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.

<CIT> discloses an oral care implement comprising a handle and a head. A conical arrangement of a plurality of cleaning elements is provided in the middle region of the head. The conical arrangement of cleaning elements is surrounded by a prophy cup, which is formed by arcuate cleaning element walls. Two groups of cleaning element walls are respectively disposed in a par-elliptical arrangement along the proximal and distal periphery of the head, wherein the height of the cleaning element walls increase respectively toward the proximal and distal end of the head.

<CIT> discloses a toothbrush comprising a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements disposed on the head. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that are arranged as loops. Two group of opposing arcuate cleaning elements are disposed along the proximal and distal periphery of the head.

<CIT> discloses an oral care implement comprising groups of non-parallel tooth cleaning elements that respectively define a conically-shaped cavity.

<CIT> discloses a toothbrush comprising a conical bristle tuft disposed on a toothbrush head.

<CIT> also discloses a toothbrush comprising a conical bristle tuft disposed on a toothbrush head.

<CIT> discloses a toothbrush comprising cleaning elements arranged about the periphery of a toothbrush head.

The present invention is directed to an oral care implement according to independent claim <NUM>. Further embodiments and development of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Referring first to <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 now 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. 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> to ensure that the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> remain attached to the head plate <NUM> during use of the oral care implement <NUM>.

Of course, techniques other than AFT 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.

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 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.

With reference 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> comprises a first conical tuft <NUM> and a second conical tuft <NUM>. Each of the first and second conical tufts <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 and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are described herein as being conical due to the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> having a conical shape. More specifically, as can best be seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are in the shape of a truncated cone wherein the portion of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> that are positioned within the head <NUM> is the truncated (i.e., cut off) portion of the cone such that the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are in the shape of an inverted truncated cone.

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. 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. 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, in the exemplified embodiment the first conical tuft <NUM> is a single bristle tuft formed from a plurality of individual bristles that are positioned together within a single tuft hole. As a result, 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 bristle wall <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> may not be continuous.

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.

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> 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>. As noted above, 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 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.

Thus, in the exemplified embodiment 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, 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 such an embodiment, the bristle wall <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> may not be continuous.

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.

In the exemplified embodiment, the first conical tuft <NUM> is located at a distal region of the head <NUM> near the distal end <NUM> of the head <NUM> and the second conical tuft <NUM> is located at a proximal region of the head <NUM> near the proximal end <NUM> of the head <NUM>. However, in the exemplified embodiment the first conical tuft <NUM> is not the distal-most tuft and the second conical tuft <NUM> is not the proximal-most tuft. Rather, there are tufts positioned between the first conical tuft <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the head <NUM> and there are tufts positioned between the second conical tuft <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the head <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below. Of course, in other embodiments the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> may be the proximal-most and distal-most tufts on the head <NUM>. Furthermore, there are several different tooth cleaning elements positioned in between the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> in the direction of the longitudinal axis B-B as will be discussed in more detail below. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> is aligned on the longitudinal axis B-B such that the longitudinal axis B-B crosses through a center point of each of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM> are on opposite sides of a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B-B and that divides the head <NUM> into two equal halves.

Referring briefly to <FIG> and <FIG> concurrently, the first conical tuft <NUM> terminates in a first annular top surface <NUM> that extends a first height H1 above the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The first conical tuft <NUM> also has a first outer diameter D1 taken at the first annular top surface <NUM> and at the outer surface <NUM>. The second conical tuft <NUM> terminates in a second annular top surface <NUM> that extends a second height H6 above the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The second conical tuft <NUM> also has a second outer diameter D2 taken at the second annular top surface <NUM> and at the outer surface <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the first height H1 is greater than the second height H6. However, in other embodiments the first and second heights H1, H6 may be the same, or the second height H6 may be greater than the first height H1. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the first and second diameters D1, D2 are different, and more specifically the first diameter D1, D2 is greater than the second diameter. However, in certain other embodiments the first and second diameters D1, D2 may be the same, or the second diameter D2 may be greater than the first diameter D1.

Furthermore, the outer surface <NUM> of the first continuous bristle wall <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> is oriented at a first acute angle Θ1 relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the second continuous bristle wall <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> is oriented at a second acute angle Θ2 relative to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second acute angles Θ1, Θ2 are different from one another. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the second acute angle Θ2 is greater than the first acute angle Θ1. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the first acute angle Θ1 may be greater than the second acute angle Θ2, or the first and second acute angles Θ1, Θ2 may be substantially the same. 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>°.

Although not depicted herein, in certain embodiments a central cleaning element may be positioned within each of the first and second cavities <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>. The central cleaning elements may be bristle tufts containing tapered bristles, spiral bristles, rounded bristles, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the central cleaning elements may be elastomeric protrusions/elements.

In addition to the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, the plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM> also comprises a first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> and a second arcuate cleaning element <NUM>. The first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is at least partially located between the first conical tuft <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the head <NUM> and the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is at least partially located between the second conical tuft <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is the distal-most cleaning element on the head <NUM> and the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is the proximal-most cleaning element on the head <NUM>. Stated another way, there are no intervening cleaning elements between the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the head <NUM> and there are no intervening cleaning elements between the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

In the exemplified embodiment, the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is formed of a plurality of bristle wall segments including a first segment <NUM>, a second segment <NUM>, a third segment <NUM>, and a fourth segment <NUM>. In this embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth segments <NUM>-<NUM> is positioned within its own tuft hole that is spaced apart from the other tuft holes of the segments of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM>. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment the first segment <NUM> is spaced from the second segment <NUM> by a gap, the second segment <NUM> is spaced from the third segment <NUM> by a gap, and the third segment <NUM> is spaced from the fourth segment <NUM> by a gap. However, in certain other embodiments the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> may be formed by a single continuous cleaning element that is positioned within a single tuft hole. Furthermore, in embodiments that include the spaced apart segments <NUM>-<NUM> that form the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM>, the gaps between adjacent ones of the segments <NUM>-<NUM> may be considered as a part of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM>.

In the exemplified embodiment, the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is formed of a plurality of bristle wall segments including a first segment <NUM>, a second segment <NUM>, a third segment <NUM>, and a fourth segment <NUM>. In this embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth segments <NUM>-<NUM> is positioned within its own tuft hole that is spaced apart from the other tuft holes of the segments of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM>. However, in certain other embodiments the second cleaning element <NUM> may be formed by a single continuous cleaning element that is positioned within a single tuft hole. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment, the first segment <NUM> is spaced from the second segment <NUM> by a gap, the second segment <NUM> is spaced from the third segment <NUM> by a gap, and the third segment <NUM> is spaced from the fourth segment <NUM> by a gap. However, in certain other embodiments the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> may be formed by a single continuous cleaning element that is positioned within a single tuft hole. Furthermore, in embodiments that include the spaced apart segments <NUM>-<NUM> that form the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM>, the gaps between adjacent ones of the segments <NUM>-<NUM> may be considered as a part of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM>.

Referring briefly to <FIG> concurrently, the oral care implement <NUM> will be further described. The first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is arranged on the head <NUM> so as to at least partially surround the first conical tuft <NUM>. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> surrounds the first conical tuft <NUM> for at least <NUM>° about the circumference of the first conical tuft <NUM>, or between <NUM>° and <NUM>° about the circumference of the first conical tuft <NUM>. In that regard, and in accordance with the claimed invention, there are no other bristle tufts or cleaning elements positioned between the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> and the first conical tuft <NUM> where the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> surrounds the first conical tuft <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the second and third segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> are located between the first conical tuft <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the head <NUM> and the first and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> are located between the first conical tuft <NUM> and the lateral sides or peripheral edge of the head <NUM>.

The first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> has a top surface <NUM> having a first high point 156a and a second high point 156b. The first high point 156a is located on the second segment <NUM> and the second high point 156b is located on the third segment <NUM>. The first and second high points 156a, 156b are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis B-B. Furthermore, each of the first and second high points 156a, 156b extends to a second height H2 from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> also has a first low point 157a and a second low point 157b. The first low point 157a is located on the first segment <NUM> and the second low point 157b is located on the fourth segment <NUM>. The first and second low points 157a, 157b are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis B-B and on opposite sides of the first conical tuft <NUM>. Furthermore, each of the first and second low points 157a, 157b extends to a third height H3 from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

Although noted herein as having first and second high points 156a, 156b, in certain embodiments the second and third segments <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed as a single segment having a single high point located on the longitudinal axis B-B. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the first and second high points 156a, 156b are the same height, and thus the first and second high points 156a, 156b may be considered a single high point in some embodiments.

The second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is arranged on the head <NUM> so as to at least partially surround the second conical tuft <NUM>. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> surrounds the second conical tuft <NUM> for at least <NUM>° about the circumference of the second conical tuft <NUM>, or between <NUM>° and <NUM>° about the circumference of the second conical tuft <NUM>. In that regard, and in accordance with the claimed invention, there are no other bristle tufts or cleaning elements positioned between the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> and the second conical tuft <NUM> where the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> surrounds the second conical tuft <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the second and third segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> are located between the second conical tuft <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the head <NUM> and the first and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> are located between the second conical tuft <NUM> and the lateral sides or peripheral edge of the head <NUM>.

The second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> has a top surface <NUM> having a first high point 166a and a second high point 166b. The first high point 166a is located on the second segment <NUM> and the second high point 166b is located on the third segment <NUM>. The first and second high points 166a, 166b are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis B-B. Furthermore, each of the first and second high points 166a, 166b is located at a fourth height H4 from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> also has a first low point 167a and a second low point 167b. The first low point 167a is located on the first segment <NUM> and the second low point 167b is located on the fourth segment <NUM>. The first and second low points 167a, 167b are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis B-B and on opposite sides of the second conical tuft <NUM>. Furthermore, each of the first and second low points 167a, 167b is located at a fifth height H5 from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

Although noted herein as having first and second high points 166a, 166b, in certain embodiments the second and third segments <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed as a single segment having a single high point located on the longitudinal axis B-B. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the first and second high points 166a, 166b may be the same height, and thus the first and second high points 166a, 166b may be considered a single high point in some embodiments.

In the exemplified embodiment, the first height H1 (which is the height at which the annular top surface <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> extends from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>) is greater than the third height H3 and less than the second height H2. Similarly, in the exemplified embodiment the sixth height H6 (which is the height at which the annular top surface <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> extends from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>) is greater than the fifth height H5 and less than the fourth height H4. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the third height H3 is greater than the fifth height H5, and the second height H2 is greater than the fourth height H4. Thus, each of the cleaning elements in the distal region of the head <NUM> is taller than its counterpart in the proximal region of the head <NUM> (the high point 156a, 156b of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is taller than the high point 166a, 166b of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM>, the low point 157a, 157b of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is taller than the low point 167a, 167b of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM>, and the first conical tuft <NUM> is taller than the second conical tuft <NUM>).

In the exemplified embodiment the top surface <NUM> of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> comprises a first ramped portion 158a extending from the first low point 157a to the first high point 156a (visible in <FIG>) and a second ramped portion 158b extending from the second low point 157b to the second high point 156b (not visible in <FIG>, but denoted in <FIG>). In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second ramped portions 158a, 158b of the top surface <NUM> of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> have a constant slope (i.e., the ramped portions 158a, 158b are linear), although in other embodiments the slope may gradually increase or decrease when extending from the low points 157a, 157b to the high points 156a, 156b as desired. Similarly, the top surface <NUM> of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> comprises a first ramped portion 168a extending from the first low point 167a to the first high point 166a (visible in <FIG>) and a second ramped portion 168b extending from the second low point 167b to the second high point 166b (not visible in <FIG>, but denoted in <FIG>). In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second ramped portions 168a, 168b of the top surface <NUM> of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> have a constant slope (i.e., the ramped portions 168a, 168b are linear), although in other embodiments the slope may gradually increase or decrease when extending from the low points 167a, 167b to the high points 166a, 166b as desired.

Furthermore, in embodiments wherein the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is a single continuous cleaning element, the first and second high points 156a, 156b of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> may be located along a reference plane that includes the longitudinal axis B-B and is perpendicular to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, even when the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is formed by separate bristle segments <NUM>-<NUM> having gaps therebetween, conceptually the high points 156a, 156b may still be located along the reference plane that includes the longitudinal axis B-B and is perpendicular to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, as can be seen in <FIG>, when viewed in side profile the first ramped portion 158a (and also the second ramped portion 158b, although not visible in <FIG>) of the top surface <NUM> of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> intersects the annular top surface <NUM> of the first conical tuft <NUM> at a first intersection point <NUM>.

Similarly, in embodiments wherein the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is a single continuous cleaning element, the first and second high points 166a, 166b of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> may be located along a reference plane that includes the longitudinal axis B-B and is perpendicular to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, even when the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> is formed by separate bristle segments <NUM>-<NUM> having gaps therebetween, conceptually the high points 166a, 166b may still be located along the reference plane that includes the longitudinal axis B-B and is perpendicular to the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, as can be seen in <FIG>, when viewed in side profile the first ramped portion 168a (and also the second ramped portion 168b, although not visible in <FIG>) of the top surface <NUM> of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> intersects the annular top surface <NUM> of the second conical tuft <NUM> at a second intersection point <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> concurrently, the oral care implement <NUM> will be further described. As noted above, in the exemplified embodiment the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> only partially surrounds the first conical tuft <NUM> and the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> only partially surrounds the second conical tuft <NUM>. However, the plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM> further comprise a first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> positioned adjacent to the first conical tuft <NUM> and a second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> positioned adjacent to the second conical tuft <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second arcuate elastomeric walls <NUM>, <NUM> is formed of a resilient elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. This is different than the first and second arcuate cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> and the first and second conical tufts <NUM>, <NUM>, which are formed as tufts of bristles.

The first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> has an arcuate section <NUM> and a support section <NUM>. The arcuate section <NUM> has an inner concave surface <NUM> and an outer convex surface <NUM>. The inner concave surface <NUM> of the arcuate section <NUM> of the first elastomeric wall <NUM> is adjacent to and faces the first conical tuft <NUM>. The first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> is located on the head <NUM> in between the first conical tuft <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, as can be seen, the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> and the first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> collectively completely surround the first conical tuft <NUM>. The support section <NUM> of the first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> extends from the outer convex surface <NUM> of the arcuate section <NUM> of the first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM>. More specifically, the support section <NUM> extends from the outer convex surface <NUM> of the arcuate section <NUM> along and in the direction of the longitudinal axis B-B and in a direction away from the first conical tuft <NUM>. The first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> provides support for the first conical tuft <NUM> such that flexing of the bristles of the first conical tuft <NUM> in the direction of the first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> will be kept to a minimum during brushing.

The arcuate section <NUM> of the first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> terminates in a top surface <NUM>. Furthermore, the support section <NUM> of the first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> terminates in a top surface <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> of the arcuate section <NUM> of the first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> extends a greater height from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> than the top surface <NUM> of the support section <NUM> of the first arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM>.

The second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> has an arcuate section <NUM> and a support section <NUM>. The arcuate section <NUM> has an inner concave surface <NUM> and an outer convex surface <NUM>. The inner concave surface <NUM> of the arcuate section <NUM> of the second elastomeric wall <NUM> is adjacent to and faces the second conical tuft <NUM>. The second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> is located on the head <NUM> in between the second conical tuft <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Thus, as can be seen, the second arcuate elastomeric element <NUM> and the second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> collectively completely surround the second conical tuft <NUM>. The support section <NUM> of the second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> extends from the outer convex surface <NUM> of the arcuate section <NUM> of the second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM>. More specifically, the support section <NUM> extends from the outer convex surface <NUM> of the arcuate section <NUM> along and in the direction of the longitudinal axis B-B and in a direction away from the second conical tuft <NUM>. The second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> provides support for the second conical tuft <NUM> such that flexing of the second conical tuft <NUM> in the direction of the second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> will be kept to a minimum during brushing.

The arcuate section <NUM> of the second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> terminates in a top surface <NUM>. Furthermore, the support section <NUM> of the second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> terminates in a top surface <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> of the arcuate section <NUM> of the second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM> extends a greater height from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> than the top surface <NUM> of the support section <NUM> of the second arcuate elastomeric wall <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG> concurrently, the oral care implement <NUM> will be further described. In addition to the above, the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> also comprise at least one multi-height bristle tuft <NUM> that extends from a single tuft hole along a tuft axis. In certain embodiments, the invention may be directed to the inclusion of one or more of the multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> on the head <NUM> regardless of the structure, pattern, shape, and configuration of the other tooth cleaning elements that are on the head.

In the exemplified embodiment, a plurality of the multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> are positioned on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis B-B. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment there are four multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> positioned between the first segment <NUM> of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> and the first segment <NUM> of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> along a first lateral edge of the head <NUM>. Similarly, in the exemplified embodiment there are four multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> positioned between the fourth segment <NUM> of the first arcuate cleaning element <NUM> and the fourth segment <NUM> of the second arcuate cleaning element <NUM> along a second lateral edge of the head <NUM>. Of course, more or less than four of the multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> can be used on the opposing lateral sides of the head <NUM> in other embodiments as desired. The specific details of the multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> will only be denoted in the drawings with regard to one or a couple of the multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> in order to avoid clutter, it being understood that each of the multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> has an identical structure.

Each of the multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> comprises a first bristle tuft section <NUM> and a second bristle tuft section <NUM>. The first bristle tuft section <NUM> has a rectangular transverse cross-sectional shape and the second bristle tuft section <NUM> has a U-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape. Despite the multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> being formed of two different bristle tuft sections having two different shapes, each multi-height bristle tuft <NUM> is positioned within a single tuft hole <NUM>. Thus, the tuft holes <NUM> within which the multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> are positioned have a U-shaped portion and a rectangular-shaped portion that are in spatial communication with each other.

As noted above, the second bristle tuft section <NUM> of the multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> has a U-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape. Thus, the second bristle tuft sections <NUM> have edges at the top of each of the legs of the "U" and a cavity defined between the legs of the "U. " The first bristle tuft section <NUM> is positioned within the U-shaped cavity formed by the second bristle tuft section <NUM> such that the second bristle tuft sections <NUM> at least partially surround the first bristle tuft sections <NUM>. Each of the first bristle tuft sections <NUM> has first and second major surfaces and first and second minor surfaces. In the exemplified embodiment, one of the minor surfaces and a portion of each of the major surfaces is surrounded by (and in the exemplified embodiment in contact with) the second bristle tuft section <NUM>. The other minor surface and the remainder of the major surfaces of the first bristle tuft sections <NUM> is exposed and not surrounded by the second bristle tuft section <NUM>.

In the exemplified embodiment, approximately one-half of the transverse-cross section of the first bristle tuft sections <NUM> is positioned within the U-shaped cavity of the second bristle tuft sections <NUM>, the other half of the transverse cross-section of the first bristle tuft sections <NUM> extending from the U-shaped cavity. Thus, the first bristle tuft sections <NUM> extend further laterally away from the longitudinal axis B-B than the second bristle tuft sections <NUM>. The first bristle tuft sections <NUM> comprise a first portion <NUM> that is nested within the U-shape of the second bristle tuft section <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> that transversely protrudes from the U-shape of the second bristle tuft sections <NUM> in the direction of the lateral sides of the head <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the first bristle tuft sections <NUM> that are nested within the U-shape of the second bristle tuft sections <NUM> are in surface contact with the second bristle tuft section <NUM>. The second bristle tuft sections <NUM> are positioned closer to the longitudinal axis B-B of the head <NUM> than the first bristle tuft sections <NUM> because the "U" of the second bristle tuft sections <NUM> wraps around the side of the first bristle tuft sections <NUM> that is closest to the longitudinal axis B-B of the head <NUM>.

The multi-height bristles <NUM> on the first lateral side of the head <NUM> are longitudinally aligned with the multi-height bristles <NUM> on the second lateral side of the head <NUM>. Furthermore, the convex portions of the "U" of the second bristle tuft sections <NUM> of the multi-height bristles <NUM> on the first lateral side of the head <NUM> are in facing relation with the convex portions of the U of the second bristle tuft sections <NUM> of the multi-height bristles <NUM> on the second lateral side of the head <NUM>. The first bristle tuft sections <NUM> of the multi-height bristles <NUM> extend a greater height from the front surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> than the second bristle tuft sections <NUM>. Thus, the second bristle tuft sections <NUM> partially surround the first bristle tuft sections <NUM> and the first bristle tuft sections <NUM> axially protrude from an upper surface of the second bristle tuft sections <NUM>.

The tooth cleaning elements <NUM> also include first and second arcuate walls <NUM>, <NUM> and a central elastomeric wall <NUM>. The first and second arcuate walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the central elastomeric wall <NUM> are located centrally on the head in between the first and second arcuate elastomeric walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second arcuate walls <NUM>, <NUM> each have a convex surface and a concave surface. The convex surface of the first and second arcuate walls <NUM>, <NUM> are facing each other. The concave surface of the first arcuate wall <NUM> is facing the first set of the multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> on the first lateral side of the head. The concave surface of the second arcuate wall <NUM> is facing the second set of multi-height bristle tufts <NUM> on the second lateral side of the head. The central elastomeric wall <NUM> is positioned on and elongated along the longitudinal axis B-B and is adjacent to the convex surfaces of each of the first and second arcuate walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the exemplified embodiment, the collection of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are all symmetric about the longitudinal axis B-B and about a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B-B and that divides the head <NUM> into two equal halves. Thus, the pattern of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> is such that they have lateral and longitudinal symmetry.

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) extending 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 conical tuft (<NUM>) comprising a bristle wall (<NUM>) having an inner surface (<NUM>) defining a cavity (<NUM>) along a cavity axis (C-C), the cavity (<NUM>) having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface (<NUM>) of the head (<NUM>), the conical tuft (<NUM>) terminating in an annular top surface (<NUM>), the annular top surface (<NUM>) being a first height (H1) from the front surface (<NUM>) of the head (<NUM>),
characterized in that:
the plurality of tooth cleaning elements (<NUM>) comprising an arcuate cleaning element (<NUM>) at least partially surrounding the conical tuft (<NUM>), no other tooth cleaning elements (<NUM>) positioned between the arcuate cleaning element (<NUM>) and the conical tuft (<NUM>),the arcuate cleaning element (<NUM>) having a top surface (<NUM>) having a high point (156a) being a second height (H2) from the front surface (<NUM>) of the head (<NUM>) and a first low point (157a) being a third height (H3) from the front surface (<NUM>) of the head (<NUM>); and
the first height (H1) being greater than the third height (H3) and less than the second height (H2).