Toothbrush Head and Ergonomic Toothbrush Handle

Abstract

Disclosed is a tooth cleaning implement having an articulating head region and an ergonomically shaped body region. The head region comprises a horizontal crown hingedly connecting to first and second perpendicular side portions to form a U-shape. Inwardly directed bristles from the crown and side portions create an encompassing brush head adapted to contact the occlusal, buccal and lingual surfaces of a tooth and gum line therebelow for cleaning and removing debris. Along the outer surface of the crown portion is an area of upstanding bristles for cleaning teeth opposing those within the interior of the head region. The body region comprises an ergonomic shape for easily handling while brushing, wherein the body comprises a multi-material construction that provides both a cushioned feel and stable handling. The body region further comprises upstanding palm grips, a thumb grip area, and a flexible distal end to allow flexing of the toothbrush head.

I claim: 
     
         1 ) A toothbrush head, comprising:
 a crown portion rotatably connecting to a first and second orthogonal side portions;   said crown and side portions forming a U-shape having interior and exterior surfaces;   said crown interior surface having upstanding bristles, said side portion interior surfaces having inwardly projecting bristles;   said crown exterior surface having projecting posterior bristles.   
     
     
         2 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said crown and side portion rotatable connection further comprising an accordion flex element. 
     
     
         3 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said side portion exterior surfaces further comprise abrasive cleanings surfaces. 
     
     
         4 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said side portion abrasive cleanings surfaces further comprise raised scraper elements for removing cleaning the inner mouth and the sides of the tongue. 
     
     
         5 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said crown portion interior surface further comprises a rounded, concave surface. 
     
     
         6 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said side portion inwardly projecting bristles are opposing and staggered moving along said U-shape interior. 
     
     
         7 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said side portions are separated into at least two segments that are independently connected to said crown portion. 
     
     
         8 ) The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an ergonomic toothbrush handle comprising an elongated body region having a distal end connecting to said toothbrush head crown portion and a proximal end;   between said proximal and distal end is an upwardly curving palm area, a central body portion below a thumb grip surface, and a neck region;   said body region comprising a flexible and stiffened material construction;   said proximal end and said neck region comprising said flexible material;   said body central portion comprising said stiffened material.   
     
     
         9 ) The device of  claim 8 , wherein said thumb grip is elevated above said neck region, said thumb region terminating at a ledge that transitions into said neck region. 
     
     
         10 ) The device of  claim 8 , wherein said curving palm region further comprises an upper convex surface having raised palm grip elements thereon.