Toothbrush

Abstract

A toothbrush head comprises a first surface, a second outer surface opposite the first surface and an opening defined therebetween; a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the first surface; and a carrier including a restricted end and a second cleaning element opposite the restricted end, the carrier movably mounted within the opening and the second cleaning element movable relative to the first surface.

1 . A toothbrush head comprising: a first surface, a second outer surface opposite the first surface and an opening defined therebetween; a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the first surface; and a carrier including a restricted end and a second cleaning element opposite the restricted end, the carrier movably mounted within the opening, the second cleaning element movable relative to the first surface; wherein the opening comprises a constriction that represents the smallest cross-section of the opening and that retains the carrier in the opening or prevents the carrier from passing through the second surface; wherein the restricted end of the carrier is positioned between said constriction and a plane defined along said second outer surface; and wherein the carrier enables movement of the second cleaning element from a first position perpendicular to the first surface, to a second position angled relative to the first surface. 
   
   
       2 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier includes a rounded profile along at least one side thereof. 
   
   
       3 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is a ball joint. 
   
   
       4 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , wherein the second cleaning element is elastomeric. 
   
   
       5 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , wherein the second cleaning element includes a massaging element. 
   
   
       6 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier extends beyond a plane defined by the first surface such that the second cleaning element extends from a position that is spaced from the first surface. 
   
   
       7 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , the carrier further comprising a platform which extends the second cleaning element. 
   
   
       8 . The toothbrush head of  claim 7 , wherein the platform is wider than the second cleaning element at a junction of the second cleaning element and the platform. 
   
   
       9 . An electric toothbrush comprising: an electric motor; and a first surface, a second outer surface opposite the first surface and an opening defined therebetween; a plurality of first cleaning elements extending from the first surface; and a carrier including a restricted end and a second cleaning element opposite the restricted end, the carrier movably mounted within the opening, the second cleaning element movable relative to the first surface; wherein the opening comprises a constriction that represents the smallest cross-section of the opening and that retains the carrier in the opening or prevents the carrier from passing through the second surface; wherein the restricted end of the carrier is positioned between said constriction and a plane defined along said second outer surface; and wherein the carrier enables movement of the second cleaning element from a first position perpendicular to the first surface, to a second position angled relative to the first surface. 
   
   
       10 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 9 , wherein the carrier includes a rounded profile along at least one side thereof. 
   
   
       11 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 9 , wherein the carrier is a ball joint. 
   
   
       12 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 9 , wherein the second cleaning element is elastomeric. 
   
   
       13 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 9 , wherein the second cleaning element includes a massaging element. 
   
   
       14 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 9 , wherein the carrier extends beyond a plane defined by the first surface such that the second cleaning element extends from a position that is spaced from the first surface. 
   
   
       15 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 9 , the carrier further comprising a platform from which extends the second cleaning element. 
   
   
       16 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 9 , further comprising a cleaning element driven by the electric motor. 
   
   
       17 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 16 , wherein the driven cleaning element rotates. 
   
   
       18 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 17 , wherein the driven cleaning element oscillates.