CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims priority to US provisional patent application serial number US 63/048,649 filed on July 6, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to the field of dental hygiene and more particularly to toothbrushes, brushing heads for toothbrushes, kits comprising same and methods for brushing simultaneously upper and lower teeth of a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Although an effective oral hygiene routine is very important, statistics suggest that 90% of people in North America brush their teeth wrong. As a result, public oral health is becoming a global concern that cost government health programs millions. [0004] In recent years, marketed teeth hygiene products have focused primarily on growing margins by integrating into toothbrushes high-end features like software and artificial intelligence (Al) in order to try teaching people how to brush their teeth better. However, despite the additions of such right end pricy features, these products typically required users to change their brushing habits, which is unlikely to happen, especially after so many years of an established routine.

[0005] On the other hand, some products have focused on the configuration of the toothbrush itself or its brushing head. For instance, US patent 9,339,357 and patent publication US20170056147 disclose brush heads that comprise multiple bristle configurations for accessing three sides of a tooth at the same time. However, these products do not brush simultaneously upper and lower teeth. [0006] Some products have proposed to modify the configuration of the brushing head to try brushing three (3) surfaces of a tooth outer surface in both the upper and lower jaw, all simultaneously (i.e. six (6) surfaces). For instance, US patent 7,082,638 and US patent 10,143,296 describe mouthpiece-like type of electric toothbrush having a toothbrush head covering simultaneously upper and lower teeth. However, these toothbrushes are configured to be bitten by a user, the full mouthpiece configuration preventing any manual sliding over the teeth. In addition, they can only operate in electrical mode since vibration is the only way to move the bristles, thereby leaving a user without any brushing option if the toothbrush is out of battery. Likewise, patent publication US20170265638 describes an electrical mouthpiece type toothbrush apparatus, the mouthpiece including rotating brush heads coupled to an electric drive mechanism.

[0007] Patent publication US20170239028 describes a manual toothbrush capable of brushing entire surface (i.e. three sides) of both the upper and lower teeth at the same time. The toothbrush comprises three series of brushes that need to be manipulated and clinched by a user around the outer surfaces of the teeth, thereby requiring some force and dexterity by the user.

[0008] US patent 7,627,923 describes various configurations of brushing heads for simultaneously brushing upper and lower teeth of a user. Examples of configuration include X-shaped and H-shaped. However, this patent does not teach or suggest a brushing head that has been devised for enhancing cleaning and/or for providing a better user’s experience. For instance, the patent does not teach a brushing head having brushing compartments with an arcuate or U-shape, or brushing compartments with rows of bristles angled at 45 degrees, nor brushing compartments made of a flexible material for avoiding hurting the mouth or gum, etc.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved toothbrush that can be used, both in electrical and manual mode.

[00010] There is particularly a need for a toothbrush head configured for brushing the three (3) outer surfaces of both upper and lower teeth at the same time. [00011] There is also a need for a toothbrush head comprising rows of bristles that are disposed and/or angled for providing a better cleaning of teeth and gumline.

[00012] There is also a need for a toothbrush head that is safe and that can provide an improved user’s experience while effectively cleaning teeth and removing plaque.

[00013] The present invention addresses these needs and other needs as it will be apparent from the review of the disclosure and description of the features of the invention hereinafter.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00014] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a brushing head for a toothbrush, comprising an upper brushing compartment and a lower brushing compartment, wherein the upper brushing compartment comprises an upper inner rounded cavity defining an upper engulfing section for receiving and brushing upper teeth of a user, and wherein the lower brushing compartment comprises a lower inner rounded cavity defining a lower engulfing section for receiving and brushing lower teeth of a user, wherein said upper and lower inner rounded cavities each comprises a rounded inner face comprising a plurality of bristles extending therefrom.

[00015] According to one particular aspect, the invention relates to a brushing head for a toothbrush, comprising: an upper brushing compartment and a lower brushing compartment, wherein the upper brushing compartment comprises an upper inner rounded cavity defining an upper engulfing section for receiving and brushing upper teeth of a user, and wherein the lower brushing compartment comprises a lower inner rounded cavity defining a lower engulfing section for receiving and brushing lower teeth of a user, wherein said upper and lower inner rounded cavities each comprises a rounded inner face comprising a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, said rounded inner faces each comprising an inner bottom portion surrounded by left and right side rounded flaps, wherein said inner bottom portion comprises a plurality of bristles distributed along said inner bottom portion and extending vertically therefrom, and wherein each of said left and right side rounded flaps comprises a plurality of bristles distributed along said left and right side rounded flaps and extending at angle therefrom.

[00016] According to one particular aspect, the invention relates to a brushing head for a toothbrush, comprising: an upper brushing compartment and a lower brushing compartment, wherein the upper brushing compartment comprises an upper inner rounded cavity defining an upper engulfing section for receiving and brushing upper teeth of a user, wherein the lower brushing compartment comprises a lower inner rounded cavity defining a lower engulfing section for receiving and brushing lower teeth of a user, and wherein the upper brushing compartment and the lower brushing compartment jointly comprise two different pieces, said two pieces being made of two different materials and being assembled together for forming said upper and lower compartments; and wherein said upper and lower inner rounded cavities each comprises a rounded inner face comprising a plurality of bristles extending therefrom.

[00017] In preferred embodiments, the brushing head is configured such that the upper brushing compartment and said a lower brushing compartment have a U -shape or a half-circle shape.

[00018] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for brushing teeth comprising: - providing a toothbrush comprising a handle assembled to a brushing head as defined herein;

- griping the handle;

- biting said brushing head, whereby upper teeth of a user are engulfed in the upper brushing compartment and whereby lower teeth of the user are engulfed in the lower brushing compartment;

- moving the toothbrush for sliding the brushing head simultaneously around upper and lower teeth.

[00019] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a dental cleaning kit comprising at least one brushing head as defined herein and a handle.

[00020] Additional aspects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non -restrictive description of preferred embodiments which are exemplary and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00021] In order for the invention to be readily understood, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

[00022] Figure 1 is a exploded perspective view showing a brushing head and a handle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. [00023] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the brushing head and handle of

Figure 1 connected together.

[00024] Figure 3 is an elevated perspective view showing a brushing head, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[00025] Figure 4 is a front view of the brushing head of Figure 3. [00026] Figure 5 is a exploded perspective view showing two separated pieces composing the brushing head of Figure 3, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[00027] Figure 6 is a top view showing a brushing head with a screw, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[00028] Figure 7 is a exploded perspective view showing the brushing head of Figure 6 and a handle for mounting the brushing head.

[00029] Further details of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the detailed description included below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[00030] In the following description of the embodiments, references to the accompanying drawings are illustrations of an example by which the invention may be practiced. It will be understood that other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

General overview

[00031] The invention provides a new brushing head for a toothbrush allowing a user to effectively brush all three side of its upper teeth and all three side of its lower teeth simultaneously. The invention also provides a toothbrush assembly including a handle (manual or electric) and brushing head, dental kits comprising one or more toothbrush heads of the present invention and a method for brushing teeth using the brushing head of the invention.

Brushing head [00032] Figures 1 to 6 show embodiments of a brushing head 1 in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the brushing head comprises a connector 5 adapted to be mounted to a manual or an electrical handle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 5 comprises a conical shape having a cavity 7 and the handle 10 comprises a shaft 12 configured to snugly fit into said cavity 7. The handle 10 and connector 5 are also preferably configured to snap-fit together. As described hereinafter, any suitable connecting or lock mechanism can be envisioned.

[00033] Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the brushing head 1 is configured to effectively brush all three side of its upper teeth and all three side of its lower teeth simultaneously. Accordingly, the brushing head 1 comprises an upper brushing compartment 100 as well as a lower brushing compartment 200. In the illustrated embodiment theses compartments have a semicircular shape, i.e. a shape resembling a U, a C or a half-circle.

[00034] The upper brushing compartment 100 comprises an upper inner rounded cavity 110 defining an upper engulfing section for receiving and brushing upper teeth of a user whereas the lower brushing compartment 200 comprises a lower inner rounded cavity 210 defining a lower engulfing section for receiving and brushing lower teeth of a user. In embodiments the upper 110 and lower 210 inner rounded cavities have an half circle shape or U-shape. In embodiments the cavities have a dimension of about 1 .5 cm to about 2 cm in order to cover one (1 ) or two (2) teeth longitudinally. Such size is preferred for comfort and for an easy navigation along the curvature of the mouth.

[00035] The upper and lower inner rounded cavities 110, 210, each comprises a rounded inner face 115, 215, comprising a plurality of bristles 300, 350 extending therefrom. Each rounded inner face comprises an inner bottom portion 120, 220 surrounded by left 130, 230 and right side 131 , 231 rounded flaps. A plurality of bristles 300 are distributed along the inner bottom portion 120, 220, and are extending vertically therefrom. A plurality of bristles 350 are also distributed along the left and right side rounded flaps 130, 131 , 230, 231 . Preferably, the bristles 350 on the flaps extend upwardly at an angle in a direction above those bristles 300 of the inner bottom portion. More preferably, as illustrated at Figure 4, the bristles 350 of the flaps extend upwardly at an angle of about 45 degrees, compared to the inner bottom portion 120, 220. Without being bound by any theory, an angle of about 45 degrees is expected to allow direct cleaning into the sulcus, which is an area between the gumline and teeth enamel. This area is clinically known to have most plaque accumulation and greatest risk to cavities. Thus, the angled bristles function to remove plague directly from this area.

[00036] In embodiments the bristles 300, 350 have a length of about 0.4 mm to about 1 .2 mm. In embodiments the inner bottom portion 120, 220 comprises at least two, or at least three, or at least four or at least five rows of bristles 300. In embodiments, the each of said left and right side rounded flaps 130, 131 , 230, 231 comprises at least two, or at least three, or at least four or at least five rows of bristles 350.

[00037] In embodiments, the bristles 300, 350 are made of a material that allow for a gentle cleaning experience along the gumline preventing any damage to the gums. Any material typically used for toothbrushes may be used. Examples materials include, but are not limited to elastomer materials such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), rubber, silicon and synthetic materials such as nylon.

[00038] As shown in Figure 5, in embodiments the upper 100 and lower 200 brushing compartments are jointly manufactured from two different pieces, each piece being made of different materials, namely a rigid central piece 400 and a flexible piece 500.

[00039] As shown in Figure 5, the rigid central piece 400 is rigidly connected to the connector 5 and preferably integral thereto. The rigid central piece 400 is somewhat shaped like a solid H with a curved upper face 410 and curved lower face 420, and four flat vertical sides 430, 431 , 432, 433. Both curved faces 410, 420 comprise cavities 440 for receiving therein the bristle 300 comprised in the inner bottom portion of the upper 100 and lower 200 brushing compartments. Preferably, the rigid central piece 400 is made of a hard plastic base in order to provides tension to hold the bristles 300 and the flexible piece 500. The rigid central piece 400 may be made of any kind of material that ensures sufficient rigidity, i.e be able to provide more than 40N tension to hold bristles. In embodiments the rigid central piece 400 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of: polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethene (HDPE), fiber glass and mixtures thereof. [00040] As shown in Figure 5, the flexible piece 500 comprises the left and right side rounded flaps 130, 131 , 230, 231 of both the upper 100 and lower 200 compartments. The upper flaps 130, 131 are integral to the lower flaps 230, 231. The flaps are joined together by a bottom central portion 510 also composing the flexible piece 500, that bottom central portion 510 comprising a passage 520 shaped and sized to snugly receive the rigid central piece 400. The flaps 130, 131 , 230, 231 and bottom central portion 510 define together a shape resembling to a curved X or resembling two C back one to the other, i.e. “ )( “ . As described hereinbefore, each of the left and right side rounded flaps 130, 131 , 230, 231 comprises a plurality of bristles 350 extending therefrom at an angle (e.g. about 45 degrees) in a direction opposite to the rigid bottom central piece 400 (i.e. towards an outside of the cavities or toward a user’s teeth).

[00041] Preferably, the flexible piece 500 is made of a material that can dynamically respond to variations in teeth sizes and shapes along the curve of the jawline, and among different people, while maintaining the tightness of an optimised pressure for effective cleaning. Any material with elastomeric properties may fit that definition. In embodiments the flexible piece is made of a material selected from the group consisting of: heavily elastomer material, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and silicone.

[00042] As shown in Figure 3, one or more of the upper or lower side rounded flaps 130, 131 , 230, 231 may comprise a patterned or rough outer surface 235 configured for cleaning a user’s tongue. Likewise, one or more of the upper or lower side rounded flaps may comprise an irregular outer edge 136, 236 configured for massaging along gumline of a user, for instance an outer edge comprising soft bumps 137.

[00043] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the brushing head 1 may be provided without a connector and it may comprise instead a screw 7 or the like for detachably connecting the brushing head to a manual handle 20 having an extremity 22 adapted for receiving the screw 7. Furthermore, although a detachable connection is preferred, it may also be envisioned to connect permanently the brushing head to the handle, for instance to manufacture a disposable toothbrush. The present invention is not limited to a particular connecting means and additional types of connecting and/or lock mechanisms can be envisioned, including but not limited to magnetic lock or press fit. [00044] In embodiments, the brushing head according to the present invention is adapted for being mounted on an electric handle configured for providing sonic vibration strokes to the brushing head. Preferably, the vibrations or strokes are in a direction that provides up and down movement to the bristles located in the flaps. Any suitable electric handle may be used in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment the electric handle is selected to provide about 31 ,000 to about 50,000 sonic vibration strokes per minute to the brush head.

[00045] Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the present invention may be adapted in accordance with particular needs. For instance, it is possible to adjust the size and shape of each of the brushing compartments and corresponding cavities, to adjust the size, the distribution number of bristles, etc. Particularly, it may be desired to have a brushing head configured for humans of different ages (toddler, kid, adult), or configured for particular teeth or for tooth prosthesis, or configured for different animal species (e.g. cat, dog, horse, cow, zoo animals, etc.) Dental cleaning kits

[00046] A related aspect concerns dental cleaning kits comprising one or more brushing heads (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) as defined herein and at least one handle. As indicated hereinbefore the brushing head and the handle are configured such that the brushing head can be detachably mounded on the handle (screed, snap-fit, etc.). [00047] In embodiments the handle is an electric handle configured for providing sonic vibration strokes to the brushing head. Accordingly the kit may further comprise an electric charger for the electric handle. The kit may also comprises other items including, but not limited to, user’s instructions, a container (storing container or display box, a travel case, etc.) for storing the handle and at least one brushing head, dental hygiene product(s) (e.g. toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, etc.). Methods of use

[00048] With the brushing head of the present invention, users will have a unique tooth cleaning experience. Accordingly, one additional aspect of the invention concerns a new method for brushing teeth. In one embodiment the method comprises: - providing a toothbrush comprising a handle assembled to a brushing head as defined herein;

- griping the handle;

- biting the brushing head, whereby upper teeth of the user are engulfed in the upper brushing compartment and whereby lower teeth of the user are engulfed in the lower brushing compartment;

- moving the toothbrush for sliding the brushing head simultaneously around upper and lower teeth.

[00049] The moving may comprise a typical back and forth motion. Moving may also be provided with the assistance of an electric handle configured for providing a back and forth motion.

[00050] The user will appreciate the fact that this method provides for a brushing of three (3) surfaces of a tooth outer surface in both its upper and lower jaw, simultaneously. Particularly, the moving provides for a brushing of the flat surfaces of the upper and lower teeth, the inner surfaces of the teeth close to the tongue and the outer surfaces of the teeth close to the cheek. The method will also assist in breaking plague from the sulcus and the tooth surface in all the four directions, i.e. two upper sulcus regions in upper teeth and two sulcus regions in lower teeth.

[00051] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures, embodiments, claims, and examples described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention, and covered by the claims appended hereto. [00052] Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in locating certain sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts described therein, and these concepts may have applicability in other sections throughout the entire specification. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[00053] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include corresponding plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a bristle" includes one or more of such bristles and reference to "the method" includes reference to equivalent steps and methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art that could be modified or substituted for the methods described herein.

[00054] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, concentrations, properties, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. At the very least, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the present specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the properties sought to be obtained. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the embodiments are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors resulting from variations in experiments, testing measurements, statistical analyses and such. [00055] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the present invention and scope of the appended claims.