DISPOSABLE TOOTHBRUSH HEAD INCORPORATING BRISTLES MADE USING MISWAK OR NEEM
20250359660 ยท 2025-11-27
Inventors
Cpc classification
A46B9/06
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A46D1/0207
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A46D1/0215
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A61C17/222
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A46B15/0097
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A46D3/04
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
A46B9/06
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A46D3/04
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A46B15/00
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Abstract
A toothbrush head having a bristle support head with a plurality of miswak or miswak extract or neem or neem extract bristle tufts embedded in the bristle support head, surrounded by a plurality of synthetic bristle tufts embedded in the bristle support head, the plurality all of the bristle tufts together providing the mechanical efficacy of synthetic bristle tufts, while also providing the chemical benefits of miswak or miswak extract or neem or neem extract bristle tufts, thereby improving gingival health, salivation, and antimicrobial activity, while avoiding harmful wear on gingival tissue and occlusal damage to teeth. Also, a toothbrush head having a bristle support head with a plurality of miswak extract or neem extract bristle tufts embedded in the bristle support head, the plurality of extract bristle tufts together providing the mechanical efficacy of synthetic bristle tufts while also providing the chemical benefits of miswak extract or neem extract.
Claims
1. A toothbrush head comprising: a bristle support head; a plurality of miswak bristle tufts or a plurality of neem bristle tufts embedded in the bristle support head; and a plurality of synthetic bristle tufts embedded in the bristle support head, the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts, and the plurality of synthetic bristle tufts together providing mechanical efficacy of synthetic bristle tufts while also providing chemical benefits of miswak or neem bristle tufts, thereby improving gingival health, salivation, and antimicrobial activity, while avoiding harmful wear on gingival tissue and occlusal damage to teeth.
2. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts are made from at least one of: miswak, miswak extract, neem, neem extract.
3. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts are made by: processing miswak twigs or neem twigs to extract a powdered miswak extract or a powdered neem extract; fusing the powdered miswak extract or the powdered neem extract with a moldable material; and molding the powdered miswak extract or powdered neem extract with the moldable material into bristles using injection molding.
4. The toothbrush head of claim 3, wherein the moldable material is one of: PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate), black silica powder, DuPont bristle material.
5. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts are made by: peeling miswak sticks or neem sticks; cutting the miswak sticks or neem sticks into segments; and ensuring that the diameter of each miswak stick segment or neem stick segment falls within a range of approximately 0.20 mm to 0.04 mm to create bristle-like tufts.
6. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the synthetic bristle tufts are made from at least one of: biodegradable Nylon 1010 (castor oil), Dupont bristle material, PBT, silicone.
7. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts are centrally located on the bristle support head, and are surrounded by the plurality of synthetic bristle tufts.
8. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts are centrally located on the bristle support head, and are arranged as a plurality of pairs of miswak bristle tufts or pairs of neem bristle tufts, and the plurality of pairs of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of pairs of neem bristle tufts are surrounded circumferentially by a plurality of synthetic bristle tufts.
9. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts are arranged as a pair of centrally located miswak bristle tufts or neem bristle tufts on the bristle support head, and a plurality of synthetic bristle tufts are located between the pair of miswak bristle tufts or the pair of neem bristle tufts, the pair of miswak bristle tufts or the pair of neem bristle tufts also surrounded by a plurality of synthetic bristle tufts.
10. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts are arranged as a single centrally located miswak bristle tuft or neem bristle tuft on the bristle support head, and the single centrally located miswak bristle tuft or single centrally located neem bristle tuft is surrounded by a plurality of smaller synthetic bristle tufts.
11. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts are arranged as a plurality of centrally located rectangular miswak bristle tufts or a plurality of centrally located neem bristle tufts on the bristle support head, surrounded by a plurality of rectangular synthetic bristle tufts.
12. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts are arranged as a single centrally located round miswak bristle tuft or a single centrally located round neem bristle tuft on the bristle support head, surrounded circularly by a plurality of synthetic bristle tufts.
13. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the replaceable toothbrush head is configured for use with a manual toothbrush handle.
14. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the replaceable toothbrush head is configured for use with a powered toothbrush handle.
15. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the bristle support head of the replaceable toothbrush head is made from one of: bamboo, cornstarch, ABS, silicone, wheat straw, wood, recycled plastics, PLA paper, recycled ocean plastics, hemp, coconut.
16. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts are embedded in the bristle support head by one of: clamping or binding, so as to firmly embed the plurality of miswak bristle tufts or the plurality of neem bristle tufts in the bristle support head.
17. The toothbrush head of claim 16, further including: using a clamping device or clamping fixture to hold the bristle tufts tightly in position to embed the bristle tufts in the bristle support head.
18. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein on a side of the bristle support head opposite to the miswak bristle tufts or neem bristle tufts, exposed endings of the miswak bristle tufts or the neem bristle tufts are configured to serve as a tongue scrapper/brush.
19. The toothbrush head of claim 1, wherein the toothbrush handle includes a magnet embedded within the toothbrush handle to facilitate easy attachment of the toothbrush handle to a complementary magnetic surface, thereby enabling the toothbrush handle to securely adhere to a rechargeable toothbrush case or other magnetic surface.
20. A toothbrush head comprising: a bristle support head; and a plurality of miswak extract bristle tufts, or a plurality of neem extract bristle tufts, embedded in the bristle support head, the plurality of miswak extract bristle tufts or the plurality of neem extract bristle tufts providing mechanical efficacy of synthetic bristle tufts while also providing chemical benefits of miswak or neem bristle tufts, thereby improving gingival health, salivation, and antimicrobial activity, while avoiding harmful wear on gingival tissue and occlusal damage to teeth.
21. The toothbrush head of claim 20, wherein the plurality of miswak extract bristle tufts or the plurality of neem extract bristle tufts are made by: processing miswak twigs or neem twigs to extract a powdered miswak extract or a powdered neem extract; fusing the powdered miswak extract or the powdered neem extract with a moldable material; and molding the powdered miswak extract or the powdered neem extract with the moldable material into bristles using injection molding.
22. The toothbrush head of claim 21, wherein the moldable material is one of: PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate), black silica powder, DuPont bristle material.
23. The toothbrush head of claim 20, wherein the bristle support head is configured for use with a manual toothbrush handle.
24. The toothbrush head of claim 20, wherein the bristle support head is configured for use with a powered toothbrush handle.
25. The toothbrush head of claim 20, wherein the bristle support head is made from one of: bamboo, cornstarch, ABS, silicone, wheat straw, wood, recycled plastics, PLA paper, recycled ocean plastics, hemp, coconut.
26. The toothbrush head of claim 20, wherein the plurality of miswak extract bristle tufts or the plurality of neem extract bristle tufts are embedded in the bristle support head by one of: clamping or binding, so as to form a plurality of bristle tufts of miswak extract bristle tufts or neem extract bristle tufts that can be firmly embedded in the bristle support head.
27. The toothbrush head of claim 26, further including: using a clamping device or clamping fixture to hold the bristle tufts tightly in position to firmly embed the bristle tufts in the bristle support head.
28. The toothbrush head of claim 20, wherein on a side of the bristle support head opposite to the miswak extract bristle tufts or neem extract bristle tufts, exposed endings of the miswak extract bristle tufts or neem extract bristle tufts are configured to serve as a tongue scrapper/brush.
29. The toothbrush head of claim 23, wherein the powered toothbrush handle includes a magnet embedded within the powered toothbrush handle to facilitate easy attachment of the powered toothbrush handle to a complementary magnetic surface, thereby enabling the powered toothbrush handle to securely adhere to a rechargeable toothbrush case or other magnetic surface.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] Many additional features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] With reference to
[0055] Referring to
[0056] With reference to
[0057] Referring to
[0058] With reference to
[0059] Referring to
[0060] With reference to
[0061] The powered toothbrush handle 501 can include a magnet (not shown) embedded within the powered toothbrush handle 501 to facilitate easy attachment of the powered toothbrush handle 501 to a complementary magnetic surface (not shown), thereby enabling the powered toothbrush handle 501 to securely adhere to a rechargeable toothbrush case (not shown) or other ferromagnetic surface.
[0062] Referring to
[0063] With reference to
[0064] Referring to
[0065] This embodiment 700 of the toothbrush head also includes a bristle support head 710 having a plurality of miswak extract bristle tufts or a plurality of neem extract bristle tufts 712 embedded in the bristle support head 710 in a manner similar to the embodiment of the bristle support head 103 of
[0066] With reference to
[0067] The plurality of miswak extract bristle tufts or the plurality of neem extract bristle tufts 712 are embedded in the bristle support head 710 by one of clamping or binding, to form a plurality of tufts of miswak extract bristles or neem extract bristles 712 that can be firmly embedded in the bristle support head 710. The bristle tufts 712 can be firmly embedded in the bristle support head 710 by using a clamping device or a clamping fixture to hold the bristle tufts 712 tightly in position to firmly embed the bristle tufts in the bristle support head 710.
[0068] The process of securely placing bristles on a toothbrush, whether they are nylon bristles, bamboo bristles, Neem bristles or Miswak bristles, involves several steps. Below is a standard way to place nylon bristles onto a toothbrush, followed by a comparison with Miswak or Neem bristles:
Standard Process for Nylon Bristles:
[0069] Bristle Material Selection: The first step in manufacturing a toothbrush is to select the bristle material. In the case of nylon bristles, nylon filaments are commonly used due to their durability and flexibility. [0070] Cutting and Bundling: The selected nylon filaments are cut to the desired length, usually in varying lengths to create different bristle heights on the toothbrush head. These filaments are then bundled together to form tufts. [0071] Tufting: Tufting machines are used to securely anchor the bundles of nylon bristles into the toothbrush head. The toothbrush head typically has pre-drilled holes or channels to accommodate the tufts. [0072] Heat Treatment: After tufting, the toothbrush head is subjected to a heat treatment process. This helps to melt and fuse the base of the nylon bristles, creating a secure anchor within the toothbrush head. [0073] Trimming and Shaping: Excess nylon bristle material is trimmed, and the bristle tips are shaped to achieve the desired bristle profile. This step ensures that the bristles are uniform and provide effective cleaning. [0074] Quality Control: Toothbrushes undergo quality control checks to ensure that bristles are securely anchored, evenly distributed, and meet quality standards.
Comparison with Miswak and Neem Bristles:
Miswak and Neem bristles are a natural alternative to nylon bristles, and differ in several ways: [0075] Material Source: Miswak and Neem bristles are derived from plants. These bristles are naturally occurring and do not require the manufacturing processes involved in nylon bristles. [0076] Harvesting and Processing: Miswak and Neem bristles are harvested. They are typically used without extensive processing, other than cleaning, trimming to the desired length, and peeled off. Unlike nylon bristles, Miswak and Neem bristles are not heat-treated or anchored by melting. [0077] Heat treatment is not typically used to secure Miswak or Neem bristles to the toothbrush head. Instead, a mechanical process is employed to hold them in place. [0078] Biodegradability: One significant contrast is in the biodegradability of the materials. Miswak and Neem bristles are biodegradable and eco-friendly, as they are derived from a natural source. Nylon bristles, being synthetic, are not biodegradable, and contribute to plastic waste. [0079] Texture and Properties: Miswak and Neem bristles have a unique texture and natural properties that some users find beneficial for dental care. They contain natural compounds like silica, fluoride, and tannins, which are believed to have oral health benefits. [0080] Durability: Nylon bristles tend to be more durable and longer-lasting compared to Miswak and Neem bristles. Miswak and Neem bristles may wear out more quickly and need more frequent replacement.
[0081] There are two primary methods for incorporating miswak and neem with a toothbrush head: Mechanical Securing of Miswak or Neem Bristles, and Fusion of Miswak or Neem as an Extract with Synthetic Materials: [0082] 1. Mechanical Securing of Miswak or Neem Bristles: In this method, miswak or neem twigs are mechanically secured onto the brush head using techniques such as clamping, or binding to securely attach the bristles to the toothbrush head. The miswak or neem twigs can be placed individually or in bundles, and they can be positioned alongside or integrated with synthetic bristle materials, such as Dupont or natural castor oil bristles. This method ensures a robust and durable connection between the miswak or neem bristles and the toothbrush head.
[0083] The method includes:
[0084] Bristle Insertion: Small holes or channels are created in the toothbrush head. Using specialized machinery. These holes are strategically placed to accommodate the bundles of Miswak and nylon bristles.
[0085] Mechanical Securing: The bundles of Miswak or Neem and bundles of nylon bristles are inserted into the pre-drilled holes or channels. Various mechanical methods, such as clamping or binding are used to secure the bristle bundles firmly in place.
[0086] Creating bundles of Miswak or Neem involves preparing Miswak or Neem sticks and bundling them together.
Preparing Miswak or Neem Sticks:
[0087] Start with peeled Miswak or Neem sticks.
[0088] Carefully cut the Miswak or Neem sticks into segments, each measuring approximately 42 mm (millimeters) in length.
[0089] This length is commonly used for toothbrush-sized Miswak or Neem bundles.
[0090] Ensure that the diameter of each Miswak or Neem stick segment falls within the range of approximately 0.20 mm to 0.04 mm. This diameter range is suitable for creating bristle-like bundles.
[0091] The dimensions and arrangements mentioned here are commonly used in the dental care industry to create toothbrushes.
Bundling the Miswak or Neem Sticks:
[0092] Once Miswak or Neem stick segments of the desired length and diameter have been prepared, a suitable number of these segments are gathered to form a bundle.
[0093] Next, arrange the Miswak or Neem stick segments in parallel, aligning their cut ends.
[0094] Then, secure the bundle by clamping or by tightly wrapping a cord, thread, or other suitable binding material around the aligned ends of the Miswak or Neem stick segments. The binding material should hold the segments together firmly, creating a bundle that resembles a toothbrush head.
[0095] Clamping: refers to a mechanical method of securing objects together by applying pressure or force through a clamping mechanism. In the context of bristle bundles, it involves using a clamping device or fixture to hold the bristle bundles tightly in position to secure the bristle bundles to the toothbrush head.
[0096] Clamps can be designed in various forms, including spring-loaded clamps, screw clamps, or adjustable clamps. These clamps exert force to press the bristle bundles against a surface or backing material, ensuring they stay in place during use.
[0097] Binding is another mechanical method used to secure objects together, especially when dealing with flexible or elongated materials like bristle bundles. In the context of bristle bundles, binding involves using a cord, thread, wire, or other similar material to tie or wrap around the bristle bundle tightly. This process effectively holds the bristles in place and prevents them from separating or shifting.
[0098] Binding can be done manually or with the help of automated machinery, depending on the manufacturing process and the desired level of precision.
[0099] Trimming and Shaping: Excess bristle material may be trimmed, and the bristle tips are shaped to achieve the desired profile.
[0100] After securing the bundle, trim any excess length from the Miswak stick segments to ensure a uniform and neat appearance.
[0101] Shape the bundle as needed to achieve the desired bristle-like arrangement, ensuring that the bristles are evenly distributed and provide effective cleaning. This process is similar to trimming and shaping on Nylon bristles.
[0102] Quality Control: Toothbrushes undergo quality control checks to ensure that bristles are securely anchored, evenly distributed, and meet quality standards.
[0103] Fusion with Raw Materials: Alternatively, the miswak or neem twigs can be processed to extract their powdered extract, which is then fused with raw materials like PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate), black silica powder, DuPont bristle material, or other suitable materials, at elevated temperatures. The fused material is subsequently molded into bristles using injection molding or similar techniques. This process creates miswak-infused or neem-infused bristles that are integrated seamlessly with other bristle types. The fusion method allows for precise control over the distribution of miswak or neem extract within the bristles, ensuring consistent benefits during use.
[0104] On the opposite side, each toothbrush head may display exposed endings of the bristles to serve as a tongue scrapper/brush. Because the miswak or neem bristle will not be situated along the long axis of the handle, like it is in natural form, the lingual surfaces and interdental spaces will be reached more easily. This new angulation offers the user better ability to reach the posterior and distal teeth surfaces with greater ease.
[0105] Studies report that there are no differences in antibacterial effects between fresh and a one-month-old Miswak or Neem. Despite not expiring, the miswak or neem loses freshness overtime, since it is a natural product. The miswak or neem may react to its surroundings and dry or become too moist. Thus, it is recommended to replace the heads about every month to maintain superior therapeutic effects. Since the replaceable heads are natural and plant based, they are biodegradable and are fully-recyclable. This allows customers to play a large role in the next step towards a greener dental sector.
[0106] To obtain optimum oral health and hygiene, miswak or neem can be used alone or as an adjunct to a dentifrice. When using a toothbrush with miswak or neem secured via mechanical securing, the user begins to either chew on the bristles, or lightly brush teeth surfaces in a circle motion until the miswak or neem bristles became soft and frayed. The bristles are then soaked in water briefly and can be used with or without a dentifrice. All surfaces inside the oral cavity maybe brushed gently, including the gums, palate, tongue, under the tongue, and the surfaces inside of the cheek and lips. This toothbrush maybe used to clean the teeth in a similar manner to a modern toothbrush using the rolling technique or modified bass brushing technique. After brushing, the bristles should be briefly rinsed to remove any debris and then kept in a clean dry space that is ventilated.
[0107] As with any natural product, mold may occur. So, frequent use of the miswak or neem, and keeping it away from sunlight, is recommended.
[0108] Using the combined effects of miswak or neem, and additional synthetic bristles, serves dual function to achieve greater mechanical and chemical benefits. The mechanical plaque control results from the friction of the nylon and miswak or neem fibers against to the tooth surface. While the chemical plaque control is due to the chemical composition of miswak or neem.
[0109] In summary, the standard process for securely placing nylon bristles on a toothbrush involves tufting, heat treatment, and trimming. Miswak and Neem bristles, on the other hand, are naturally sourced and do not undergo such extensive manufacturing processes. They offer unique properties but may have different durability characteristics and require more frequent replacement. Additionally, Miswak and Neem bristles are biodegradable, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
[0110] The toothbrush head of the invention includes bristles made from Salvadora persica (Miswak), and Azadirachta indica (Neem). Alternatively, the toothbrush head of the invention could add or substitute other natural chewing sticks having dental benefits including: Acacia catechu (Kher), Acacia nilotica (Kikar), Acacia leucophloea (Safed Babu), Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga), Aegle marmelos (Bael tree), Butea monosperma (Dhak), Calotropis procera (Madar Ak), Nerium indicum (Kamer), Pongamia pinnata (Karanj), Pterocarpus marsupium (Vijayasar), Terminalia arjuna (Arjun), Ficus racemosa (Gular), and Zanthoxylum aromatum (Tejovati). These natural chewing sticks possess various properties, such as astringency, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, making them also suitable for enhancing oral hygiene and overall dental health.
[0111] The toothbrush of the invention can be in the form of a manual toothbrush, a manual toothbrush with replaceable toothbrush heads, or a powered toothbrush with replaceable toothbrush heads. The toothbrush head can be made from bamboo, cornstarch, ABS, silicone, wheat straw, wood, recycled plastics, PLA paper, recycled ocean plastics, hemp, coconut, or other sustainable and biodegradable materials.
[0112] Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention, except as indicated in the following claims.