CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[1] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/116,426, filed on November 20, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/169,061, filed on March 31, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/185,751, filed on May 7, 2021, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full.

BACKGROUND

[2] Field of the Invention

[3] The embodiments described herein are generally directed to toothbrushes, and, more particularly, to a woven brush pad for a toothbrushing apparatus.

[4] Description of the Related Art

[5] Toothbrushes have been around for centuries. However, the art of bristling brushes has not changed significantly over the past hundred years. Most brushes are made using stapleset bristling technology, which uses a small piece of metal, called the “staple.” In staple-set bristling, the middle of a bundle of filaments (generally made of nylon) is forced into a hole in a brush head (generally made of plastic), thereby bending the filaments in half. The middle of the bundle is then secured in the hole using the staple.

[6] Currently, there is a strong desire among consumers for environmentally friendly products. However, with respect to toothbrushes, there is a competing desire for the toothbrush to maximize tooth and gum cleaning. Thus, what is needed is a toothbrush that is more environmentally friendly, but still effective at cleaning teeth.

SUMMARY

[7] Accordingly, a woven brush pad for a toothbrushing apparatus is disclosed in various embodiments.

[8] In an embodiment, a toothbrushing apparatus comprises: a fabric; and a plurality of yarn segments woven through the fabric, wherein each of the plurality of yarn segments comprises a plurality of filaments that form bristles on a first side of the fabric. Each of the plurality of yarn segments may be W-shaped with a first leg, a second leg, and a middle portion extending between the first leg and the second leg. [9] The fabric may comprise polyester. Each of the plurality of filaments may comprise polyester. The polyester in the fabric and/or the plurality of filaments may be polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

[10] The fabric may comprise polyamide. Each of the plurality of filaments may comprise polyamide. Each of the plurality of filaments may comprise a spun organic cellulose material.

[11] The toothbrushing apparatus may further comprise a sealing layer on a second side of the fabric that is opposite the first side. The toothbrushing apparatus may further comprise a backing adhered to a second side of the fabric that is opposite the first side. The backing may comprise foam. The foam may be closed-cell foam.

[12] A diameter of each of the plurality of filaments may be between 0.00145 inches and 0.003 inches. A length of each of the bristles may be between 3 millimeters and 5 millimeters. Each of the plurality of filaments may be between 500 to 2,000 denier. Each of the plurality of yarn segments may comprise at least 28 filaments. Each of the plurality of yam segments may consist of no more than 120 filaments. The plurality of filaments in each of the plurality of yarn segments may be twisted together. One or both of the fabric and the plurality of yarn segments may comprise an antimicrobial additive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[13] The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, may be gleaned in part by study of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

[14] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a woven brush pad for a toothbrushing apparatus, according to an embodiment;

[15] FIG. 2 illustrates a yarn segment for a woven brush pad, according to an embodiment

[16] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate examples of overlapping yarn segments, according to various embodiments;

[17] FIG. 4 illustrates a top-down view of a portion of a woven brush pad for a toothbrushing apparatus, according to an embodiment;

[18] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a velvet weaving technique, according to an embodiment;

[19] FIG. 6 illustrates a top-down view of a portion of a woven brush pad for a toothbrushing apparatus, according to an embodiment; [20] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a system for cutting a sheet of woven brush pads into individual woven brush pads, according to an embodiment;

[21] FIG. 8 illustrates a system for cutting a sheet of woven brush pads into individual woven brush pads, according to an alternative embodiment; and

[22] FIG. 9 illustrates an example processing system, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[23] Embodiments of a woven brush pad for a toothbrushing apparatus are disclosed. The disclosed woven brush pad may be used to brush and otherwise clean teeth, sulcus, interproximal spaces, gums, and the like. It should be understood that the woven brush pad may be used in a toothbrushing apparatus designed for any animal with teeth and/or gums, including humans and other mammals.

[24] After reading this description, it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and illustration only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[25] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a woven brush pad 100 for a toothbrushing apparatus, according to an embodiment. As illustrated, a plurality of yarn segments 110 (e.g., 110A, HOB, 110C, and HOD) are woven into a backer, referred to herein as “fabric” 120. Fabric 120 may comprise a polyester, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and may be about 0.45 millimeters thick along the Z-axis. Alternatively, fabric 120 may comprise nylon (polyamide). However, it should be understood that fabric 120 may be made of any material that is capable of being woven, and/or may have any appropriate thickness along the Z-axis.

[26] Each yarn segment 110 may comprise a plurality of filaments. The plurality of filaments may be twisted together, for example, in the same or similar manner by which yarn for clothing or carpet is made. In an embodiment, the filaments comprise nylon (polyamide) or a polyester, such as PBT. However, it should be understood that the filaments may be formed from other materials. For example, for improved biodegradability, the filaments may be spun from organic cellulose material, such as silk, bamboo, seaweed, and the like. For instance, Smartfilaments AG of Wil, Switzerland, manufactures cellulose-based filaments. The same manufacturing process can be used to create fine filaments (e.g., monofilament thread) from plant-based materials (e.g., wood pulp and seaweed) that can be incorporated into yarn segments 110 for woven brush pad 100 that are 100% biodegradable.

[27] Yarn segments 110 may comprise filaments of different materials and/or mixed materials, with the same diameters or different and/or mixed diameters, twisted together. Additionally or alternatively, yarn segments 110 may be composed of filaments of different colors (e.g., natural or translucent), twisted together, for decorative purposes. Additionally or alternatively, yam segments 110 may comprise filaments with other differing characteristics, such as length and/or the like, twisted together.

[28] The same material may be used for yarn segments 110 and fabric 120. For example, the filaments in yarn segments 110 and in fabric 120 may both comprise or consist of a polyester, such as PBT. Alternatively, different material may be used in yarn segments 110 than in fabric 120. For example, the filaments in yam segments 110 may comprise or consist of nylon, whereas fabric 120 may comprise or consist of a polyester, such as PBT.

[29] As illustrated, each yarn segment 110 may be formed substantially in the shape of a “W” when viewed in the X-Z plane. In particular, each yarn segment 110 may comprise a first leg 112, a second leg 116, and a middle portion 114 extending between and connected to first leg 112 and second leg 116. FIG. 2 illustrates a single yarn segment 110, according to an embodiment. Yam segment 110 comprises a plurality of filaments 210. Yarn segment 110 may be cut from a yarn comprising a plurality of filaments 210 twisted together in a helical or spiral pattern. The opposing ends of each filament 210, within first leg 112 and second leg 116, that extend above fabric 120 may be referred to herein as “bristles” 220. The bundle of bristles 220 at the end of first leg 112 forms a first tuft 230A, and the bundle of bristles 220 at the end of second leg 116 form a second tuft 230B. It should be understood that each tuft 230 represents a set of bristles 220 to be used for brushing teeth. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first leg 112 and second leg 116 of adjacent yarn segments 110 may abut, and potentially mix, to form collective tufts (e.g., a pair of tufts 230A and 230B across adjacent yarn segments 110). For example, second leg 116 of yarn segment 110A abuts first leg 112 of yam segment HOB to form a collective tuft.

[30] Advantageously, the use of woven materials adds flexibility to woven brush pad 100, as compared to traditional toothbrushes. In particular, the use of fabric 120 and yam segments 110, woven through fabric 120, as opposed to bristles stapled into plastic holes, enables woven brush pad 100 to flex perpendicular to the brushing surface on the teeth (i.e., along the Z-axis in the direction away from the brushing surface). As a result, bristles 220 may more easily conform to the shape of the teeth, which vary in shape and size within a single person’s mouth and from person to person.

[31 ] While a W shape is illustrated, each yarn segment 110 or one or more yarn segments 110 may be formed in a different shape. For example, yarn segments 110 may be formed in a V shape (i.e., without a middle portion 114). However, the W shape generally results in higher retention of bristles 220, since the presence of middle portion 114 provides additional tension to prevent a filament 210 from being drawn out from fabric 120. Regardless of the particular shape, legs 112 and 116 may be oriented along the Z-axis, substantially perpendicular to the X-Y plane of fabric 120.

[32] Alternatively, legs 112 and 116 of a given yam segment 110 may be angled with respect to the Z-axis, such that they are splayed out (e.g., away from their respective middle portions 114). Notably, when legs 112 and 116 are angled with respect to the Z-axis, they will tend to spread wider with more pressure. This may reduce the tendency for bristles 220 to buckle or bend. In addition, with a wider angle, the vertical aspect of bristles 220, along the Z-axis, will be shorter. This flexing of bristles 220 enables bristles 220 to follow the various curves in the surfaces of the teeth, to apply more consistent pressure throughout brushing. In addition, this enables bristles 220 to remain extended into the interproximal areas between teeth for a longer period of time than conventional bristles.

[33] In an embodiment, overlapping yarn segments 110 may be used. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrates examples of overlapping yarn segments 110, according to various alternative embodiments. For example, in FIG. 3A, W-shaped yam segments 110A and HOB overlap in the X-Z plane. In FIG. 3B, a V-shaped yarn segment HOB overlaps with middle portion 114 of a W-shaped yam segment 110A in the X-Z plane. In FIG. 3C, V-shaped yam segments overlap in the X-Z plane. It should be understood that the patterns in FIGS. 3A-3C may be replicated along the entire X-axis of woven brush pad 100.

[34] In an embodiment, the backside of fabric 120, which is opposite the side of fabric 120 from which tufts 230 extend, is sealed with a sealing layer 130. For example, sealing layer 130 may comprise an acrylic coating. However, it should be understood that other sealants may be used. In any case, sealing layer 130 may prevent yam segments 110 from unraveling and add stability to woven brush pad 100. Sealing layer 130 may also provide a barrier to prevent the penetration of moisture and/or debris through fabric 120. In an alternative embodiment, sealing layer 130 may be omitted. [35] In an embodiment, woven brush pad 100 may comprise a backing 140. In this case, sealing layer 130 may comprise an adhesive that seals fabric 120, with woven yam segments 110, to backing 140. In an alternative embodiment, backing 140 may be omitted, in which case fabric 120 may be sealed directly to a brush head of a toothbrushing apparatus (e.g., by sealing layer 130).

[36] In an embodiment with backing 140, backing 140 may comprise foam, sponge, stiff polymer, and/or other material. The foam or sponge may be either closed-cell or open-cell. A closed-cell foam or sponge can prevent the absorption of fluids passing through fabric 120, whereas an open-cell foam or sponge could carry additives, such as toothpaste, fluoride, or other dental or oral treatments. In either case, foam and sponge also provide an additional element of tooth fit and compliance. In particular, the elasticity of the foam or sponge provides a trampoline effect that enables woven brush pad 100, including bristles 220, to flex and better conform to and follow the profile of the teeth.

[37] FIG. 4 illustrates a top-down view of a portion of a woven brush pad 100 for a toothbrushing apparatus, according to an embodiment. Whereas, in FIG. 1, the viewing plane was the X-Z plane (with the Y plane extending perpendicular to the page), in FIG. 2, the viewing plane is the X-Y plane (with the Z-axis extending perpendicular to the page). As illustrated, first leg 112 and second leg 116 of W-shaped yam segments 110 form columns of tufts 230 along the Y-axis.

[38] Notably, tufts 230 of first leg 112 and second leg 116 in each yarn segment 110 are generally rectangular in shape. While illustrated with square profiles, it should be understood that tufts 230 may alternatively have non-square rectangular profiles in the X-Y plane. As a result, the columns of tufts 230 are also generally rectangular in shape. The rectangular shapes of tufts 230 and the columns of tufts 230 may provide for better stiffness and teeth-cleaning capabilities.

[39] Notably, due to the orientation of yarn segments 110, bristles 220 may flex more easily along the X-axis than the Y-axis. In other words, filaments 210 may be stiffer when moved along the Y-axis than when moved along the X-axis. This difference in stiffness may result in better cleaning results when teeth are brushed by movement along the Y-axis than with movement along the X-axis of woven brush pad 100. Accordingly, in an embodiment, woven brush pad 100 may be oriented at an angle (e.g., 45° angle) with respect to the two primary cleaning axes (e.g., side to side and up and down) of the toothbrushing apparatus in which woven brush pad 100 is comprised. In this case, the level of stiffness in tufts 230 may be more even between the two primary cleaning axes of the toothbrushing apparatus. [40] In an embodiment, yarn segments 110 may be woven according to a velvet weaving technique. However, it should be understood that other weaving techniques may instead be used, such as a crepe waving technique, a cordroi weaving technique, or the like. The appropriate weaving technique will depend on the particular weaving pattern that is desired.

[41] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a velvet weaving technique that may be used to weave woven brush pad 100, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4 A, two fabrics 120 A and 120B, or “warps” in the weaving vernacular, are held adjacent to each other on frames 510A and 510B, respectively, of a loom. Weft yarn is then weaved through fabrics 120A and 120B in the desired pattern (e.g., a W-shaped pattern in the illustrated embodiment). As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the weft yarn may be cut, using a cutting mechanism 420 (e.g., razor) that bisects the distance between the pair of adjacent frames 410. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, this results in a pair of sheets of one or a plurality of woven brush pads 100, each comprising fabric 120 and a plurality of yarn segments 110. A VSi22 Velvet Smart Innovator, manufactured by Vandewiele NV of Kortrijk, Belgium, or similar machine may be used to implement this velvet weaving technique. After the weaving process, sealing layer 130 and/or backing 140 may be added to the backside of fabric 120, and the sheets may be cut into a plurality of individual woven brush pads 100 to be incorporated into toothbrushing apparatuses. Woven brush pads 100 may be woven with between 38 to 56 picks per inch (e.g., 46, 50, 51, or 52 picks per inch, measured on the warp yarn).

[42] Advantageously, the use of a weaving process to create woven brush pad 100 enables narrower filaments 210 to be used in yarn segments 110 than in conventional toothbrushes. For example, the diameters of filaments 210 may be between 0.03683 millimeters (0.00145 inches) and 0.0762 millimeters (0.003 inches), whereas most conventional manual toothbrushes utilize nylon filaments with diameters between 0.127 millimeters (0.005 inches) and 0.2286 millimeters (0.009 inches). As one example, the diameters of filaments 210 may be about 0.04572 millimeters (0.0018 inches) or less than 0.0508 millimeters (0.002 inches). These narrower filaments 210 may improve the ability of bristles 220 to clean between teeth and in other hard-to-reach areas. In particular, due to the small-diameter filaments 210 possible with the weaving process, bristles 220 of woven brush pad 100 can reach into the sulcus and interproximal areas better than conventional toothbrushes.

[43] Notably, to address the need for greater interproximal penetration (i.e., between teeth), conventional toothbrushes will often use tapered filaments. PBT filaments may be tapered in mass using a strong chemical base. Nylon filaments may be tapered using mechanical methods, such as tapering, flagging, or feathering. While woven brush pad 100 may utilize tapered filaments 210, advantageously, woven brush pad 100 does not need to rely on tapering to reach interproximal areas.

[44] Advantageously, the use of a weaving process also enables shorter bristles 220 to be incorporated into woven brush pad 100 than in conventional toothbrushes. For example, the lengths of bristles 220 may each be between 3 millimeters (0.11811 inches) and 5 millimeters (0.19685 inches). These shorter bristle heights may improve the removal of young plaque from teeth by increasing the stiffness of bristles 220. In particular, the increased stiffness improves the delivery of forces, applied to bristles 220, to the areas to be cleaned. For a toothbrushing apparatus that is designed to polish teeth, the lengths of bristles 220 may be even shorter (e.g., less than 3 millimeters).

[45] In an embodiment, each filament 210 is between 500 to 1,500 denier (for smaller diameter filaments 210) or between 500 to 2,000 denier (for larger diameter filaments 210). Denier is a unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers that represents the mass in grams per 9,000 meters of fiber, based on a single strand of silk as a reference representing approximately one denier (i.e., a 9,000-meter strand of silk weighs about one gram). Filaments 210 having different denier measures may be used in the yarn to produce yarn segments 110 with filaments 210 of different denier measures.

[46] In an embodiment, yam segments 110 may comprise filaments 210 of different diameters, lengths, deniers, and/or shapes to provide different brushing capabilities within the same yarn segment 110. For example, a first subset of filaments 210 within a yarn segment 110 may have a different diameter, length, denier, and/or shape than a second subset of filaments 210 within the same yarn segment 110. Alternatively or additionally, different yam segments 110 may consist of filaments 210 of different diameters, lengths, deniers, and/or shapes, to provide different brushing capabilities across different yarn segments 110. For example, a first yarn segment 110 may have filaments 210 with a different or mixed diameter, material, length, denier, color, and/or shape than filaments 210 in a second yam segment 110 within the same woven brush pad 100.

[47] In an embodiment, additives may be added to filaments 210 and/or to fabric 120. For example, antimicrobial additives (e.g., silver zeolite or an equivalent) can be added to neutralize nidus growth resulting from the intake of water into woven brush pad 100. Other potential additives that may be added to filaments 210 and/or fabric 120 include seaweed, fluoride, and/or other beneficial dental or oral additives. [48] In an embodiment, the yarn used to create yarn segments 110 may comprise or consist of between 28 and 120 filaments 210. For example, in particular implementations, the yarn consisted of 28, 44, and 56 filaments 210. In one particular implementation, the yam consisted of 56 filaments 210, having 0.03683-millimeter (0.00145-inch) diameters, resulting in 1,000 denier. It should be understood that each yarn segment 110 will have the same number of filaments 210 as the yarn used to create it, assuming that no filaments 210 are lost during the weaving and cutting process. The yam may comprise filaments 210 twisted together, with about 3.5 twists per foot of yarn.

[49] Woven brush pad 100, with or without sealing layer 130 and/or backing 140, may be incorporated, as the brushing surface, into any type of conventional or unconventional toothbrushing apparatus. For example, woven brush pad 100 may be combined with the handle of a conventional manual or electric toothbrush, in which case woven brush pad 100 may be provided on a single side of the brush head or on two or more sides of the brush head. In addition, woven brush pad 100 may be used as the brush pads in the dental cleaning device described in U.S. Patent No. 8,359,692 (“the ‘692 patent”), issued on January 29, 2013, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full. In this case, woven brush pad 100 may be formed as separate pads for each finger in the dental cleaning device or as a single strip on each side of each dental arch in the dental cleaning device.

[50] FIG. 6 illustrates a top-down view of a portion of a woven brush pad 100 for a toothbrushing apparatus, according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, woven brush pad 100 comprises overlapping or offset W-shaped yarn segments 110, as shown in FIG. 3A. Yam segments 110 are woven into fabric 120. Additional yam 610 may also be woven into fabric 120. However, in an embodiment, unlike the yarn used to create yam segments 110, yarn 610 is not cut into segments and may, instead, extend the entire length of fabric 120 (e.g., in the same dimension as yarn segments 110, which is the X-axis in the illustrated embodiment). Yarn 610 may divide sets of one, two, or more rows of yam segments 110 along a dimension (e.g., the Y-axis in the illustrated embodiment). Alternatively or additionally, yarn 610 may form selvage at the edges of fabric 120 to prevent unraveling and fraying. In any case, yarn 610 may act to reduce the number of loose filaments 210.

[51] FIGS. 7 A and 7B illustrate a system for cutting a sheet of woven brush pads 100 into individual woven brush pads 100, according to an embodiment. In particular, the system comprises a ultrasonic fabric cutter 700 and a substrate 740. Ultrasonic fabric cutter 700 utilizes an ultrasonic horn that includes a shaft 710 and a cutting portion 720 at one end of shaft 710. Shaft 710 may be connected to an actuation system that enables shaft 710 to be raised and lowered under the control of a processing system, to thereby move cutting portion 720 from a raised position to a lowered position. When cutting portion 720 is in the lowered position, sheet 730 of woven brush pads 100 is clamped between cutting portion 720 and substrate 740. In particular, cutting portion 720 may comprise a cutting edge 722 around its entire perimeter. For example, in the case that cutting portion 720 is shaped as a rectangle, it may comprise cutting edges 722A, 722B, 722C, and 722D, representing the four borders of the rectangle. It should be understood that woven brush pads 100, cut from sheet 730, will have the same shape and dimensions as formed by cutting edges 722 of cutting portion 720. Thus, woven brush pads 100 may be cut into any shape or shapes by utilizing differently shaped cutting portions 720. For example, woven brush pads 100 may be cut into the various shapes needed for each finger of the dental cleaning device described in the ‘692 patent.

[52] FIG. 7B illustrates a close-up view of a cutting edge 722, which may comprise a protrusion 724. When sheet 730 is clamped between cutting portion 720 and substrate 740, protrusion 724 parts bristles 220 to reach fabric 120. The cutting may be performed by activating the ultrasonic horn, comprising shaft 710 and cutting portion 720, so as to transfer ultrasonic mechanical vibrational energy to protrusion 724 of each cutting edge 722. The vibrational energy may have a frequency between 20 kilohertz and 40 kilohertz. In addition, substrate 740 may be heated, for example, between 220° and 240° Celsius. Then, shaft 710 may be actuated to move ultrasonically vibrating cutting portion 720 towards heated substrate 740, to thereby slice through fabric 120 and cut out woven brush pad 100 from sheet 730 in a shape that matches the outer profile of cutting portion 720. During this cutting process, the edges of the woven brush pad 100 being cut are melted by the heat of substrate 740, such that the fibers at the edges are fused together. This may prevent stray filaments during the final assembly of woven brush pad 100 into a toothbrushing apparatus.

[53] FIG. 8 illustrates a system for cutting a sheet of woven brush pads 100 into individual woven brush pads 100, according to an alternative embodiment. In particular, system 800 comprises two cutting wheels 810 and 820. Cutting wheels 810 and 820 are brought together by opposing forces along the Z-axis and rotated through a sheet 730 of woven brush pads to cut sheet 730 along one or more axes (e.g., X-axis and/or Y-axis). Cutting wheels 810 and 820 may be moved along the Z-axis and/or rotated by actuators under the control of a processing system. During the cutting process, cutting wheel 820 may be heated between 220° and 240° Celsius, so that the edges of the woven brush pad 100 being cut are melted by the heat, such that the fibers at the edges are fused together. Again, this may prevent stray filaments during the final assembly of woven brush pad 100 into a toothbrushing apparatus. [54] It should be understood that systems 700 and 800 may be controlled by a processing system utilizing any standard architecture. FIG. 9 illustrates one example architecture for such a processing system, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, processing system 900 comprise one or more processors 920 (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), special-purpose microprocessors, etc.) that are communicatively connected, via a communication bus 910 or other data channel, to main memory 930 (e.g., any form of random access memory (RAM)) and/or secondary memory 940 (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a hard disk drive, solid state drive, etc.). Software instructions (e.g., representing control programs) may be transferred from secondary memory 940 to main memory 930, and processor(s) 920 may execute the software instructions from main memory 930. In addition, processor(s) 920 may be communicatively connected to one or more external systems via an input/output interface 950 (e.g., physical port) and/or communication interface 950 (e.g., network interface card) to receive and send data to the external system(s). For example, processor(s) 920 may receive data from an external system, and process the data according to the executed software instructions to control the various components of systems 700 (e.g., shaft 710 and/or cutting portion 720) or 800 (e.g., cutting wheels 810 and 820).

[55] In an embodiment, woven brush pad 100 may be attachable to and detachable from the toothbrushing apparatus, such that woven brush pad 100 is disposable and replaceable (e.g., every three months, or as otherwise recommended). In this case, woven brush pad 100 may be integrated into an attachable and detachable brush head. Any mechanism may be used to render the brush head attachable and detachable, including, for example, releasable snaps and locks (e.g., one or more pop beads on the back of the brush head that snap into one or more recesses on the handle, or vice versa), track-and-rail (e.g., a track on the back of the brush head that slides into a rail on the handle, or vice versa), and/or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the handle to which the brush head is attached and detached may be made from biodegradable material, such as a wood material (e.g., bamboo).

[56] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly not limited.

[57] Combinations, described herein, such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof’ include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of

A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof’ may be A only, B only, C only, A and

B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, and any such combination may contain one or more members of its constituents A, B, and/or C. For example, a combination of A and B may comprise one A and multiple B’s, multiple A’s and one B, or multiple A’s and multiple B’s.