Unitarily molded toothbrush

• US 5,908,038 A
• Filed: 02/05/1998
• Issued: 06/01/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 06/16/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond'S Usa Co., Division Of Conopco, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Company (Unilever PLC)
• Inventors: Bennett, Robert Alfread
• Primary Examiner(s): Manahan, Todd E.
• Application Number:
  US09/018,986
• Time in Patent Office: 481 Days
• Field of Search: 132/308, 132/311, 15/167.1, 15/167.2
• US Class Current: 132/308
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 1/00 Brush bodies and bristles moulded as a unit
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 2200/1066 Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures A61C17/16 takes precedence; bristles arrangements for toothbrushes A46B9/04
• CPC Class Codes: A46D 1/00 Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles making artificial bristles D01D, D01F
• CPC Class Codes: A46D 1/0238 Bristles with non-round cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: A46D 1/0276 Bristles having pointed ends

Abstract

A unitarily molded toothbrush is provided including a head with bristles integrally molded therewith, a handle and a neck, all being formed of an identical plastic material, preferably a polyolefin resin, having a Melt Index no lower than 6 g/10 min. At least one recess is formed with respective opening in an undersurface of the handle of the toothbrush. In alternative embodiments, recesses and their openings can also be found in the neck and head. These embodiments may include a beam flanked by the recess openings longitudinally traversing the length of the handle, and optionally also traversing the neck and head. Cross members may be formed orthogonal to the beam to strengthen the structure. Also provided is a kit for dental hygiene which includes the unitarily molded toothbrush in combination with a dentifrice to improve the delivery of flavor or a therapeutically active substance such as a source of fluoride.

Claims

1. A unitarily molded toothbrush comprising:

a head with bristles integrally formed with the head;

a neck with first and second ends, the first end connected to the head; and

a handle with front and rear ends, the front end connected to the second end of the neck, at least one recess within the handle having a recess opening on an undersurface thereof, wherein the head, neck and handle are all formed of an identical plastic material having a Melt Index no lower than 6 g/10 min.

2. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein the plastic material is low density polyethylene.

3. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein the at least one recess is elongate and extends along the handle for more than half a length thereof.

4. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein the at least one recess and openings thereof are additionally formed in the neck or head.

5. The toothbrush according to claim 1 further comprising a beam longitudinally traversing the length of the handle.

6. The toothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising a plurality of cross members formed orthogonal to the beam and further defining the at least one recess.

7. The toothbrush according to claim 1 further comprising a beam longitudinally traversing a length of the head.

8. The toothbrush according to claim 1 further comprising a beam longitudinally traversing a length of the neck.

9. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein the Melt Index ranges from 10 to 30 g/10 min.

10. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein the Melt Index ranges from 15 to 25 g/10 min.

11. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein the Melt Index ranges from 15 to 40 g/10 min.

12. A kit for dental hygiene comprising:

(i) a unitarily molded toothbrush comprising;

a head with bristles integrally formed with the head;

a neck with first and second ends, the first end connected to the head;

a handle with front and rear ends, the front end connected to the second end of the neck, wherein the head, neck and handle are all formed of an identical plastic material having a Melt Index no lower than 6 g/10 min.; and

(ii) a dentifrice packaged with the unitarily molded toothbrush comprising;

a humectant;

an abrasive; and

a therapeutically active substance.

13. The kit according to claim 12 wherein the therapeutically active substance is selected from the group consisting of a source of fluoride, triclosan, gluconate, zinc salts, polyphosphate anti-tartar actives, peroxides and mixtures thereof.

14. The kit according to claim 12 wherein the therapeutically active substance is a source of fluoride selected from the group consisting of sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate and stannous fluoride.

15. The kit according to claim 12 wherein the Melt Index ranges from 10 to 30 g/10 min.

16. The kit according to claim 12 wherein the Melt Index ranges from 15 to 25 g/10 min.

17. The kit according to claim 12 wherein the Melt Index ranges from 10 to 30 g/10 min.