CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. application 14/879,272, titled BRUSHES USEFUL FOR CLEANING TEETH AND INTERDENTAL SPACES, filed October 9, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to oral hygiene tools. In particular, the disclosure relates to brushes, bristles, and bristle sets for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces. 2. INTRODUCTION

[0003] As is known, a toothbrush is an oral hygiene instrument that is useful for cleaning teeth and gums. Conventional toothbrushes may include one or more heads of bristles that are arranged for cleaning the oral cavity— particularly, the teem, tongue, and gums. Toothpaste is typically an abrasive fluid, paste, or gel dentifrice, and is used with toothbrushes to enhance cleaning by mechanical action. The cleaning effectiveness of toothbrushes has also been enhanced by using different bristle textures, sizes, and forms. In the past century, conventional toothbrushes have been modified to include soft bristles to protect tooth enamel and minimize gum damage and/or irritation, and may be formed of nylon or other materials that have desirable hardness and durability.

[0004] Some conventional toothbrushes are powered by electricity. An electric toothbrush includes a brush mat is driven by a motor and oscillates or rotates the brush. Electric

toothbrushes have been found to be easier to use than brushes that require completely manual brushing action. Moreover, electric toothbrushes have been clinically proven to generally be more effective for cleaning teeth than empowered toothbrushes.

[0005] Other types of conventional toothbrushes include interdental or interproximal brushes and end-tufted brushes. Interdental cleaning instruments such as interdental brushes are designed for cleaning between teeth, and between braces and teeth. An interdental cleaning instrument may have a cleaning head that has a tapered surface profile. For example, a head of an interdental cleaning instrument may have a conical shape for cleaning the narrow spaces between teeth. An interdental cleaning instrument may alternatively include a brush having bristles located about a slender rod that is suitable for reaching between teeth to clean interdental spaces.

[0005] End-tufted toothbrushes are designed for cleaning along gumlines adjacent to teeth. End- tufted toothbrushes typically include a bristle head that is shaped to form an angled cleaning surface mat conforms to interdental spaces. Dental instruments are conventionally required to perform specific dedicated cleaning functions for which they are narrowly suitable. Thus, an improved multi-functional electric toothbrush configured for easier, more effective, and more comprehensive tooth and interdental space cleaning was desired.

[0007] A powered multi-function brush configured for simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces has been provided, however, by R. Gottlieb as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0216640, titled MUTLI-FUNCTION ELECTRIC BRUSH APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS USEFUL FOR CLEANING TEETH AND INTERDENTAL SPACES, published on August 6, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Gottlieb discloses multi-function brushes useful for orthodontic, pedodontic, and periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced subgingival cleaning. In particular, Gottlieb discloses a powered dental and interdental cleaning tool including a body, an interdental cleaning member, and a drive member. The drive member may extend from the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member may be connected to the interdental cleaning member. A neck may extend from the body and define a drive member shaft for containing and supporting the drive member.

[0008] Further, an electric interdental cleaning apparatus and systems useful for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces has been provided by R. Gottlieb as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0216639, titled ELECTRIC INTERDENTAL CLEANING APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS USEFUL FOR CLEANING TEETH AND INTERDENTAL SPACES, published on August 6, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Gottlieb discloses electric interdental cleaning devices configured for easier, more effective, and more comprehensive interdental space cleaning, and particularly for orthodontic, pedodontal, periodontal, and enhanced subgingival cleaning applications. In particular, Gottlieb discloses a powered dental and interdental cleaning tool including a body, an interdental cleaning member, and a drive member. The drive member extends from the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member is connected to the interdental cleaning member. A neck extends from the body and defines a drive member shaft for containing and supporting the drive member.

[0009] Conventional bristles and brushes are designed for tooth surface cleaning and relatively superficial cleaning of spaces between teeth and gums. Enhanced brushes suitable for reaching and cleaning interdental spaces and areas below gumlines may be beneficial generally, and particularly for use with electric teeth and interdental cleaning apparatus and systems such as those disclosed by Gottlieb.

SUMMARY [0010] A need for enhanced bristles, bristle sets, and brushes useful for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces has been recognized. For example, a need for bristles, bristles sets, and brushes useful for powered multi-functional electric brush apparatus and systems and powered electric interdental cleaning apparatus and systems useful for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces has been recognized. Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide solutions to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully identified, appreciated, or solved by current dental cleaning technologies. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, a powered multi-function brush advantageously enables an apparatus useful for interdental cleaning, including an interdental cleaning member, the interdental cleaning member comprising a plurality of bristles, each of the plurality of bristles comprising a bristle shaft, the bristle shaft extending from a shaft base to a shaft tip, and formed to have a thickness and resiliency configured to clean interdental areas and areas interposing a tooth and gum tissue surrounding the tooth.

[0011] Additional features and technical effects of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description wherein embodiments of the present disclosure are described simply by way of illustration of the best mode

contemplated to carry out the present disclosure. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawing and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 A shows a front perspective view of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0014] FIG. IB shows a rear perspective view of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary, [0015] FIG. 2 shows a control panel of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a multifunctional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0017] FIG.4 shows an enlarged front view of neck and head portions of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged rear perspective view of neck and head portions of a multi- functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; [0019] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a multifunctional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment wherein die brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions; [0020] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with an exemplary

embodiment wherein the brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions;

[0021] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with another exemplary embodiment wherein the brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions;

[0022] FIG. 9 shows a brush including concentrically arranged bristle sets in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] FIG. LGA-IOE show brush and bristle sets in accordance with exemplary embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 11 shows an electric interdental cleaning device including a brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment used for cleaning under gum lines and teeth;

[0025] FIG. 12 shows a multi-functional tooth and interdental space cleaning device including a brush configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment cleaning a surface of teeth while cleaning interdental spaces;

[0026] FIG. 13 shows a multi-functional tooth and interdental space cleaning device including a brush configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment cleaning a surface of teeth while cleaning interdental spaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0027] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments. It should be apparent, however, that exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring exemplary embodiments. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, ratios, and numerical properties of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the

specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about".

[0028] The present disclosure addresses and solves the current problems attendant upon cleaning teeth and interdental spaces. Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to brushes for a powered multi-function device and for a powered interdental cleaning device that enable simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. The brushes are useful for orthodontic, pedodontal, and periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced subgingival cleaning under the gumline. For example, the brushes are configured for reaching and effectively and safely cleaning approximately 3 to 5 millimeters below the gumline, and preferably for cleaning at about 5 millimeters below the gumline.

[0029] Still other aspects, features, and technical effects will be readily apparent to those skilled in mis art from the following detailed description, wherein preferred embodiments are shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated. The disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. [0030] FIG. 1 A shows a front perspective view of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular, FIG. 1 A shows a multi-function electric device 100, an electric cleaning device 101 having a brush in accordance with an embodiment, and an interdental cleaning device 102 having a brush in accordance with another embodiment. Each of the multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device 100, and interdental cleaning devices 101, and 102 includes a body 103, and a neck and head 105.

[0031] FIG. 1 A shows that a control panel 104 may be disposed on or within the body 103. The control panel may include a graphical and tactile user interface configured to enable powering on and off, controlling brush rotation and reciprocation speed, and understanding a power level, including a battery level, for example.

[0032] A drive member (not shown) may extend from a motor disposed within the body 103 through the neck to the head. The drive member may drive rotation and reciprocation of a toothbrush and interdental cleaning member. For example, FIG. 1 A shows an interdental cleaning member 107 disposed to reciprocate axially from the head attached to the neck 105 of the multi-functional tooth and interdental space cleaning device 100, and the interdental cleaning device 101. Both interdental cleaning members 107 include concentrically disposed bristle sets arranged in progressively smaller, stepped rings, each having progressively taller bristles toward a center of the rings and together forming a point Each of the bristles may be formed of a flexible, resilient material, now known or later developed, and useful for cleaning teeth and withstanding associated wear while causing minimal risk of tooth or tissue damage by abrasion, structural failure, or otherwise. [0033] Each of devices 101 and 102 include a brash support 108 that configured for receding within the head. The interdental member 107 brush support of the multi-function device 100 is obscured by an outer tooth cleaning brush 109. The brush 109 may be configured for rotation along with rotation and reciprocation of the interdental cleaning member brush 107. [0034] The interdental cleaning device 102 includes an interdental cleaning member brush 111 in accordance with another embodiment. In particular, the interdental cleaning brush 111 includes slender pointed bristles that are arranged to form a denser point with less visible graduations as the bristle rings edges form a smooth slope to the point.

[0035] FIG. IB shows a rear perspective view of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular, FIG. IB shows the multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device 100, and interdental cleaning devices 101, and 102 of FIG. 1A, each including a neck and head 10S. FIG. IB shows the multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device 100 including an interdental cleaning member brush (not shown) and a tooth brush 109 surrounding the interdental cleaning member brush. The interdental cleaning device 101 includes an interdental cleaning member brush 107 including a stepped arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. The interdental cleaning device 102 includes an interdental cleaning member brush 111 including a sloping arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. [0036] FIG. 2 shows a control panel of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment FIG. 2 shows a control panel 104. The control panel 104 includes an on/off indicator and/or button 203, a speed increase indicator and/or button 205, battery level indicators and/or buttons 207, speed level indicators and/or buttons 209, and a speed decrease indicator and/or button 211.

[0037] FIG.2 shows a control panel 104 that may include a touch sensitive film membrane, for example. The control panel may be backlit using a row of small LEDs that are arranged to emit light to pass through a masked printed surface. The battery level indicators and/or buttons 207 may be lit or dimmed to indicate, for example, a full battery signal 215, a high battery signal 217, a medium battery 219, or a low battery signal 221. A battery indicator and/or button 209 may be lit or dimmed, for example, to indicate a low speed signal 223.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a multi- functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular, FIG. 3 shows the multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device 100, and interdental cleaning devices 101, and 102, each including a neck and head 105. FIG. 3 shows the multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device 100 including an interdental cleaning member brush 107 and a tooth brush 109 surrounding the interdental cleaning member brush. The interdental cleaning device 101 includes an interdental cleaning member brush 107 including a stepped arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point The interdental cleaning device 102 includes an interdental cleaning member brush 111 including a sloping arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point [0039] Each of devices 101 and 102 include a brush support 108 that configured for receding within the head as the interdental cleaning member rotates and reciprocates axially in a pulsing movement. The interdental member 107 brush support of the multi-function device 100 is obscured by an outer tooth cleaning brush 109. The brush 109 may be configured for rotation along with rotation and reciprocation of the interdental cleaning member brush 107.

[0040] FIG.4 shows an enlarged front view of neck and head portions of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment In particular, FIG. 4 shows the multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device 100, and interdental cleaning devices 101, and 102, each including a neck and head 105. FIG. 4 shows the multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device 100 including an interdental cleaning member brush 107 and a tooth brush 109 surrounding the interdental cleaning member brush. The interdental cleaning device 101 includes an interdental cleaning member brush 107 including a stepped arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. The interdental cleaning device 102 includes an interdental cleaning member brush 111 including a sloping arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point.

[0041] Each of devices 101 and 102 include a brush support 108 that configured for receding within the head as the interdental cleaning member rotates and reciprocates axially in a pulsing movement. The interdental member 107 brush support of the multi-function device 100 is obscured by an outer tooth cleaning brush 109. The brush 109 may be configured for rotation along with rotation and reciprocation of the interdental cleaning member brush 107.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged rear perspective view of neck and head portions of a multi- functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged rear perspective view of a multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device, and electric interdental cleaning devices including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular, FIG. S shows the multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device 100, and interdental cleaning devices 101, and 102 of FIG. 5, each including a neck and head 105. FIG. 5 shows the multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device 100 including an interdental cleaning member brush (not shown) and a tooth brush 109 surrounding the interdental cleaning member brush. The interdental cleaning device 101 includes an interdental cleaning member brush 107 including a stepped arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. The interdental cleaning device 102 includes an interdental cleaning member brush 111 including a sloping arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of a multifunctional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment wherein the brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions, hi particular, FIG. 6 shows a multi-functional tooth and interdental cleaning device including a neck and head 105. FIG. 6 shows the multi-functional electric tooth and interdental space cleaning device including an interdental cleaning member brush 107 and a tooth brush 109 surrounding the interdental cleaning member brush. The interdental cleaning device includes an interdental cleaning member brush 107 including a stepped arrangement of concentric ringed bristle sets forming a point. The interdental cleaning member brush is configured to reciprocate with respect to the head, extending beyond the tooth brush 109 in an extended position, and retracted below a surface of the tooth brush 109 in a retracted position.

[0044] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of an interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment wherein the brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions. In particular, FIG. 7 shows an interdental cleaning device including a neck and head 105. FIG. 7 shows the interdental cleaning device including an interdental cleaning member brush 111 supported by a brush support 108. The interdental cleaning member brush is configured to reciprocate with respect to the head, extending beyond the head outer surface in an extended position, and retracted below a surface of the head along with the brush support 108 in a retracted position. The brush support 108 and the brush 111 are configured for receding within the head as the interdental cleaning member rotates and reciprocates axially in a pulsing movement.

[0045] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged front perspective view of neck and head portions of an interdental space cleaning device including brushes in accordance with another exemplary embodiment wherein the brushes are shown in retracted and extended positions, hi particular, FIG. 8 shows an interdental cleaning device including a neck and head 105. FIG. 8 shows the interdental cleaning device including an interdental cleaning member brush 107 supported by a brush support 108. The interdental cleaning member brush is configured to reciprocate with respect to the head, extending beyond the head outer surface in an extended position, and retracted below a surface of the head along with the brush support 108 in a retracted position. The brush support 108 and the brush 107 are configured for receding within the head as the interdental cleaning member rotates and reciprocates axially in a pulsing movement.

[0046] FIG. 9 shows a brush including concentrically arranged bristle sets in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular, FIG. 9 shows a brush 107 including concentrically arranged bristle sets 903 in the form of bristle rings. The ring bristle sets 903 are formed of cylindrical bristles that have substantially flat or planar or rounded ends or caps. The ring bristle sets 903 are concentrically arranged in a stepwise manner of increasing bristle height per ring unto a brush point 903. The bristles of the bristle sets 903 are formed of a material and configured and arranged so as to enable splaying and flexibility for form-fitting to structures and, to an extent, enabling deformation of the brush 107 to accommodate insertion of the brush 107 into narrow spaces and conformance of the brush 107 onto irregular structural surfaces. FIG. 9 shows front perspective, top, side, and side perspective views of the brush 107. [0047] FIG. 10A-10E show brush and bristle sets in accordance with exemplary embodiments. FIGS. 1 OA- IOC and 10E shows a brush 111 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The brush 111 formed of slender bristles that are tapered to a point toward a tip of the brush 111 to together form a dense and fine point 1005. The brush 111 includes concentrically arranged bristle sets in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular, the brush 111 includes concentrically arranged bristle sets of bristles 1001 in the form of bristle rings. The ring bristle sets are formed of tapered bristles 1001 that have substantially pointed ends. The bristles 1001 are formed in concentrically arranged in a stepwise manner of increasing bristle height per ring unto a brush point 1005.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 10E, the bristles 1001 of the bristle sets are formed of a material and configured and arranged so as to enable splaying and flexibility for form-fitting to structures and, to an extent, enabling deformation of the brush 111 to accommodate insertion of the brush 111 into narrow spaces and conformance of the brush 111 onto irregular structural surfaces. As shown in FIG. 10D, the bristles 1001 are formed to taper to a point

[0049] FIG. 11 shows an electric interdental cleaning device including a brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment used for cleaning between gums and teeth. In particular, FIG. 11 shows a head 105 of an interdental cleaning device having a brush 111 supported by a brush support 108 for rotation and axial reciprocation for cleaning, with respect to the head 105. The brush 111 and brush support 108 are shown in an extended position in FIG. 11. The brush 111 is shown inserted between teeth 1101 and gum tissue 1105 along movable and cleanable portions thereof.

[0050] FIG. 12 shows an interdental space cleaning device including a brush configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment cleaning a surface of teeth and cleaning interdental spaces. FIG. 12 shows an electric interdental cleaning device including a brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment used for cleaning between gums and teeth. In particular, FIG. 12 shows an interdental cleaning device having a brush 107 supported by a brush support 108 for rotation and axial reciprocation for cleaning, with respect to the head. The brush 107 and brush support 108 are shown in an extended position in FIG. 12. The brush 107 is shown inserted between teeth 1101 and conforming to and being working around dental appliances 1201.

[0051] FIG. 13 shows a multi-functional tooth and interdental space cleaning device including a brush configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment cleaning a surface of teeth while cleaning interdental spaces. FIG. 13 shows an electric interdental cleaning device including a brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment used for cleaning between gums and teeth, hi particular, FIG. 13 shows an interdental cleaning device having a brush 107 supported by a brush support for rotation and axial reciprocation for cleaning, with respect to the head. The brush 107 is shown in an extended position in FIG. 13. The brush 107 is shown inserted between teeth 1101 and conforming to and cleaning surfaces of teeth 1101 while a surrounding rotating brush cleans surfaces of teeth 1101 concurrently. [0052] Accordingly, the brushes and brush configurations for multi-function tooth and interdental cleaning devices and interdental cleaning devices in accordance with embodiments advantageously enables simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces or cleaning of teeth and interdental spaces. Further, the multi-function teeth and interdental cleaning device and the interdental cleaning device in accordance with some embodiments may be useful for many applications, including pedodontic, and orthodontic applications.

[0053] The brushes in accordance with embodiments may be useful for periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced cleaning under the gumline. For example, the brushes in accordance with some embodiments may include an interdental cleaning member and brush that is configured to reach about 3 to 5 millimeters below the gumline for cleaning.

[0054] In the preceding description, the present disclosure is described with reference to specifically exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded as illustrative and not as restrictive. It is understood that the present disclosure is capable of using various other combinations and embodiments and is capable of any changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.