ES2387081A1 - Integral toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an integral toothbrush having a similar shape to that of a mouth guard, which is designed to clean all of the teeth in a simple and simultaneous manner with minimum effort by the user. The integral toothbrush comprises an upper part and a lower part which are both in the shape of a U and include a channel for receiving the teeth. In addition, both of said parts are connected to a central part containing a set of gears and axles. According to the invention, the actuation of a first axle transmits a movement to the rest of the axles and gears, resulting in the movement of brush systems in the form of rows of transversely intersecting bristles disposed in the aforementioned channels in each of the upper and lower parts, thereby cleaning all of the teeth.

Description

INTEGRAL TEETH BRUSH

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of dentistry, and more specifically to that of toothbrushes. More specifically, the invention relates to an integral toothbrush substantially similar to that of a mouth guard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is now fully accepted that oral hygiene habits greatly influence both aesthetics and

in

the Health, well be knows that the lack from a hygiene dental

adequate

may cause problems gastrointestinal,

cardiac,

etc.

In

the technique be he has recognized the utility from brushes from

teeth that allow the washing of the entire denture simultaneously in a simple and comfortable way for the user. For example, document U85365624 discloses a device that works as a brush, polisher, washing element, massager / stimulator, oral irrigator, oral syringe, lubricating element and protector of teeth and gums.

For its part, the most recent document US200828025lAl discloses an oral device designed similarly to a mouth guard that has two inverted channels in which the teeth are placed when placed in the mouth. It is a single-use disposable device that is water soluble and biodegradable.

However, these are generally too complex devices, as in the first case, or single use, as in the second case. Therefore, there is still a need in the art for an integral toothbrush that allows comfortable, fast and easy cleaning of the entire body.

denture, which is easy to manufacture and with a long lasting life.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates in a first aspect to an integral toothbrush shaped substantially as a mouth guard. In its broadest aspect, the integral brush comprises:

an upper part that has a U-shaped channel to accommodate the upper teeth; a lower part that has a U-shaped channel to accommodate the lower teeth; a central part formed by two halves of matrlz joined together and arranged to contain inside a set of shafts and gears, which has a U-shape to hold the upper and lower parts as well as an additional arm that extends away from said OR; connecting means, for example screws or adhesive material, for joining each of the upper and lower parts with the central part; a set of axles and first gears that run through said central part transmitting a rotating movement from a first axis that travels the additional arm of the central part towards other axes that travel the U-shape of the central part; a set of second gears distributed on the axes that run the U-shape of the central part, each second gear having a set of five pinions being a main pinion driven to the shaft

correspondent,

two pinions secondary located in the

part

higher of the axis Y two pinions secondary in the

part

lower in Contact everybody they with he pinion

principal,

presenting every pinion secondary a bolt

out of phase

with respect to its center;

a branch, connected to each of said bolts, directed towards and inserted in said upper and lower parts respectively, preferably each branch having at least one projection; upper and lower brush systems, arranged to be introduced in the channels of the upper and lower part, respectively, which are preferably connected to the projections of the branches; and a first axis drive means (for example a manual means or an electric motor) to create a movement that is transmitted, by means of said sets of eg, first gears, second gears and branches, towards the brush systems for Provide tooth brushing.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a U-shaped brush system suitable for coupling and joint action with an integral toothbrush according to the first aspect of the invention, which also serves as Spare part for said integral toothbrush. Said system comprises rows of bristles intersecting transversely with each other.

All this provides an integral toothbrush, which allows an efficient, comfortable, quick and easy cleaning of the entire denture. It is especially suitable for use by. people hospitalized or with reduced mobility, since it does not require the use of hands. The device is simple to manufacture and has a long lasting life, since the brush system, being the most fragile element and ready to wear, is easily replaceable.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention, provided by way of example, and which should not be

be construed as limiting the invention of any

way.

Figure 1 shows an exploded front view of an integral toothbrush according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure lB shows an exploded rear view of the integral toothbrush of figure lA.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the two die halves of the central part and the set of shafts and gears inside according to the preferred embodiment.

Figure 3 shows an exploded detail of the manual drive according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a detail of the elongated zipper element ring according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows an exploded detail of the second gear set according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 shows a detail of the branches according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 shows the cross section of a brush system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 shows the cross section of a brush system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 shows the attachment of the integral toothbrush to the motor according to a preferred embodiment.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Two exploded views (front and rear respectively) of an integral toothbrush according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown in FIGS. These figures show most of the elements of said integral toothbrush and will be used as

basis for the following description, referring when appropriate to figures showing enlarged details of various parts of the integral toothbrush.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the integral toothbrush therefore comprises an upper part 10 having a U-shaped channel for housing the upper teeth, a lower part 12 having a U-shaped channel for housing the lower teeth and a central part formed by two halves 14, 16 of matrix joined together by means of screws 18 and arranged to contain inside a set of shafts and gears that will be described below. The central part has a U-shaped area for fastening the upper and lower parts 10, 12 thus as an additional arm extending away from said U. By means of screws 18, each of the upper and lower parts 10, 12 is joined With the central part. The brush also comprises a set of shafts 20, 20 ', 20 "and first gears 22 (which are observed in greater detail in Figure 2) that run through said central part transmitting a rotating movement from ~~. First axis 20 that runs along the additional arm of the central part towards other axes 20 ', 20 "that run the U-shape of the central part.e. It also comprises a set of second gears (which are best seen in Figure 5) distributed on the 20 20 "shafts that run the U-shape of the central part. Each second gear has a set of five sprockets 24, 24 'being a main pinion 24 'open to the axis 20', 20 "corresponding two secondary pinions 24 located in the upper part of the axis 20 ', 20" and two secondary pinions 24 in the lower part all in contact with the main pinion 24'. Each secondary pinion 24 has an offset bolt (not shown) with respect to its center which allows the anchoring of the branches 26 to the drive shaft to activate the movement of the brushes, each branch 26 (also shown in Figure 6), which it is connected to each one of said bolts, directed towards, and introduced in,

said upper and lower parts 10, 12 respectively, has at least one projection 28. The projections 28 of the branches 26 allow connection of the upper and lower brush systems 30, 32, arranged to be introduced into the channels of part 10, 12 upper and lower, respectively. The brush also comprises a driving means of the first ej e 20 to create a movement that is transmitted, by means of said

axle sets 20, 20 ', 20 ", first gears 22, second gears and branches 26, towards brush systems 30, 32 to provide tooth brushing.

As can be seen in Figure 1 (and in detail in Figures 3 and 4), according to the preferred embodiment, the drive means is manual and consists of an elongate element 34 with a rack, said rack being coupled to a pinion 36 in the first example. e 20 of the additional arm of the central part By means of the alternative upward and downward movement of said elongated element 34 the first axis 20 is operated, and said movement is transmitted, as explained above, through said axle sets 20 , 20 ', 20 ", first gears 22, second gears and branches 26, to the brush systems. S 30, 32 to provide for brushing the teeth. In addition, at each end of said elongated element 34 with zipper there is a ring 38 to facilitate the movement of the same part of the user.

The upper and lower parts 10, 12 of the integral toothbrush according to the preferred embodiment are made of a semi-rigid and hypoallergenic polymer, so that it is soft enough to conform to the gum to some extent, and at the same time rigid enough to allow movement of the branches 26 without deforming. Both parts are connected to the gear system by means of screws 18. The upper part 10 is shaped like a palate, as shown in Figure 1B, to separate the tongue from the brush system.

In this upper part 10 there is also an integral toothbrush actuation button 40, so that the user can activate it with the tongue. This button 40 is located on the front, just above where the incisors will be placed.

Figure 2 shows in more detail the central part with its two halves 14, 16 of matrix and its axis set 20, 20 ', 20 "and first gears is 22. The central part is made of a rigid polymer of considerable hardness and hypoallergenic It is divided into two parts to allow easy assembly and subsequent repair if appropriate for the axle set 20, 20 ', 20 "and first gears 22.

The zones of the central part in which the 20, 20 ', 20 "rotation shafts are fitted can be mounted on bearing systems, making the manufacturing cost more expensive but increasing its use and hardness, or on housings of a material. suitable (such as ceramic or metallic material).

Also in Figure 2 it can be seen that the set of ej 80S consists of a first axis 20, two intermediate axes 20 'and two ex ~ 5 end 20 ". The intermediate axes 20' form with respect rl the other ex is 2O, 2O "An angle of 45 0 Ex is intermediate.

•

20 'have at their ends two bevel gears that engage with gears are straight at the corresponding ends of lcci-other axes 20, 20 ". Therefore, the movement of the first 2: 0 axis: is transmitted properly thanks to the first gears 22 to the other shafts 20 'and 20 ".

In Fig. 6 the branches 26 are shown in more detail. Each branch 26 is attached, as mentioned, to a pinion pin 24 offset with respect to the center thereof. Each branch 26 is attached to its opposite branch 26 in the same group of pinions 24 by means of a frame 42 that fits in bolts present in each of the branches 26. As mentioned, the branches 26 of the motion trees have in addition some protrusions 28 that will serve for the coupling of the brush systems 30, 32.

According to another embodiment of the invention, although not seen in the figures, the integral toothbrush further comprises a third gear set in the area of the vertex of the U for cleaning the fangs and incisors that has a set of three sprockets. instead of five pinions. In this case

a

pinion principal is draft to the corresponding axis,  a pinion

secondary

is located in the part higher of the axis Y a pinion

secondary

in the part lower in Contact both of them with he pinion

Main, as explained above for gear games is five pinions. Each secondary pinion has an offset bolt with respect to its center to which a U-shaped line is attached, directed and introduced in each of said upper and lower parts respectively, for cleaning the canines and incisors.

Figure 7 shows the brush system according to the present invention, which can be used together with the integral toothbrush of the present invention. This brush system, preferably in the form of a U-shaped channel, comprises rows of bristles embedded in a soft, light and rigid goose base, transversely cross-linked with each other. The bristles form an angle with respect to the surface: i: where they are arranged, preferably according to a range between 30-50 °, with an angle of ~ 45 ° being most preferable. This arrangement of the bristles favors the brushing of. according to the recommendations of dentists. Optionally, the bristles in the part of the incisors can be longer to cover the gap, since the width of the teeth is smaller than that of the molars and thus improve the effect of brushing.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper and lower brush systems 30, 32 of the present invention can be disposable, allowing their replacement once

worn, both for the integral toothbrush according to the present invention or for other brushes, without the need to replace the entire toothbrush. Also, said upper and lower brush systems 30, 32 can be divided into several segments, for example into five segments, so that their assembly and disassembly in the integral toothbrush is facilitated during their replacement. This also facilitates its packaging, distribution and storage as a replacement element. The segments can be joined by male-female ribs, facilitating assembly and helping to distribute the brushing force.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the brush systems 30, 32, are divided into three parts: two side elements 44 and a base element 46, connected by joints 48, preferably of flexible rubber, as has been shown in figure 8. This configuration helps to transmit the movement of the branches 26 improving the desired brushing.

The integral toothbrush according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention also comprises an electric motor 5n as a drive means. As seen in Figure 9, the first axis 20 is connected at one of its ends to a motor 50 of high power and low speed. In extreme saying,

he

axis twenty has from a bolt from shape rectangular that go through

he

cylinder of the axis of the engine from shape perpendicular remaining

set

to the same. By he other side the head of the engine fifty has

from

a species  from hand that pick up saying bolt rectangular,

thus blocking its movement. In addition, said hand is retractable, activating a trigger that is in the motor housing 50 to retract it in case of wanting to operate the integral toothbrush manually, for example when the battery runs out.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the integral toothbrush may further comprise a speed sensor.

of rotation, included in the additional arm of the central part, to measure the speed of rotation of the first axis and thus control the speed provided by the motor.

On the other hand, although a toothbrush has been described

Integral comprising both manual and electric drive means, it is clear that other embodiments of the integral toothbrush of the present invention may include only manual or electric drive means. For example, in the case of a drive means

10 manual, this may consist of a wheel that protrudes slightly from the additional arm of the central part and directly connected to the first axis of the integral toothbrush. The present invention has just been described with reference ~ preferred embodiments thereof, however the experts

In the art, modifications and obvious variations of these embodiments may be made without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims (18)

1. Integral toothbrush comprising an upper part (10) having a U-shaped channel to accommodate the upper teeth; a lower part (12) having a U-shaped channel to accommodate the lower teeth; a central part formed by two halves (14, 16) of matrix joined together and arranged to contain inside a set of shafts and gears, which has a U-shape to secure the upper and lower parts (10, 12) as well as an additional arm extending away from said U; joining means to join each of the parts (10, 12) upper and lower with the central part; A set of shafts (20, 20 ', 20 ") and first gears (22) that run through said central part by transmitting the rotating movement from a first axis (20) that travels the additional arm of the central part towards others eg (2 O ', 2 O ") that travel the U-shape of the part central; a set of second gears distributed on the shafts (20 ', 20 ") running the U shape of the part central, presenting every second gear an unt <5- of five pipions (24, 24 ') being a pipion (24'1 main draft to the corresponding shaft (20 ', 20 "), do¿ secondary pifions (24) located at the top of the shaft (20 ', 20 ") and two secondary pifions (24) in the bottom in contact all of them with the pifion (24 ') main, each secondary pipion (24) presenting an outdated bolt with respect to its center; a branch (26), connected to each of said bolts, directed towards and inserted in said upper and lower parts (10, 12) respectively,

2.

3.

Four .

5.

6.

7.

upper and lower brush systems (30, 32), arranged to be introduced into the channels of the part (10, 12) upper and lower, respectively; and a first axis drive means (20) to create a movement that is transmitted, by means of said axle sets (20, 20 ', 20 "), first gears (22), second gears and branches (26), towards the brush systems (30, 32) to provide tooth brushing. Integral toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that said drive means is an electric motor (50) that drives the first shaft (20). Integral toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a manually operated means consisting of an elongated element (34) with a zipper coupled to a pifion (36) on the first axis (20) of the additional arm of ~ a central part, whereby the alternative movement: o up and down the elongate element (34) drives the first axis (20). Integral toothbrush according to claim 3, characterized in that the elongated element (34) cor. The zipper comprises at each end a ring (38) to facilitate its movement by the user. Integral toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joining means are screws (18). Integral toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part (10) upper is shaped like a palate to separate the tongue from the upper brush system (30). Integral toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a button (40) for actuating the toothbrush integral at the top of it, so that the user can activate it with the tongue.

8.

Integral toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each branch (26) is attached to its opposite branch (26) by means of a frame (42) that fits in bolts present in each of the branches (26 ).

9.

Integral toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each branch (26) has at least one projection (28) for connecting to the brushes (30, 32).

10.

Integral toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said upper and lower brush systems (30, 32) are disposable, allowing their replacement once you wear without replacing the complete integral toothbrush.

eleven.

Integral toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each upper and lower brush system (30, 32) is divided into several segments, preferably five, so that assembly and disassembly is facilitated in the integral toothbrush.

12.

Integral toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that lQ ~ brush systems (30, 32) comprise bristles crosswise intersected with each other at angles, preferably 45 ° with respect to the surface on which they are arranged.

13.

Integral toothbrush according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a third gear set in the area of the vertex of the U having a set of three sprockets, a main pinion being driven to the corresponding axis, a pinion

secondary located at the top of the shaft and a secondary pinion at the bottom in contact with both the main pinion, each secondary pinion presenting an outdated bolt with respect to its center to which a U-shaped branch is directed, directed and introduced in each of said upper and lower parts respectively, for cleaning the canines and incisors.

14.

U-shaped channel-shaped brush system, characterized in that said brush system (30, 32) comprises rows of bristles intersecting transversely with each other.

fifteen.

Brush system according to claim 14 characterized in that said bristles form an angle with respect to the surface on which they are arranged in a range between 30-50 °.

16.

Brush system according to any of claims 14 to 15, characterized in that said bristles form an angle of 45 ° with respect to the surface on which they are arranged.

17.

Brush system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that it comprises two lateral elements (44) and a base element (46, connected by joints (48).

18.

Brush system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that it is divided into segments, preferably five, so that its assembly and disassembly in the toothbrush is facilitated.