> is greater at the terminal ends of the bristles of the fourth conical tuft <NUM> than at the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

The fourth continuous bristle wall <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM> terminates in a fourth annular top surface <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the fourth annular top surface <NUM> is flat and parallel to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment the fourth conical tuft <NUM> has a constant height. However, in other embodiments the fourth annular top surface <NUM> may be inclined relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> in the same manner as discussed above with regard to the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, the outer surface <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM> is oriented at an angle Θ4 relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The angle Θ4 can be any of the angles described above with regard to the first and second angles Θ1, Θ2. All other description above with regard to the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> that is not contradictory to the description above regarding the fourth conical tuft <NUM> may be applicable to the fourth conical tuft <NUM> in some embodiments.

In the exemplified embodiment, a fourth central cleaning element <NUM> is located within the fourth central cavity <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the fourth central cleaning element <NUM> extends perpendicularly from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, an annular gap <NUM> is present between an outer surface of the fourth central cleaning element <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the annular gap <NUM> extends to below the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the fourth central cleaning element <NUM> converges with the fourth conical tuft <NUM> at the melt matte <NUM>. Due to the conical shape of the fourth conical tuft <NUM>, the distance between the outer surface of the fourth central cleaning element <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM> increases with distance from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The fourth central cleaning element <NUM> terminates in a free end <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the free end <NUM> of the fourth central cleaning element <NUM> extends to a height that is above the fourth annular top surface <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM>. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in some embodiments the free end <NUM> of the fourth central cleaning element <NUM> may extend to a height that is below the fourth annular top surface <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM>.

In the exemplified embodiment, each of the third and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> is located on the longitudinal axis B-B of the head <NUM>. More specifically, the third and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are transversely aligned on the longitudinal axis B-B of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the third conical tuft <NUM> is located between the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the head and the fourth conical tuft <NUM> is located between the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, the first arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> is positioned between the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> and the third conical tuft <NUM> such that the concave side surface <NUM> of the first arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the third conical tuft <NUM> and the convex side surface <NUM> of the first arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>. Similarly, the second arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> is positioned between the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> and the fourth conical tuft <NUM> such that the concave side surface <NUM> of the second arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the fourth conical tuft <NUM> and the convex side surface <NUM> of the second arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> faces the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are located between the third and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> such that the conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> collectively form a cruciform arrangement (if a line was drawn to connect the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> and a separate line was drawn to connect the third and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, the result would be a cruciform shape).

In one embodiment, the first bristle wall <NUM> has a first thickness measured from the inner surface <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM>. The second bristle wall <NUM> has a second thickness measured from the inner surface <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM>. The third bristle wall <NUM> has a third thickness measured from the inner surface <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the third conical tuft <NUM>. The fourth bristle wall <NUM> has a fourth thickness measured from the inner surface <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the fourth conical tuft <NUM>. In one embodiment, the first and second thickness are substantially the same and the third and fourth thicknesses are substantially the same. Furthermore, in some embodiments the first and second thicknesses are greater than the third and fourth thicknesses, which renders the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> more rigid than the third and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, in some embodiments the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same and the third and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same, the outer diameter of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> being greater than the outer diameter of the third and fourth conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>.

In addition to the above, the plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM> also include a first set of distal tooth cleaning elements <NUM> arranged about a first loop <NUM> that surrounds the third conical tuft <NUM>. The first set of distal tooth cleaning elements <NUM> comprises a grouping of tooth cleaning elements of various shapes and/or sizes that surround the third conical tuft <NUM>. Specifically, the first set of distal tooth cleaning elements <NUM> comprises two arcuate tufts 222a, 222b at the distal-most portion of the head <NUM> that form the distal-most tooth cleaning elements on the head <NUM> and five rectangular (or otherwise four-sided) shaped tufts arranged in the loop <NUM> and extending from one of the two arcuate tufts 222a, 222b to the other of the two arcuate tufts 222a, 222b. In the exemplified embodiment, there are two arcuate tufts 222a, 222b that are spaced apart by a gap that is located on the longitudinal axis B-B, and thus the two arcuate tufts 222a, 222b are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis B-B. In other embodiments, the two arcuate tufts 222a, 222b can be combined into a single arcuate tuft at the distal end <NUM> of the head <NUM> that traverses over the longitudinal axis B-B.

The arcuate tufts 222a, 222b at the distal-most portion of the head <NUM> have larger cross-sectional areas than any of the other tufts in the loop <NUM>. More specifically, the arcuate tufts 222a, 222b at the distal-most portion of the head <NUM> have the largest cross-sectional area of the tufts in the loop <NUM>, the two tufts 223a, 223b that are immediately adjacent to each of the arcuate tufts 222a, 222b at the distal-most portion of the head <NUM> have the second largest cross-sectional area of the tufts in the loop <NUM>, and the three tufts 224a, 224b, 224c positioned adjacent to the first arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> have the smallest cross-sectional area.

Thus, the two arcuate tufts 222a, 222b located between the third conical tuft <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the head <NUM> have a first transverse cross-sectional area, the two tufts 223a, 223b located between the third conical tuft <NUM> and the first and second lateral side edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the head <NUM> have a second transverse cross-sectional area, and the three tufts 224a, 224b, 224c located between the third conical tuft <NUM> and the first arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> have a third transverse cross-sectional area. Furthermore, the first transverse cross-sectional area is greater than the second transverse cross-sectional area and the second transverse cross-sectional area is greater than the third transverse cross-sectional area.

Each of the tufts in the loop <NUM> is a separate and distinct tuft that is positioned within a separate tuft hole in the head <NUM>. Thus, the tufts are spaced apart along the loop <NUM>. Although the first set of distal tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are described as forming a loop that surrounds the third conical tuft <NUM>, it should be appreciated that the loop has gaps therein in between each adjacent tuft of the first set of distal tooth cleaning elements <NUM>.

The plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM> also include a second set of proximal tooth cleaning elements <NUM> arranged about a second loop <NUM> that surrounds the fourth conical tuft <NUM>. The second set of proximal tooth cleaning elements <NUM> comprises a grouping of tooth cleaning elements of various shapes and/or sizes that surround the fourth conical tuft <NUM>. Specifically, the second set of proximal tooth cleaning elements <NUM> comprises two arcuate tufts 232a, 232b at the proximal-most portion of the head <NUM> that form the proximal-most tooth cleaning elements on the head <NUM> and five rectangular (or otherwise four-sided) shaped tufts arranged in the loop <NUM> and extending from one of the two arcuate tufts 232a, 232b to the other of the two arcuate tufts 232a, 232b. In the exemplified embodiment, there are two arcuate tufts <NUM>. 2a, 232b that are spaced apart by a gap that is located on the longitudinal axis B-B, and thus the two arcuate tufts 232a, 232b are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis B-B. In other embodiments, the two arcuate tufts 232a, 232b can be combined into a single arcuate tuft at the distal end <NUM> of the head <NUM> that traverses over the longitudinal axis B-B.

The arcuate tufts 232a, 232b at the proximal-most portion of the head <NUM> have larger cross-sectional areas than any of the other tufts in the loop <NUM>. More specifically, the arcuate tufts 232a, 232b at the proximal-most portion of the head <NUM> have the largest cross-sectional area of the tufts in the loop <NUM>, the two tufts 233a, 233b that are immediately adjacent to each of the arcuate tufts 232a, 232b at the proximal-most portion of the head <NUM> have the second largest cross-sectional area of the tufts in the loop <NUM>, and the three tufts 234a, 234b, 234c positioned adjacent to the second arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> have the smallest cross-sectional area.

Thus, the two arcuate tufts 232a, 232b located between the fourth conical tuft <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the head <NUM> have a first transverse cross-sectional area, the two tufts 233a, 233b located between the fourth conical tuft <NUM> and the first and second lateral side edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the head <NUM> have a second transverse cross-sectional area, and the three tufts 234a, 234b, 234c located between the fourth conical tuft <NUM> and the second arcuate tooth cleaning element <NUM> have a third transverse cross-sectional area. Furthermore, the first transverse cross-sectional area is greater than the second transverse cross-sectional area and the second transverse cross-sectional area is greater than the third transverse cross-sectional area.

Each of the tufts in the loop <NUM> is a separate and distinct tuft that is positioned within a separate tuft hole in the head <NUM>. Thus, the tufts are spaced apart along the loop <NUM>. Although the second set of proximal tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are described as forming a loop that surrounds the fourth conical tuft <NUM>, it should be appreciated that the loop has gaps therein in between each adjacent tuft of the second set of proximal tooth cleaning elements <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An oral care implement (<NUM>) comprising:
a handle (<NUM>);
a head (<NUM>) coupled to the handle (<NUM>), the head (<NUM>) comprising a front surface (<NUM>) and a longitudinal axis (B-B) that extends from a proximal end (<NUM>) of the head (<NUM>) to a distal end (<NUM>) of the head (<NUM>);
a plurality of tooth cleaning elements (<NUM>) extending from the front surface (<NUM>) of the head (<NUM>);
the plurality of tooth cleaning elements (<NUM>) comprising a first conical tuft (<NUM>) comprising a first bristle wall (<NUM>) having an inner surface (<NUM>) defining a first cavity (<NUM>) along a first cavity axis (C-C), the first cavity (<NUM>) having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface (<NUM>) of the head (<NUM>);
the plurality of tooth cleaning elements (<NUM>) comprising a second conical tuft (<NUM>) comprising a continuous bristle wall (<NUM>) having an inner surface (<NUM>) defining a second cavity (<NUM>) along a second cavity axis (D-D), the second cavity (<NUM>) having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface (<NUM>) of the head (<NUM>); and
the first and second conical tufts (<NUM>) arranged on a transverse axis of the head (<NUM>) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (B-B);
the plurality of tooth cleaning elements (<NUM>) comprising a third conical tuft (<NUM>) comprising a third bristle wall (<NUM>) having an inner surface (<NUM>) defining a third cavity (<NUM>) along a third cavity axis (E-E), the third cavity (<NUM>) having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface (<NUM>) of the head (<NUM>);
the plurality of tooth cleaning elements (<NUM>) comprising a fourth conical tuft (<NUM>) comprising a fourth bristle wall (<NUM>) having an inner surface (<NUM>) defining a fourth cavity (<NUM>) along a fourth cavity axis (F-F), the fourth cavity (<NUM>) having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface (<NUM>) of the head (<NUM>); and
the third and fourth conical tufts (<NUM>, <NUM>) located on the longitudinal axis (B-B) of the head (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the first and second conical tufts (<NUM>, <NUM>) are located between the third and fourth conical tufts (<NUM>, <NUM>) to collectively form a cruciform arrangement.